Iza Valley is an area that has kept more traditions than any other Romanian region. The area gathers under the same name, which is not given by the river that crosses the zone, but by the former administration of the territory– "Knyaz ruling of the Valley" – several settlements where people’s way of clothing and traditions are similar; this leads to a uniform ethno-cultural space.
It includes, from north-west to south-east the localities: Vadu Izei, Onceşti, Bârsana, Strâmtura, Rozavlea, Șieu, Botiza, Poienile Izei, Bogdan Vodă, Ieud, town Dragomireşti, town Săliştea de Sus and the locality Săcel.
It includes, from north-west to south-east the localities: Vadu Izei, Onceşti, Bârsana, Strâmtura, Rozavlea, Șieu, Botiza, Poienile Izei, Bogdan Vodă, Ieud, town Dragomireşti, town Săliştea de Sus and the locality Săcel.
Iza Valley is in the list of community sites, a part of the Site Natura 2000, known as Iza Valley and Solovan Hill, owing to the rare habitats and to the flora and fauna species that are endangered and protected.
Positioning
Iza Valley is found in the north of Maramureş County, from Vadu Izei, and up to the locality Săcel, at the border with Bistriţa-Năsăud County.Access
Iza Valley is found in the north of Maramureş County, from Vadu Izei, and up to the locality Săcel, at the border with Bistriţa-Năsăud County. Access is on national road DN 18 that connects Baia Mare and Sighetu Marmaţiei, and on county road DJ 186, Vadu Izei – Săcel, which connects the locality Vadu Izei with other important localities such as the towns Dragomireşti, Săliştea de Sus and the localities Bârsana, Strâmtura, Rozavlea.Map
Tourist objectives
The most important objectives in the localities and towns of Iza Valley are listed hereinafter:Vadu Izei
"Vasile Kazar" Memorial House – a household that dates back to the 18th century, developed in the form of a museum that exhibits ancient objects and traditional clothing items that document the fact that the lives of those in the locality Vadu Izei are spent in the same manner. We must also note that his house was donated to the locals by the great painter and illustrator Vasile Kazar; at present, it is one of the main tourist attractions of the locality"Saint Paraskeva" Wooden Church – was declared a historic monument; it is found in the locality Valea Stejarului and it was built in 1615-1620, and the style of construction is specific to Maramureş; the material is oak wood. Church dimensions are 10 m long, 4.5 m wide, and the interior painting was done in canvas specific to Byzantine icon painting, dating back to the Comneni; however, only a small part of it is still preserved. In 1976, the church was renovated and inaugurated again; valuable objects here are ritual book, the Triptych, the medallions on the holy doors, as well as icons on glass and wood. Additionally, in 2012, the church started a major repairs process, funded by the Ministry of Culture.
Strâmtura
Wooden Church of Glod, built in the 18th century, historic monument.Wooden Church of Strâmtura, where "Cazania lui Varlaam" is found, a work written in 1643; there are also icons on glass and wood, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Şieu
"Assumption of Mary" Wooden Church that dates back to 1760 and is a historic monument.Botiza
Mineral water springs around which bathing centres were built, for the treatment of rheumatic conditions; locals and tourists can choose treatments with chalybeates and with sulphurous waters. Of the 7 mineral springs on the locality territory, only 2 are used at present, since they are also the most accessible ones, found on Valea Sasului, 4 – 6 km away from the centre of the locality.In the area known by the locals as "La Zezuini" or "La Vizuini" there are three vertical calcareous caves, the largest one being 12 m long and 3.5 m wide, at a 10 m depth. Unfortunately, the trail to these caves is not marked and the entrance to them is not developed, so they can only be visited with speleology trained guides.
"St. Paraskeva" Wooden Church of Botiza is in the centre of the locality, near the new Orthodox Church building, 10 km away from DN186. The tourism importance of this church is given by the fact it blends religion with history and with tradition.
The Greek-Catholic Church built on a hill between 2003 and 2008, is a church decorated with icons on wood carved by local artists; the church blends the traditional with the modern and it is called “Mary’s Pure Heart”.
