In this remote northwest corner of Romania, 300 miles from the capital Bucharest, life plays out as it has for hundreds of years: the farm tools are made of wood, the houses are modest and steep-roofed, the wooden gates are chiseled with century-old motifs.
What to visit in Maramureș
Maramureș is a tourist attraction on the whole, but there are some very special places not to be missed:
• The Merry Cemetery in the village of Săpânța – many of the colorful wooden crosses of the cemetery are inscribed with lighthearted epitaphs written in verse.
• Bârsana Monastery – the church of the monastery is a beautiful synthesis of Eastern and Western European architecture, with Gothic and Byzantine elements.
• Mocăniţa” or Vaser Valley railway – the steam train track leads along the River Vaser and is the only mean of transport to the heart of Maramureş Mountains which are a protected area.
• UNESCO-designated churches from the 17th and 18th centuries telling stories of faith and glory through still vivid paintings on their wooden walls.
Besides the wonderful places to visit, you can come to Maramureş for hiking or for attending charming autumn events like Chestnut Festival in Baia Mare or Onion Festival in Asuaju de Sus.
For its genuine charm and fabulous tourist attractions, Maramureş was included by the National Geographic Traveler in the Top 20 destinations to be visited in 2015.