Urziceni: Archaeology, Churches and Floodplain Forest

Urziceni combines an archaeological site, historic churches, the species-rich Pădurea de frasini floodplain forest, and an annual strudel festival. The Urziceni–Vade Ret (Vamă) archaeological site includes a Neolithic settlement of the Pişcolt culture. Forty graves were discovered in Urziceni-Vama. The necropolis is described as having been the largest Bodrogkeresztúr necropolis in Romania at the time. The settlement and necropolis belong to different types of archaeological features; the historical period ranges from the Neolithic to the 19th century.

Culture and History

The first Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Cross in Urziceni was consecrated in 1725 and expanded in 1751. In 1832, it burned down together with the rectory. The altarpiece of the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Cross depicts the discovery of the True Cross. The building history and the subject of the painting are connected here with a clearly dated period in the history of the village. Current opening hours for churches and chapels can be checked before visiting.

Capela Nepomuk, also known as Capela Viilor, is located in the Viile Negre area on the road to Urziceni-Pădure. The Biserica Urziceni church is located in the immediate vicinity of Urziceni. The Biserica Romano-Catolică Foieni church is also located nearby. Sacred sites in the wider surrounding area also include the Sinagoga Mozaică Carei synagogue.

Nature

Pădurea de frasini Urziceni is a mixed floodplain forest with more than 150 plant species. These species are assigned to three plant communities. Notable or rare plants include Hottonia palustris, Trollius europaeus, Leucojum aestivum, Galanthus nivalis, Urtica kiovensis, Lilium martagon, Carex caespitosa and Listera ovata. For excursions into forest areas, current route conditions can be checked before setting out.

Geographical Setting

Since 2003, there has been a road border crossing between Romania and Hungary near Urziceni, connecting Urziceni with Vállaj. The Monumentul Ostaşului Român Carei monument is located in the surrounding area. Parcul Romei and the Parcul Dendrologic Carei dendrological park are also located near Urziceni. Current traffic and transport information can be checked before travelling to the border crossing.

The surrounding area also includes Dealul Ardudului Hill and Dealul Bobald Hill. The monument, synagogue, parks, and hills cover several landscape and cultural themes in the area around Urziceni. For planned trips to parks or hills, current transport times and route conditions can be checked in advance.

Festivals

The Festivalul Ștrudelului takes place annually in Urziceni and attracts visitors from other parts of Satu Mare County. For the festival, the relevant event date is an important part of travel planning; its annual occurrence does not replace checking the specific date.

Other Places

Other places include Mădăras, Dorolţ, Satu Mare, Lazuri, Apa, Vama, Botiz and Bixad.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Satu Mare.