Discover Margau: History and Routes

Mărgău combines a long history of settlement with ecclesiastical architecture, craft culture and a cycling route that passes through the village. When planning your trip, it is helpful to distinguish these themes from the hiking option in the wider region: the Răchițele circular trail is located there, while the Bánffy K60/70 route passes directly through Mărgău. If you are looking for a hotel in Margau, you can first decide whether local history, cycling or a hike will shape your stay.

History and Crafts

The present-day settlement of Mărgău has been inhabited since the 14th century. Historically, women from the Mărgău area were known for making high-quality textiles and elements of traditional dress. This gives the local history a craft perspective alongside its buildings. Since the beginning of the 20th century, itinerant glassmaking has also been practised on a large scale in Mărgău. The glassmakers travelled throughout the country and earned their living by selling glass. This history brings textile production and a travelling trade together.

Gumuțeasca is also part of the history of this craft. A 2021 report suggests that the glassmakers used the jargon for their work and price negotiations so that customers would not understand them. The linguist Romulus Todoran studied Gumuțeasca and described it as a distinct rural occupational jargon. To this day, individual expressions can be heard in conversations among residents of Mărgău commune.

Church and Architectural Heritage

The Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel (“Sfinții Arhangheli”) is a historic monument and was built between 1804 and 1810. It is made of dressed stone and river stone; its bell tower was built from beams, and the nave and porch are covered with sheet metal. A stone wall around the church and cemetery of Mărgău was built in 1735. The building’s history can thus be explored through specific dates, materials and structural elements.

Landscape and Activities

Mărgău commune is a mountain commune at the foot of the Vlădeasa Mountains and is part of the Apuseni Mountains. The Mărgăuța River flows through Mărgău from south to north. This makes it possible to understand the landscape both at the scale of the commune and through the course of a river in the village.

The Bánffy K60/70 cycling route passes through Mărgău and is rated as moderate. If you include this route in your plans, its rating is a useful point of reference; take your own experience and daily itinerary into account.

In the wider region around Mărgău, the Răchițele circular trail is an easy 12.5-kilometre loop, with 450 metres of elevation gain and a walking time of four to five hours. It passes through the settlement of Răchițele and follows the Valea Stanciului valley to the Cascada Vălul Miresei waterfall. The distance, elevation gain and walking time together give an overview of the scope of the hike. Compared with the cycling route through Mărgău, which is rated as moderate, the circular trail offers a second, different activity option in the wider area.

Getting There

From Cluj, Mărgău commune can be reached via the DN 1 (E 60). The connection to the national road is via the DJ 108C, which runs through Mărgău. Check road conditions before setting off. This travel information complements the cultural and landscape topics when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Smida, Apahida, Moldovenești, Satu Lung, Negreni, Nădăşelu, Someșu Rece, Suatu.

Go to the main travel overview: Cluj-Napoca.