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St Michael’s Church in Valea Mare

“St Michael” Church in Valea Mare – Fărăoani

An oasis of faith in the heart of Moldova

Situated between Valea de Sus and Valea de Jos, on the border between Valea Mare and Faraoani, the Roman-Catholic Church “St Michael” watches over the community of believers in the area. Its proximity to the 7 Capele pilgrimage route makes this place not only a spiritual reference point, but also a stopover full of history and beauty for those who travel the paths of Moldavia in search of tranquillity.

History and local identity

Built between 1922 and 1925, the present church was consecrated on 29 September, the feast day of the Archangel Michael, the spiritual patron saint of the community. It replaced a small wooden church that still stands today in the village cemetery – one of the oldest Catholic churches in the area.

The parish was reactivated in 1953, after the separation from Fărăoani, and has been led over the years by dedicated priests who have contributed to the formation of a community united around the values of the faith. Dozens of priests, nuns and even bishops have set out on their journey, including Mons. Anton Coșa, Bishop of Chisinau, and …

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Statue of Jesus – Rastignitu

Someone up there is watching over us

Situated above the village of Talpa in the commune of Sărata, the Statue of Jesus, or Crucifix, as it is also known in the village, is a symbol that watches over the valley, the villages, the city.

The statue is located near the Suhard chapel (Sinislău) and can be found on several landscaped or virtual trails: the 7 Chapels Pilgrimage Trail, the Via Bacovia 6 Chapels Trail, the Via Bacovia Trail.

Location and access

Location: Suhard hill, Bacău county
Geographical coordinates: 46°30’59.0″N 26°50’27.2″E (46.516389, 26.840889)
Google maps: here
Access: on foot, starting either from the village of Talpa, Sărata (take the MTB Bar as a reference point), or from Luizi Călugăra, at the end of the tarmac road.

Attractions nearby

Capela Suhard (Sinislău)
Capela Calvar (Calvaria)

Tourist routes

7 Capele Pilgrimage Route

Route 6 Capele

Via Bacovia Trail Cros

Via Bacovia Trail Half-marathon

Photo/video gallery

Vovidenia wooden church in Luncani

Vovidenia wooden church in Luncani (1777), a jewel of Moldovan spiritual heritage

In the picturesque village of Luncani, located in the commune of Margineni, Bacău County, there is one of the most valuable wooden churches in the region: the Vovidenia Church, dedicated to the “Entry of the Virgin Mary into the Church”. The place of worship is not only a place of prayer for the community, but also a living testimony to Moldovan Orthodox history and spirituality.

Church history and architecture

Built in the 18th century, Vovidenia Church reflects the traditional style of wooden churches in the Moldavian area. Made of massive beams skilfully joined together, the church impresses with its architectural simplicity and the beauty of its hand-carved details. Over time, it has been restored and strengthened, but has managed to retain its authentic charm and is an outstanding example of vernacular religious architecture.

The gable roof and modest porch, supported by carved pillars, are distinctive features of the building. The interior painting, in Byzantine style, retains the vivid colours and expressiveness characteristic of Orthodox iconography, although some parts have needed restoration over time.

Among the valuable artistic elements is the beautifully carved catapet dating back to the construction …

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Cloister of Transfiguration

From Poiana Ciresului

In a place full of peace and tranquillity, on the hills between Racăciuni (village Dumbrăveni) and Helegiu (village Deleni) is the hermitage of the Transfiguration, in a place called Poiana Cireșului.

The hermitage was founded by the hieromonk Pahomie Pîrjol (1928-2006), whose tomb is located on the hermitage grounds, Initially the church was built of wood and it gave way over time, A few years ago the construction of a new church began, the work was rather difficult due to lack of funds and labour.

The monastery’s feast day is on 6 August, the Transfiguration.

The access roads, both from Deleni and Dumbraveni, are quite uneven, in wet or rainy weather being practically impassable, at least with low-guard cars. The access from Dumbraveni is particularly picturesque, the road winding through meadows, meadows, forests with tall trees or shady forests. From Deleni we climbed many years ago, we no longer know the state of the road.

The place is particularly quiet. Pilgrims can stay overnight but places are limited and it’s best to call ahead to enquire about availability.

Zarifopol Mansion

Location: village Cârligi, commune Filipești, county Bacău
Geographical coordinates: 46°46’01.8″N 26°50’17.0″E (46.767167, 26.838056)
Google maps: here
Access:
1. The access can be done by car, going on the DJ159 or on the DC8, you enter on the Strada Conacului on an unpaved road and in about 300metres you reach the manor house
2. By train: get off at the Galbeni (Filipești) railway station and from here on foot, on the DC8, walk about 4.5KM.

3. From Bacău or on the way, by public transport by car. Check here availability!
Description:

The Zarifopol mansion was built in 1850 by the Moldavian nobleman Ștefan Catargiu, who committed suicide in 1866 on 2 September.

The mansion is declared a historical monument, with code 04B0061/ (BC-II-m-A-00808).

After the death of the first owner, the manor passed into the possession of the Greek Zarifopol family.

The manor is quite well preserved, it preserves elements of architectural value: interior staircases, firieres, columns, terraces.

For a period of time the building housed the school named after the writer Dinu Zarifopol (1921 – 2002), who was born in this area.

The ghost that haunts the building is said to be that of Iorgu Zafiropol, who hanged …

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Church of St Dumitru-Rachitisu

Location: village Răchitișu, commune Strugari, Bacău county
Geographical coordinates: 46°32’56.1″N 26°46’38.4″E (46.548917, 26.777333)
Google maps: here
Access:
1. Access by car
2. By bike.


Description:

St Dumitru’s Church in Răchitișu is situated on the edge of the village, on the hill, in a beautiful landscape on the border between forest, pastures and houses. A place full of peace and tranquillity. It is dedicated to St. Dimitrie, the Fovent of Myrrh.

The church was built in 1890 with the help of the parishioners, the builder is unknown.

The church is built of thatch, in the shape of a ship, in the authentic, simple Moldavian style. The interior and exterior is plastered and painted, without paintings.

It was repaired in 1895, 1924, 1949, 1964, 1964, 1983.

Photo/video gallery:

Trasee Via Bacovia:

Traseu Măgura-Răchitișu-Sohodol

Rock of the Three Crosses – The Nutasca Cinerites – Ruseni

Location: Dealul Pătul, Sat Somusca, Comuna Cleja, Bacău county
Geographical coordinates: 46.400139, 26.898500
Google maps: here
Access:
1. Access can be made on foot, from Somusca

2. MTB bike, difficult climb.
Description:
Cinerites of Nutasca – Ruseni is a geological protected natural area of national interest. It includes sedimentary pyroclastic sedimentary deposits of cemented volcanic ash, andesitic cinerites and large fragments of andesitic andesitic, intercalated in the sediments. Their origin is controversial, and there are speculations and theories that they are the result of extra-Carpathian volcanic manifestations.

On the hill of Pătul, on top of these sediments is the place called Stânca la Trei Cruci. The road from the village to here follows the Way of the Holy Cross. The view is beautiful, opening onto the villages to the north and the surrounding hills.