Pojana: Mountain Landscapes and Shepherding Culture

Pojana lies on the northern geographic edge of the Cindrel Mountains. Valleys, forests, and pastures shape the landscape around the village; at the same time, shepherding remains a fundamental source of livelihood.

Landscape in the Cindrel Mountains

The Radei Valley and the two tributaries that form the Arinii Valley and the Vlaşinului Valley cross the settlement area. Several named valleys therefore shape the local landscape. In the municipality of Poiana Sibiului, forests and pastures account for 70 percent of the area. Together with its location on the northern edge of the Cindrel Mountains, this creates a landscape characterized by a highland edge, valley courses, forests, and pastures.

Excursions and Shepherding Culture

Pojana is also a starting point for numerous excursions to the surrounding mountain slopes. This adds a specific type of activity to the description of the valleys: while the valleys cross the settlement area, the mountain slopes are destinations for excursions. If you consider both scenery and activity when choosing a destination, these are distinct points of reference.

Shepherding remains a fundamental source of livelihood. During a visit to a sheepfold, you can see shepherds making Telemea and Burduf cheese. Visitors can also enjoy fresh polenta with Burduf cheese during such a visit. This experience combines insights into cheese-making with a dish in which Burduf is served alongside polenta. For travelers interested in the connection between shepherding and food, this is a distinct focus alongside landscape excursions and church architecture. Poiana Sibiului is also part of “The Cheese Route.” This connection to the route places the local shepherding and cheese culture in a broader context.

Churches and Architectural History

Biserica din Deal is built entirely of fir wood, with a stone foundation and a shingle roof. These details describe different parts of its construction: the building material, the foundation, and the roofing. Its movable furnishings include old books and icons on wood and glass. Alongside the construction method, this also draws attention to different elements of the church’s furnishings. The Biserica „Adormirea Maicii Domnului“ dates from 1766. Its construction date provides a specific historical reference, while the features of Biserica din Deal offer insight into its construction and furnishings. Together, these provide two different perspectives on Pojana’s religious architecture.

When looking for a hotel in Pojana, you can weigh these highlights according to your travel interests: excursions to the mountain slopes, shepherding and cheese culture, or architectural history each offer a different focus. This makes it possible to choose the destination based on whether nature and activity or culture and local tradition matter more to your trip.

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