In the Valley of Băiţa, 3 km from the centre of the locality, the Eddy of Botiza is used like a "traditional washing machine" for the cleaning and washing of carpets, a reminiscence of the former washing methods used across the entire Romanian territory. Now it is visited by the young who have not lived those times, and by the elderly, also, who are nostalgic about their youth.
Horincii (Plumb Brandy Distilleries) of Botiza have become a tourist objective for those who visit the locality for the specific horinca (double-distilled plumb brandy) and for the witty and humorous stories told during its making.
Poienile Izeii
"St. Paraskeva" Wooden Church – included in the UNESCO heritage sites, it was built in 1632 and it is one of the best preserved churches of Maramureş. Its uniqueness is given by the fact it evokes the evolution across time of the religious architecture in this area, while keeping architectural elements that are extinct, in general: west-oriented porch and receding rectangular apse of the altar. The paintings and the icons are very well preserved and they are authentic and unique artistic expressions.Bogdan Vodă
Sulphurous and mineral water springs in the Ruginoşi Valley, also known as "La păcura", recommended in the treatment of various conditions.The wooden church in the centre of the locality Bogdan Vodă was built in 1718, in Gothic Maramureş style, and it is painted in Byzantine style by the painter Alexandru Panehalschi.
Ieud
Biserica din Deal (Church on the Hill) is one of the oldest in Maramureş, dating back to 1364, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Also called the old church, it was rebuilt in the 17th century and it stands out owing to the construction technique and to the well preserved interior paintings – expression of Alexandru Ponehalschi’s mature creation.The wooden church in the Valley dates back to 1717, it stands out owing to the harmony of architectural elements; it is an authentic artistic asset.
Ieud museum of the village, in a rural house, hosts popular clothing items and a series of decorative objects.
Dragomireşti
Museum of the Romanian Countrywoman. The first Romanian museum to be solely dedicated to women; its exhibits illustrate women’s occupations during their lifetime. The novelty produced by this location is completed by the museum guide, Ms. Ileana Zubaşcu, who conveys authenticity with her personal opinions and authentic storytelling. Museum, hosted in a traditional round fir wood house, is open 24/7.Săliştea de Sus
"Saint Nicholas" Wooden Church (also called "Church of the Buleni" or "Church in the Valley"), built in 1722, it has old icons and paintings dating back to the 18th century."Saint Nicholas" Wooden Church (also called "Church of the Nistoreşti" or "Church on the Hill"), built in 1680, was declared a historic monument. It stands out with its double roof and its well preserved mural paintings.
Săcel
Popular masks workshop of artist Vasile Șuşca, over the “Bride’s Bridge”, above the centre of the locality.Wood carving workshop of popular artist Gigore Țulean, in the “Valley of Carriages”
The centre for red non-enamelled ceramic, the last workshop in the Land of Maramureş to still use materials of Dacian nature that are processed in Roman furnaces, by using ancient procedures. The workshop operates in a rural household.
Mecleş’s Mill is a complex made from two water mills, eddy and a wool processing machine that operates on the Iza River.
Nature Reserve the Blue Spring of Iza, covering more than 100 ha, is below the peak of Mucelul Râios. The main attractions are the 2500 m long cave formed at the contact of the Rodna Mountains crystalline schists with a calcareous zone, and the intermittent spring of water, with a special colour.
History
The area of Iza Valley has been populated since ancient times; archaeological findings’ indicate human presence since the Bronze Age, since bronze deposits with axes, bracelets and other objects were discovered in Ieud, Vadu Izei, Dragomireşti, Rozavlea.
The 2nd century BC was the time when the processing of iron and of ceramic objects began, and the next century covered an age of prosperity of the Dacian-Roman society of the area – illustrated by the ceramic found in Onceşti and other settlements. Although the geographic isolation of the zone had the entire Maramureş outside the borders of Roman Dacia, Latin influences were strong both in speech, and in traditions and culture.
The shaping of the first political formations also meant the first documented presence in the area, starting from the 10th to the 14th centuries. The paper "Diplome Maramureşene din secolul XIV-XV, Sighet, 1900" ("Maramureş Certificates in the 14th-15th century, Sighet, 1900"), considered the Golden Book of Maramureş, documents the establishment of a number of settlements in the valley of Iza.
