Visiting the Maramures region in northwestern Romanian is like entering a live fairytale, the Romania of folk stories, medieval, colorful, and ancient. The rolling green pastures in the Mara and Iza Valleys are surrounded by rich, old forests and dotted with quaint villages dominated by old wooden churches with shingled roofs and tall spires. Villagers are wearing the same traditional costumes their Dacian ancestors once wore centuries ago. There is living art everywhere – in the elaborately carved gates, windows, and eaves, in the colorful woven carpets, and in the richly embroidered dresses. Traditional motifs of twisted rope and the sun appear in all the carvings and are symbols of continuity and life. Of all the well-preserved villages, the most fascinating are Sesesti and Poienile Izei, where the massive carved gates and wall paintings are the most outstanding. Eight of Maramures’ churches are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Map

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Bucharest Alba Iulia Apuseni National Park Arad Bacau Baia Mare Baile Herculane Bran Brasov Bucegi Natural Park Cluj-Napoca Constanta Craiova Iasi Maramures Neamt County Oradea Pitesti Ploiesti Sibiu Targu Mures Timisoara Turda Vatra Dornei

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