A wooden church with a portal in an interior wall, the Surduc Gorge on the Iza River, and a hike of several hours starting in Glod give a trip to Strâmtura a variety of highlights.
Wooden Churches: Construction History and Details
The wooden Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Strâmtura is dated to 1771. Dendrochronological dating of its beams gives the dates 1771–1772 and 1654–1655. The original entrance portal remains in the west wall, which became an interior wall after an extension was added to the west. This part of the building shows how the church changed: the portal was preserved even though the wall’s function changed.
The wooden Church of Saint Nicholas in Glod also has distinctive architectural features: it is shaped by strong Moldavian influences, as well as large, high-set windows with whitewashed surrounds. An inscription records that the altar paintings and icons were made in 1829. The comparison therefore highlights different details: in Strâmtura, the preserved position of the portal and the building extension; in Glod, architectural influences, windows, and dated furnishings.
The Iza, Hills, and Geology
Downstream from Strâmtura, the Iza narrows between Piatra Țiganului and Prisaca. Beyond this narrow stretch, the river flows through Surduc Gorge. The sequence of narrowing and gorge gives the river landscape a clear progression, rather than treating both sections as the same place.
On both sides of the Iza, the area of Strâmtura commune has medium and high hills at elevations between 400 and 1,000 metres. The commune also includes a mineral spring area near Glod. It comprises sulphurous, saline, and carbonated springs, as well as a sulphurous-carbonated Borcut with extensive travertine deposits. These geological features add to the picture of the river, gorge, and hills.
Hiking and Getting Your Bearings
The hike from Glod to Biserica Dracilor and onward to the summit of Măgura Glodului is about 10 km; allow 4–5 hours for the route. Conditions can vary by season. Plan it as a separate activity lasting several hours, rather than as a short transition between other activities.
Schitul Cuvioasa Parascheva is in the Valea Greblei valley, 5 km from the DN 18 national road. Check local access conditions before visiting.
Market, Commune Days, and Local History
Strâmtura’s Commune Days feature traditional music and dancing, a folk costume show, and local food. A weekly market is held at Podul Slătioarei, between Strâmtura and Bârsana. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the dates locally: the market follows a weekly schedule, while the Commune Days take place on a specific event date.
One specific episode in the area’s history is dated September 2, 1717: locals ambushed the Tatar invaders at Piatra Țiganului, between Strâmtura and Bârsana. A golden Bucium represents Strâmtura’s connection with the last Bucium players in Maramureş. Along with the churches and Commune Days, this offers several distinct points of interest in the area’s cultural history.
Discover more destinations: Botiza, Bârsana, Lăpușel, Seini, Satu Nou de Jos, Cavnic, Leordina, Desești
For the full travel overview: Maramureş.