The 2nd century BC was the time when the processing of iron and of ceramic objects began, and the next century covered an age of prosperity of the Dacian-Roman society of the area – illustrated by the ceramic found in Onceşti and other settlements. Although the geographic isolation of the zone had the entire Maramureş outside the borders of Roman Dacia, Latin influences were strong both in speech, and in traditions and culture.
The shaping of the first political formations also meant the first documented presence in the area, starting from the 10th to the 14th centuries. The paper "Diplome Maramureşene din secolul XIV-XV, Sighet, 1900" ("Maramureş Certificates in the 14th-15th century, Sighet, 1900"), considered the Golden Book of Maramureş, documents the establishment of a number of settlements in the valley of Iza.
At the end of the 14th century, after Balc’s death, the Voivodship of Maramureş disappeared and it became a county ruled by a foreign king. For a while, the villages were managed by praetors, nominated from among the local noblemen, with a council of the elders. Various manifestations for freedom followed, and the social struggles were also intensified by the 1703 revolt of the serfs. Furthermore, the battles in the Francisc Rakoczy’s uprising are endorsed, but, after the defeat, the territory went under Habsburg ruling. The beginning of the 18th century came with a larger number of Tartar invasions that caused considerable destructions of the villages.
1848 was the year of momentous social changes with the revolution and the society tending toward a reorganisation of the community.
1848 was the year of momentous social changes with the revolution and the society tending toward a reorganisation of the community.
Cultural events
Vadu Izei
- May – International Festival of Children’s Folklore "Am fost ş-om fi" ("We Were and Will Be")
- June – "Celebrations of Childhood"
- September – Day of the Locality –Glod village
- May – Competition-festival "Floare mândră de pe Iza", which keeps tradition alive by the authenticity of popular costumes and songs
- August – Festival "Pentru mândra din Botiza" ("For the Belle of Botiza")
Poienile Izei
- October – Saint Paraskeva – Titular Saint of the Wooden Churches of Poienile Izei and of Deseşti
- December – Popular play "Viflaimul" ("Bethlehem")
- December – "Asta-i sara de Crăciun" carolling concert – with the participation of groups of carollers from Dragomireşti and other localities in Iza Valley
- December – Preparation of the steward in Christmas traditions, at the Museum of the Romanian Countrywoman
Tourist reception structures
Housing structures
Name of structure | Type of structure | Category | Number of rooms | Number of places | Town | Adress | Phone no |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ADRIANA | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 8 | Botiza | nr. 333 | - |
ANA ORGHICI | guesthouse | 3 flowers | 6 | 15 | Botiza | nr. 4 | 0262.334.023 |
BERBECARU VICTORIA | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 6 | Botiza | nr. 743 | - |
BERBECARU VICTORIA 2 | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 8 | Botiza | nr. 743 | 0262.334.207 |
CASA POIENAR | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 5 | 10 | Botiza | Str. Principală, nr. 429 | - |
CASA SIDĂU | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 8 | Botiza | nr. 63 | - |
COSTINAR AURICA | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 6 | 12 | Botiza | nr. 163A | - |
