Zagra between Roman heritage and nature

Zagra combines Roman archaeological sites and churches with local traditions and natural attractions around Lacul Zagra and the Țibleș Mountains. This makes it easy to tailor your stay to cultural history, scenery or traditional experiences.

Landscape around Lacul Zagra

In the area around Zagra, the Țibleș Mountains and their peaks Țibleș, Bran and Arcer shape the landscape. At 1,839 metres, Țibleș is the highest peak. The ridges are mostly covered with beech and coniferous forests, above which alpine meadows stretch.

Lacul Zagra, also called Tăul lui Alac, is a natural reservoir. It formed after a landslide on the southern slope of Dealul Comoara shifted sedimentary rocks and blocked springs in the area. The hill lies east of the commune. The lake is a botanical nature reserve, about 500 metres from the settlement. The European pond turtle and the long-tailed turtle are found in Lacul Zagra; both species are protected by law.

A route description leads from the last bend in the road before the entrance to the settlement along a footpath to Lacul Zagra. Before visiting, check whether access is currently available.

Roman archaeological sites and churches

The Roman watchtower “Turnul de epocă romană de la Zagra – Dealul Lupului” lies about 800 metres southeast of Zagra, in the forest on Măgura Lupului, on the western bank of the Valea Lupului stream. The watchtower at Vârful Zgăului stood in a commanding position; its excellent visibility extended north across the Țibleș Valley almost to the foothills of the Țibleș Mountains. Near Perișor, 1.5 kilometres west of Zagra, another Roman watchtower stands at the highest point of the Vârful Colnicului plateau. It is described as having excellent visibility to the east across the Țibleș Valley.

Biserica de pe Pod also has a local history: it was originally built in Perișor, moved to Zagra in 1936 and rebuilt there.

The wooden church “Cuvioasa Paraschiva” in Zagra has a pentagonal-polygonal narthex and a pentagonal-polygonal altar apse. The tower cap, by contrast, is octagonal. Paintings have been preserved in the narthex and nave, although they are damaged. The narthex is the church’s entrance hall; the shapes of the entrance hall and altar apse thus contrast with the octagonal tower cap.

Traditions and routes into the Țibleș Mountains

Local traditions include singing Christmas and New Year’s songs. The folkloric heritage of Valea Zăgrii includes the traditional forms “Cununa grîului” and “Sâmbra oilor”. Zagra was also once known for the artistic weaving of Cergi and Pănuri.

A “Hora țărănească” is listed in Zagra for July. If you wish to plan your trip around it, check the specific event date in advance.

From Mocod, access to the Țibleș Mountains follows the county road through Zagra, Poienile Zagrei and Suplai. An older route description to Suplai and into the Țibleș Mountains goes via Mocod and Zagra, then continues along gravel and forest roads. Check current road conditions before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Năsăud, Crainimăt, Bretea, Telciu, Ragla, Uriu, Sângeorz-Băi, Şieu-Măgheruş

For the broader travel overview: Bistrita-Nasaud.