Ohaba: Churches, Traditions and Landscape

Visitors choosing Ohaba as a destination will find a range of points of interest: its churches tell the story of several building phases, while the mud volcanoes at Secaș and near Roghina draw attention to the landscape. The traditional winter custom of “butoi” adds a distinctive cultural touch. You can plan your stay around history, nature or a specific activity.

Churches and local history

Ohaba was first mentioned in a document in 1372, in connection with Ioan, the voivode of Transylvania. Another early historical reference is the first documented wooden church: it stood in the village cemetery, was mentioned in 1815 and was consecrated by Bishop Vasile Moga. The dates refer to different historical events: 1372 to the first mention of the village, and 1815 to the mention of the wooden church.

The Orthodox church in Ohaba is dedicated to Saint Nicholas. Construction began in 1926, funded by donations from community members and overseen by priest Eugen Imbarus; the brick building was completed in 1927 and consecrated by Metropolitan Nicolae Bălan. A further building phase followed in 1934 with the upper Orthodox church. It is dedicated to the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel and was formerly Greek Catholic. The construction dates and dedications help place the two churches within distinct stages of the village’s history.

Memorial sites and ecclesiastical heritage

A monument to the heroes, erected in 1977, stands beside the church in Ohaba. It commemorates villagers who fell in the First and Second World Wars. The parish museum, built in 1983, is located in the churchyard. The Ethnographic Exhibition of the Orthodox parish is at Ohaba No. 306. If you would like to visit the museum or exhibition, check in advance whether a visit is possible.

The winter custom of “butoi”

Ohaba’s cultural heritage includes the winter custom of “butoi.” Knives are rhythmically struck against scythes in orderly rows, accompanied by bells and spurs. This combination of ordered rows and different sounds offers a perspective on local cultural heritage distinct from the history of the churches. If you are interested in regional customs, “butoi” is a distinctive cultural point of interest.

Landscape and activities

There are small mud volcanoes in the Secaș area and near Roghina, within the commune of Ohaba. The Natura 2000 site Podișul Secașelor also includes the commune of Ohaba in Alba County. These specific landscape features are complemented by the area’s regional protected-site designation. Fishing is also possible in the Secașul Mic River within the commune.

The commune profile lists a ski slope called “Vârtoape” in Ohaba. If you plan to use the slope during your stay, check in advance whether it is operating on your dates. This will help you distinguish this seasonal activity from the local and landscape attractions available year-round.

Getting to Ohaba

Roads provide the direct transport connection to the commune of Ohaba. The road route follows the sequence Ohaba–Berghin–Alba Iulia. Cunța is one of the nearest CFR railway stations to the commune, at a distance of 20 km. If you plan to use the station, check the current timetable in advance.

Discover more destinations: Ampoița, Bucium, Pianu De Jos, Kudsir, Albac, Brăzești, Mesentea and Rimetea.

For the overview of destinations in the wider area: Alba.