Laz combines local archaeological history with an icon-painting tradition dating back more than 200 years. The Transalpina is also part of the village’s profile: National Road DN67C runs through Laz. If you’re looking for hotels in Laz, these different highlights can guide your choice of destination.
The wooden fortress and local history
The earth-and-timber fortification known as the “wooden fortress” is located on Gherghelău Hill above Laz, on the right bank of the Sebeș River. Its earthworks are elliptical and measure approximately 40 meters long and 28 to 30 meters wide. The fortification is attributed to the Early Middle Ages, more specifically the 10th to 11th centuries. However, this dating is provisional and has not been confirmed.
Another archaeological connection is a treasure hoard discovered in Laz around 1879. Based on a ring featuring the Agnus Dei, the hoard is interpreted as part of a medieval Saxon woman’s ceremonial garment, worn by the elite of the Sebeș area. To understand the dating, it is worth distinguishing the find date from the interpretation: around 1879 refers to the discovery in Laz, while “medieval” describes the interpretation of the garment.
Icon painting, collections and craftsmanship
Laz in the Sebeș Valley is known for an uninterrupted icon-painting tradition spanning more than 200 years. Glass icon painting is a particular focus: the Casa memorială “Maria Poenariu” is listed as a village museum collection devoted to this subject. If you would like to include the collection in your visit, check the visiting arrangements in advance.
A description from 2019 notes that Casa Poienarilor holds a collection of glass and wood paintings, as well as folk textiles belonging to the Poenaru family. Different aspects of local art are represented here: a museum collection focused on glass icon painting, and a collection that also includes wood paintings and textiles.
A 2025 cultural article describes Florin Nicolae Poenariu, who has worked in an icon-painting workshop in his home in Laz since 2007. The frames of his icons are decorated with hand-carved traditional Romanian motifs; Poenariu continues the icon-painting tradition. These details add the craft of making icons and frames to the picture of the collections.
The Transalpina and other local points of interest
National Road DN67C, known as the Transalpina, runs through Laz. This offers a different reason to choose the village than its archaeological and art-historical attractions: if the Transalpina is part of your travel plans, its route through Laz is a specific consideration when planning your destination.
The fulling mill is also part of the village’s history. It has been described as still being operational. If you plan to visit the mill, check its current condition and whether visits are possible in advance.
Discover more destinations: Alba Iulia, Șugag, Câmpeni, Blaj, Săliștea, Ampoița, Vadu Moților, Jidvei.
For the broader travel overview: Alba.
