Laz: Icon Painting and Archaeological History

Laz is shaped by archaeological traces and a long tradition of icon painting. If you’re looking for a hotel in Laz, an initial decision can help: are you primarily interested in folk art or archaeological history? The local features below offer concrete points of reference to help you choose the focus of your stay.

Archaeological traces above Laz

Cetatea de lemn is an earth-and-timber fortification on Gherghelău Hill above Laz, on the right bank of the Sebeș River. Its elliptical earthwork measures approximately 40 by 28 to 30 meters. At about 40 meters along its longer axis and 28 to 30 meters along its shorter axis, the layout is noticeably elongated; these measurements are approximate. The fortification is attributed to the Early Middle Ages, more specifically the 10th to 11th centuries. However, this dating is uncertain and should not be understood as an exact, well-documented construction date.

A hoard was discovered in Laz around 1879. On the basis of the ring bearing the Agnus Dei, it is interpreted as part of a medieval Saxon woman’s ceremonial garment worn by the elite of the Sebeș area. The fortification and the find thus offer different historical perspectives: one is a structure of uncertain date, the other an interpretation of a ceremonial garment from the Sebeș area.

Icon painting and cultural heritage

Laz in the Sebeș Valley is known for an uninterrupted icon-painting tradition spanning more than 200 years. The Casa memorială „Maria Poenariu” is designated as a village museum collection of glass icon painting. The Casa Poienarilor in Laz houses a collection of glass and wood paintings, as well as folk textiles belonging to the Poenaru family. The Casa Poienarilor is considered the place where a Romanian folk-art tradition emerged in the 18th century.

The collections have different emphases: glass icon painting is the focus at the Casa memorială „Maria Poenariu”; the Casa Poienarilor collection also includes wood paintings and folk textiles. The two houses thus differ in their stated focus on glass icons and the broader collection of paintings and textiles.

A 2025 article describes Florin Nicolae Poenariu as having worked since 2007 in an icon-painting workshop located in his home in Laz. It describes him as continuing this icon-painting tradition. The frames of his icons are decorated with hand-carved traditional Romanian motifs. The carved motifs add a distinct decorative element to the paintings. If visiting a collection or the workshop is important to your trip, confirm in advance whether visits are possible.

The Transalpina and planning your visit

National Road DN67C, known as the Transalpina, passes through Laz. A municipal description stated that the walk-through mill in Laz was still operational. If you plan to visit the mill during your stay, check its current status in advance.

You can therefore choose from several focuses when planning your trip: the archaeological fortification and the hoard, icon painting and its different collections, or the Transalpina, which passes through Laz.

Discover more destinations: Gârda De Sus, Ampoița, Pianu De Sus, Tău Bistra, Câmpeni, Răchita, Ţelna, Ponor

For the broader travel overview: Alba.