Maramures wooden churches

Culture and History tour in Maramures, Sighetu Marmatiei, Baia Mare, Cluj-Napoca

Tour Price : €600-900 Duration : 3 days Languages: English, French

Discover Maramureș: Wooden Churches, Crafts & Traditional Life in 3 Unforgettable Days

Step into a world where time stands still and traditions live on. This 3-day journey through the heart of Maramureș takes you to iconic wooden churches, UNESCO-listed craftspeople, and warm, welcoming communities that preserve the region's soul.

Day 1: From Cluj-Napoca to Breb – Communism, Color, and Craft

Begin your journey in Cluj-Napoca, then head north to Sighetu Marmației. Visit the Memorial of the Victims of Communism, a moving museum housed in a former political prison. Explore the local food market and, optionally, the Elie Wiesel Memorial House or the Village Museum.

Next, visit the one-of-a-kind Merry Cemetery in Săpânța, famous for its brightly painted crosses with humorous epitaphs. Meet a local painted cross maker or a traditional weaver, then continue to the impressive Peri Monastery—the tallest wooden church in the world.

Settle in for the night in the peaceful village of Breb, your home base for the next two nights.

Day 2: Monasteries, Master Craftspeople & Living Traditions

Start the day with a visit to the serene Bârsana Monastery, one of Maramureș’s most beautiful religious sites. Then, discover a wood carving workshop where artisans continue centuries-old techniques.

Travel along the Iza Valley to meet a UNESCO-recognized rug weaver, who creates vibrant textiles using plant-based dyes. Witness a saltwater spring, stop at a pottery studio, and visit a still-inhabited wooden house with a dowry room—a rare glimpse into living heritage.

Overnight in Breb.

Day 3: Hidden Valleys, Village Life & Working Water Mills

Explore the Cosău Valley, where you'll meet a self-sufficient farming family and visit a virtually unknown medieval wooden church. Continue to see traditional water mills, a whirlpool, and an alcohol distillery, all still in use and passed down through generations.

Before returning to Cluj-Napoca, visit a curious optical illusion site near Budești. Wrap up your trip in Breb, the best-known village in Maramureș, and meet several local residents to hear their stories and traditions.

 What’s Included:

• Guiding services by a knowledgeable local expert
• Private transportation
• All entrance tickets
• Authentic local experiences & interactions

Additional information