CRETUCA | guesthouse | 3 flowers | 9 | 16 | Botiza | nr. 672 | 0262.334.299 |
DORINA | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 7 | 14 | Botiza | nr. 678 | - |
GĂMBIŢA | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 3 | 6 | Botiza | nr. 62 | - |
GEORGE IURCA | guesthouse | 2 stars | 2 | 4 | Botiza | Str. Principală, nr. 742 | 0262.334.110 |
GROŞAN | agro guesthouse | 3 flowers | 3 | 6 | Botiza | nr. 431 | - |
MANŢA GHEORGHE | rural guesthouse | 2 flowers | 7 | 16 | Botiza | nr. 434 | 0262.334.118 |
MANŢA MARIE | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 6 | 12 | Botiza | nr. 407 | - |
MARIETA | guesthouse | 2 stars | 2 | 4 | Botiza | nr. 276 | 0262.334168 |
NEAGU | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 8 | Botiza | Str. Principală, nr. 529 | - |
PETREUŞ IRINA | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 2 | 4 | Botiza | nr. 771 | - |
SIDĂU PARASCA | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 8 | Botiza | nr. 787 | - |
SUCI | guesthouse | 2 stars | 6 | 12 | Botiza | Str. Principală, nr. 335 | - |
TOMŞA IOAN | guesthouse | 3 flowers | 4 | 8 | Botiza | nr. 307 | 0262.334.268 |
VESELIA | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 8 | 16 | Botiza | nr. 767A | - |
CHINDRIŞ VASILE | guesthouse | 2 stars | 3 | 6 | Ieud | Str. Principală, nr. 201 | 0262.336.197 |
ILEA | rural guesthouse | 2 flowers | 3 | 6 | Ieud | nr. 333 | 0262.336.039 |
BUD | guesthouse | 2 stars | 6 | 6 | Onceşti | Str. Principală, nr. 360 | 0262.331.322 |
ROSMARIN | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 9 | Onceşti | nr. 285 | 0733.244.190, 0262.348.506 |
RUSTIC | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 3 | 6 | Onceşti | nr. 168 | 0262.331.323 |
SUB CETATE LA MATEI | guesthouse | 3 flowers | 15 | 34 | Onceşti | nr. 480 | 0262.348.498 |
SUB CETATE LA MATEI II | guesthouse | 3 flowers | 3 | 6 | Onceşti | nr. 480 | - |
SUSANI | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 8 | Onceşti | nr. 179 | - |
ADRIANA | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 8 | Poienile Izei | nr. 89A | 0262.334.380, 0721.680.835 |
BÎRŞOAN MARIA | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 8 | Poienile Izei | nr. 135A | - |
CASA ALINA | rooms for rent | 3 stars | 4 | 9 | Poienile Izei | nr. 193 | 0721.596.038, 0262.334.367 |
CASA BOBOCEA | agro guesthouse | 3 flowers | 7 | 14 | Poienile Izei | Str. Principală, nr. 87 | 0262.334.395 |
DOMNIŢA | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 8 | 16 | Poienile Izei | nr. 138 | 0724.175.757 |
DOMNIŢA | camping houses | 2 stars | 5 | 10 | Poienile Izei | nr. 138 | - |
IOANA DIN POIANĂ | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 8 | Poienile Izei | nr. 134 | 0723.231.292 |
ION DE LA CRUCE | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 3 | 6 | Poienile Izei | nr. 15 | 0262.334.365 |
MARIA BÎRLEA | guesthouse | 2 stars | 3 | 7 | Poienile Izei | nr. 192 | 0262.334.368 |
MARIA PETREUŞ | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 3 | 6 | Poienile Izei | nr 144A | 0721.389.932 |
COLŢ DE RAI | guesthouse | 3 flowers | 9 | 23 | Săcel | nr. 971 | - |
KRISTAL | guesthouse | 3 flowers | 14 | 30 | Săcel | nr. 1058 | - |
LĂCRĂMIOARA | guesthouse | 3 flowers | 15 | 30 | Săcel | nr. 755 | 0262.339.466 |
BIANCA | guesthouse | 3 stars | 5 | 10 | Săliştea de Sus | Str. Cireşilor, nr. 1 | - |
CASA MAMEI BATRÂNE | guesthouse | 2 stars | 2 | 4 | Săliştea de Sus | Str. Cireşilor, nr. 1 | - |
DAVID | guesthouse | 3 stars | 5 | 10 | Săliştea de Sus | Str. Cireşilor, nr. 1 | - |
