Crucea: Rarău Monastery and Protected Landscapes

Rarău Monastery in the village of Chiril, which belongs to the municipality of Crucea, was founded in 1538 by Prince Petru Rareș. Around 1800, it was rebuilt with the support of the Balș family in the Chiril area of the municipality of Crucea. Since 1968, the old church has housed the miraculous icon of the Mother of God donated by Petru Rareș.

Nature

The Pietrosul Broștenilor–Cheile Zugrenilor Natura 2000 site lies within the administrative territories of the municipalities of Crucea and Dorna Arini. Cheile Zugrenilor are wild gorges in the Bistrița Valley with vegetation of Community interest. DN 17B passes through the gorges between Vatra Dornei and Poiana Teiului. The Rarău–Giumalău Natura 2000 site includes, among others, the Crucea forest district.

The Pietrele Doamnei–Rarău nature reserve is home to Peștera Liliecilor. In 2004, it was closed to tourism to protect natural habitats. From Chiril, the nature reserve can be reached via the road that climbs from the Rarău Gorge to the mountain hut.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

A hiking trail marked with a blue dot connects Chiril with Cabana Rarău and takes around three hours on foot. The Cozănești–Pârâul Bârnărel–Crucea hiking trail can be used year-round. Current trail conditions should be checked before setting out. The approximate walking time supports personal day planning but does not replace checking current trail conditions before departure.

In the Bistrița Valley, a mountain biking route is designated as a moderately difficult, 110-kilometre route with an approximate riding time of two to three days. A mountain biking or off-road mountain route leads from Vatra Dornei via Mestecăniș, Pojorâta, Rarău and Chiril back to Vatra Dornei. For multi-day routes, current route conditions and traffic information are also part of the preparation. On a multi-day cycling tour, route length and riding time become factors in planning the stages. The designated classification as a moderately difficult route remains a description of the route. Returning to Vatra Dornei also identifies the route as a circuit via the places mentioned.

Culture and Traditions

Crucea Community Day takes place on the first Sunday of September every year and serves to promote local folk traditions and customs. Before travelling to an annual recurring event, the current date and announced times should be checked.

Local Life

The dairy products made in the mountain sheepfolds of this area include Caș, butter, Urda, sour cream and whey. In the municipality of Crucea, mountain sheepfolds are simple structures that serve as accommodation and as places for producing and storing dairy products. Their function combines staying at the mountain sheepfold with processing and storing the products made there.

Further destinations: Poiana Negrii, Gura Humorului, Pojorâta, Căsoi, Pârteștii de Sus, Frasin, Dealu Floreni, Podu Coșnei.

Getting There

A public transport connection runs via Vatra Dornei, Crucea and Brosteni. For travel by public transport, current timetables should be checked before starting the journey.

To the higher-level travel overview: Suceava.