Hemeiuș combines a landscape shaped by botanical features with specific historic landmarks. The Arboretum focuses on an old floodplain forest and exotic species; churches, ruins and a memorial house offer further perspectives on the history of the area. It is therefore helpful to consider the different focal points when making your choice: would you prefer to explore botanical themes or look at architectural styles and historical periods?
Nature: Arboretum and Lacul Lilieci
The Hemeiuș Arboretum covers 50 hectares and is located in Hemeiuș commune, Bacău County. It combines an old floodplain forest with exotic species introduced between 1880 and 1916. This contrast links the character of the landscape with a clearly defined period of plant introduction. An inventory of the Arboretum listed 1,346 species of trees, shrubs and lianas. The site can therefore be understood both through its old floodplain forest and as a botanical collection. These two figures describe different aspects of the Arboretum: the area indicates its size, while the number of species indicates the diversity of plants recorded.
Lacul Lilieci also draws attention to nature, but here the focus is on the importance of a protected area for birds. The body of water is a national protected area in IUCN Category IV and an avifaunal nature reserve along the Bistrița floodplain. It extends for about four kilometres and is 800 metres wide on average. The area is particularly important for birds to breed, forage and rest. The difference from the Arboretum is useful when choosing a nature theme: there, the focus is on floodplain forest and plant life; here, it is on the functions of the protected area for birds.
Architectural history and memorial sites
The “Sfinții Voievozi” Church in Fântânele has a cruciform floor plan and a two-storey porch, with the bell tower on the upper floor. The floor plan describes the shape of the building, while the porch and tower show its vertical structure. The church is listed as a historic monument in the Hemeiuș administrative unit and is believed to date to around 1700.
The ruins of the church at Livada Curții near Fântânele date from the 15th to the 16th century and are considered a site of local tourist interest. Compared with the probable dating of Sfinții Voievozi to around 1700, the ruins date further back, while the date assigned to the church is explicitly approximate. The Grigore-Tăbăcaru Memorial House in Hemeiuș dates from 1861. As a memorial site, it adds another point of reference in the area’s history alongside the religious buildings.
Travelling by train
Railway line 509 connects the Bacău–Bicaz area and has a stop in Hemeiuș. If you are considering travelling by train, check the current timetable before planning your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Târgu Ocna, Ghimeș-Făget, Sulţa, Agăș, Horgești, Bacău, Moinesti, Preluci
For the main travel overview: Bacau.
