Breb, the most visited village in Maramureș.

The first weekend of June found me in Maramureș. Invited on an info trip by Eco Maramureș, I had the chance to explore the entire ecotourism area of Mara – Cosău – Creasta Cocoșului, but most of all, the fascinating village of Breb. I fell irreversibly in love with the authenticity of this place and wholeheartedly recommend it as a travel destination. So, if you visit Maramureș, stopping in Breb is a must—it is one of the most beautiful villages in Romania.

Breb is located in the central-northern part of Maramureș, at the foot of the Gutâi Mountains, 25 km from Sighetu Marmației and 52 km from Baia Mare. Along with Hoteni and Satu Șugatag, Breb belongs to the commune of Ocna Șugatag, which is just 7 km away.

Breb is a land rich in traditions and customs that have been alive for centuries. It is a village visited by foreign tourists, captivated by how well it has been preserved and by the stunning natural surroundings. The Maramureș village charm has convinced many to leave the fast-paced city life behind in favor of a peaceful existence in the heart of nature. Both Romanians and foreigners have moved to Breb, embracing a simple rural life in a paradise sheltered from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

In Breb, I discovered the traditional Romanian village, with unpaved streets, local food made from natural ingredients, wooden houses and gates, old churches, traditions, crafts, fresh air, and genuine people.

In this part of the country, people still wear traditional folk costumes. I was delighted to see, on Sunday, the locals leaving the church proudly dressed in their beautiful Maramureș attire. These traditional garments are stunning, and the people who wear them are just as remarkable!

So, if you are searching for the peaceful life of the countryside and dream of relaxing moments in the heart of nature, the Mara-Cosău-Creasta Cocoșului region is the perfect destination. This part of Maramureș embodies tradition, history, and culture.

Nestled at the foot of the mountains, Breb takes its name from the charming “beaver” that once lived in these lands. The village reveals its breathtaking beauty as soon as you approach from the main road.

Once I arrived, I found traditional homesteads just as I had imagined—houses and gates intricately carved from wood. I spoke with the locals and lost myself in the deep serenity of the village’s quiet streets.

What to Visit in Breb

One of the key landmarks in Breb is The Church of Saints Archangels Michael and Gabriel, a wooden church believed to have been relocated from the now-vanished nearby village of Copăciș. Its tower, which preserves original elements from the old church, is the oldest wooden church tower in Romania.

I spent some time here, admiring the intricately carved wooden crosses in the old cemetery surrounding the church and listening to the fascinating history of the site, passionately shared by Laura Zaharia, an architect and the founder of the ROST Association.

The wooden church was built in 1622 and is listed as a historic monument. It stands as one of the most significant monuments in Maramureș due to its age, its wooden tower dating back to 1531, and the interior murals painted in 1626. Though the frescoes are only partially visible, their beauty is breathtaking. Inside, you can also discover icons over four centuries old, hanging on the walls.

Within the churchyard, you will also find the parochial house, built in 1903 on the foundation of an earlier structure from 1801.

The “Coconii” of Breb – Keepers of Maramureș Traditions

The Coconii of Breb, proud sons of Maramureș, are a group of young people dedicated to promoting local heritage and eco-tourism. More than that, they are passionate about preserving traditions and ancestral crafts.

I found them gathered in the courtyard of Breb’s wooden church, participating in a sezătoare (a traditional village gathering), where they worked alongside the village elders to create exquisite handcrafted art pieces. In Maramureș, old crafts are carefully passed down through generations, ensuring they are never lost. Spinning wool, embroidery, and sewing traditional garments are part of Breb’s legacy.

The sight of the little coconii, dressed in traditional folk costumes, filled my day with joy. What a beautiful image! In this small wooden house, surrounded by so many wonderful souls, I truly felt the essence of authentic Maramureș.

The Traditional Wooden Gates of Maramureș

The traditional wooden gates, whether old or new, are a source of pride for every Maramureș local. True works of art, these gates historically symbolized—and still do—the social status of their owner. The larger and more intricately carved the gate, the wealthier the household. It’s no surprise, considering how much they can cost.

While strolling through the village, I learned about the meaning of the symbols carved into these gates and enjoyed a unique walk in search of the most beautiful houses and gardens.

Most gates are made from oak and typically consist of three vertical pillars and one horizontal beam at the top. The most common carved symbols include:

• The twisted rope – representing infinity and the connection between heaven and earth
• The sun – a symbol of life
• The circular bread (colac) – representing prosperity
• The tree of life – symbolizing eternal life

If you ever visit the area, you must meet a woodcarving craftsman, a true gate-maker. We stopped for a few moments at Tiran Ion’s workshop, where we discovered fascinating details about the craft. I was amazed to learn that creating a single gate takes about three months, with a team of six people working on it, and can cost up to €15,000.

When we arrived, Mr. Ion and his team were working on their largest gate yet—a five-pillar Maramureș gate destined for a guesthouse in the area.

Breb 148 – Local Food & Garden

Breb 148 – Local Food & Garden is a place you simply must not miss when visiting Breb. Whether for its delicious food, the serene setting carefully designed as an oasis of tranquility, or the warm hospitality of its hosts, Irina and Radu, this place offers an unforgettable experience.

Irina and Radu treated us to an incredible brunch, featuring a feast of local specialties: cured pork delights, cheese platters, zacuscă and eggplant salad, wild mushroom stew with polenta, fresh vegetables, homemade chicken soup, jams, and traditional desserts—all beautifully laid out for our enjoyment.

These delicacies were perfectly paired with a glass of afinată (blueberry liqueur) and freshly pressed apple juice.

Irina and Radu, originally from Oradea, left behind their fast-paced corporate jobs to embrace a peaceful life in nature. They built this charming summer garden, where they host traditional brunches made from the finest, locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re in Breb, this spot is a must-visit for an authentic culinary experience!

The Village Streets and Traditional Wooden Houses

Walking through the streets of Breb feels like stepping into a living open-air museum. The village is home to beautifully decorated wooden houses, each with its own charm. As I wandered its narrow lanes, I felt as if the inviting wooden fences and charming courtyards were gently calling me to take a closer look.

The desire to peek inside and admire the old Maramureș-style interiors grew with every step.

This place is truly authentic, and taking a leisurely walk through the village is an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the soul of traditional Maramureș.

If you plan to spend more time in the area, here’s what I did during my 4 days in Maramureș: In the heart of Maramureș, the Mara-Cosău-Creasta Cocoșului region.

During these 4 days, I stayed at Pensiunea Tiplea in Ocna Șugatag.

For mountain enthusiasts, Creasta Cocoșului is the ideal destination for walks in the heart of nature, surrounded by fairytale-like landscapes.

Love,
A.C.