Strâmtura: Wooden Churches and the Iza Landscape

Discover Strâmtura through several specific themes: wooden churches, the course of the Iza and local culture. Architectural details in Strâmtura and Glod, geographical landmarks and individual activities offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Wooden Churches and History

The wooden church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Strâmtura preserves an original entrance portal in the western wall. An extension to the west turned this wall into an interior wall; the portal therefore remains in the old wall, but is now inside the extended building. This change from exterior to interior wall makes a specific structural alteration to the church easy to understand.

Local history also extends beyond religious buildings. On September 2, 1717, local residents ambushed Tatar invaders at Piatra Țiganului. Piatra Țiganului is located between Strâmtura and Bârsana.

The Iza and the Landscape

Downstream from Strâmtura, the Iza narrows between Piatra Țiganului and Prisaca. After this narrowing, it flows through the Surduc Gorge. This sequence identifies two consecutive sections of the river’s course: first the narrowing, then the gorge.

On both sides of the Iza, the commune’s territory includes medium and high hills ranging in elevation from 400 to 1,000 meters. Glod also has an area with mineral springs containing sulfur, salt and carbon dioxide. There is also a sulfurous, carbonated Borcut with extensive travertine deposits. The river, hills and mineral springs offer different perspectives on the landscape of the commune.

Architecture and Traditions in Glod

The wooden church of Saint Nicholas in Glod has dominant Moldavian architectural influences. Its features include large, high-set windows with whitewashed surrounds. An inscription records that the altar paintings and icons were made in 1829. The windows and inscription highlight different aspects: the windows shape the architectural form, while the date places the church’s interior decoration in time.

A golden bucium represents Strâmtura’s connection with the last bucium players in Maramureș. Strâmtura’s community days feature traditional music and dancing, a folk costume show and local food. Check the dates of the community days before your trip.

Hiking and Practical Information

A hike from Glod to Biserica Dracilor and the summit of Măgura Glodului is listed as approximately 10 kilometers and 4–5 hours. Seasonal conditions can vary; check them before setting out and plan using these approximate figures.

Schitul Cuvioasa Parascheva is located in the Valea Greblei valley, 5 kilometers from the DN 18 national road. Check local access conditions before visiting.

A weekly market is held at Podul Slătioarei, between Strâmtura and Bârsana. Check the market schedule locally before your trip as well. This lets you take the market and community days into account when planning your trip without assuming their dates.

Discover more destinations: Bârsana, Săpânța, Staţiunea Borşa, Ruscova, Firiza, Vadu Izei, Botiza, Onceşti

For the broader travel overview: Maramureş.