Sarichioi on Lake Razim-Sinoe

Sarichioi lies on the shore of the Razim-Sinoe lagoon complex. Lake Razim, considered Romania’s largest lake, is located within the municipality. Sarichioi therefore brings together an expansive lagoon landscape and a place with a distinctive Lipovan cultural heritage.

Culture

At the heart of the local church landscape is the Old Rite Orthodox Church „Nașterea Maicii Domnului“. It was built in 1866 and has a Byzantine-style cruciform floor plan. Three entrances structure the building: the main entrance is intended for women, while two side entrances in the naos are reserved exclusively for men. This division is just as much part of the church’s described design as its architectural form and age.

The Lipovan community also shapes Sarichioi’s cultural character. It founded the folklore ensemble „Landâş“ („Lăcrămioara“) to revive and preserve local traditions. In the historic area of the village there are Lipovan homes that are more than a century old. Together with the two Lipovan churches highlighted as attractions in Sarichioi, this architectural and cultural heritage points to the community’s history.

Maslenița includes dances and cheerful songs in the streets as well as social gatherings. The festival is also known as Săptămâna Brânzei and Lăsata Secului. Typical dairy dishes include vareniki, blinî and piroghi. In this way, the festival brings together music, dance, community and its own culinary tradition.

Water and surroundings

Sarichioi’s old fishing port is associated with experiencing the local atmosphere. In the immediate surroundings of Sarichioi are the two churches Biserica Sfântul Vasile and Biserica Ortodoxă Sarichioi.

The Biserica Ortodoxă Sfântul Dumitru and Insula Popina, an island, are also located in the surroundings of Sarichioi. The landscape nearby is complemented by several named hills: Dealul Ţapi, Movila Zebil and Dealul cu Piatră. The different names refer to specific places in the surrounding area, while their geographical classification is retained in each case.

The wider regional surroundings include Ruinele Turris Sălcioara, a ruin site. Together with the Razim-Sinoe lagoon complex, Lake Razim, the port and the surrounding churches, hills and island, this creates a combination of a waterscape, historical traces and regional cultural heritage.

Wine and Honey Route

Sarichioi has been included as a stopover in the official cultural-tourism Wine and Honey Route of Tulcea County. The route thus combines a cultural-tourism focus with the themes of wine and honey and places Sarichioi within this regional context.

Other places

Other places in the same area can also be found under the names Chilia Veche, Crișan, Uzlina, Sulina, Periprava, Maliuc, Nufăru and Băltenii De Sus.

For the higher-level travel overview: Tulcea.