SEKY | guesthouse | 3 stars | 12 | 24 | Săliştea de Sus | Str. Cireşilor, nr. 1 | 0744.157.508 |
VASILICA | guesthouse | 2 stars | 4 | 7 | Săliştea de Sus | Str. Baleasa, nr. 58 | 0742.243.308 |
BOTA GEORGIANA | guesthouse | 2 stars | 5 | 10 | Şieu | Str. Principală, nr. 885 | 0262.333.505, 0742.664.808 |
CHINDRIŞ GHEORGHE | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 5 | 10 | Şieu | nr. 881 | 0262.333247 |
CHINDRIŞ IOAN | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 2 | 4 | Şieu | Str. Principală, nr. 838 | 0262.333.610 |
JAKU | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 3 | 6 | Şieu | nr. 431 | - |
JILĂU | agro guesthouse | 1 flower | 5 | 10 | Şieu | nr. 990 | 0744.187.953 |
MAN MARIA | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 3 | 6 | Şieu | nr. 634 | 0262.333.513, 0721.347.493 |
OCHII LUI DOBRIN | guesthouse | 2 stars | 4 | 8 | Şieu | nr. 456 | 0262.333.197, 0745.354.798 |
ÎN POIANĂ 1 | guesthouse | 2 stars | 4 | 8 | Strâmtura | Str. Popii, nr. 81A | 0262.332.367, 0720.519.794 |
ÎN POIANĂ 2 | guesthouse | 2 stars | 12 | 19 | Strâmtura | Str. Popii, nr. 81A | - |
ARDELEAN | guesthouse | 3 stars | 5 | 10 | Vadu Izei | nr. 190B | - |
CASA BUNICULUI | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 2 | 5 | Vadu Ize | nr. 689A | 0262.330.228 |
CASA IURCA ANA | guesthouse | 2 stars | 8 | 14 | Vadu Ize | nr. 333 A | 0262.330.365 |
CASA MUNTEAN | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 8 | Vadu Ize | nr. 505 | - |
CASA TRADIŢIONALĂ BORLEAŢ | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 8 | Vadu Ize | Nr. 689A | 0262.330.228 |
CASA VIORICA | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 8 | Vadu Ize | nr. 617A | 0262.330.319 |
COVACIU IOAN | rural guesthouse | 2 flowers | 2 | 4 | Vadu Ize | Str. Zăvoi, nr. 578 | 0262.330.051, 0742.610.137 |
DENISIA | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 8 | Vadu Ize | nr. 58 | - |
DENISIA | guesthouse | 2 stars | 5 | 10 | Vadu Ize | nr. 534 | 0262-330038 |
GHITA VASILE | guesthouse | 2 stars | 3 | 6 | Vadu Ize | Str. Principală, nr. 322 | 0262.330.087 |
IOANA | agro guesthouse | 2 flowers | 4 | 8 | Vadu Ize | nr. 26 | 0262.330.454, 0742.742.726 |
LA GORGAN | guesthouse | 2 flowers | 5 | 10 | Vadu Ize | nr. 447 | - |
LA MOARĂ LA NICULAI | guesthouse | 4 flowers | 4 | 8 | Vadu Ize | nr. 446 | - |
LA MOARĂ LA NICULAI | guesthouse | 3 flowers | 8 | 16 | Vadu Ize | Str. Principală, nr. 320 | 0262.330.341 |
TELEPTEAN TODORA | agro guesthouse | 3 flowers | 10 | 20 | Vadu Ize | Str. Principală nr. 506 | - |
TELEPTEAN TODORA | rural guesthouse | 3 flowers | 10 | 20 | Vadu Ize | Str. Principală nr. 506 | 0262.330.474 |
VADU IZEI | guesthouse | 2 stars | 14 | 28 | Vadu Ize | nr, 331B | 0262.330.308, 0742.151.218 |
VICTOR | chalets house | 2 stars | 5 | 10 | Vadu Ize | nr. 17 | - |
Food structures
Name of structure | Type of structure | Category | Number of places | Town | Adress | Phone no |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ÎN POIANA 2 | pension restaurant | 2 stars | 130 | Glod | nr. 81A | - |
SEKY | pension restaurant | 3 stars | 100 | Săliştea de Sus | Str. Cireşilor, nr. 1 | 0744.157.508 |
VADU IZEI | pension restaurant | 2 stars | 240 | Vadu Izei | nr. 331B | 0262.330.308, 0742.151.218 |
Tourist trails
Some of the tourist trails that can be approached in Iza Valley are:- Sighetu Marmaţiei –Herea Hill –Vişeului Valley – Borşa – Prislop Pass – Bistriţa Aurie
- Vadu Izei – Bârsana – Săcel –Șetref Pass or Moisei
- Gura Slătioarei – Slătioara – Glod
- Șieu – Botiza – Poienile Izei