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Bacau tourism

Category: highlights

Bacovian highlights

Gherț Chapel (The Ascension of The Lord)

Welcome to the Ghert Chapel, the Heroes’ Chapel “Ascension of the Lord”

Perched atop the Osebiti Hill (Gherța or Gherț) in Luizi-Călugăra, Romania, the Ghert Chapel is a landmark of the nation’s history and a place of beauty. Built after World War I to honor those who sacrificed their lives in war and the Romanian War of Independence, this chapel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the city of Bacău.

An altar of devotion and tranquility:

Dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord, the Gherț Chapel attracts visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and beautifully contoured architecture. Its simple, elegant, beautifully rounded design, adorned with religious motifs, creates a sense of spirituality and reverence.

A symbol of resilience and patriotism:

The Ghert Chapel serves as a moving reminder of Romania’s history and the courage of its people. It is a symbol of resistance, a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fought for their nation’s freedom. Inside, marble slabs bear the names of those from the local area who gave their lives in the two wars mentioned above. Moreover, in the immediate vicinity of the chapel, the ground still holds hidden traces of battles that took place …

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Ciciola Chapel

Welcome to the Ciciola Chapel

Located under the high Carunta Peak (717 m) on the picturesque Ciciola Hill in Faraoani, Romania, in a small clearing, the Ciciola Chapel is a place of spiritual peace and natural beauty. This chapel is a first or last stop along the famous 7 Chapels Pilgrimage route, offering visitors a unique feeling of harmony between faith, heritage and breathtaking landscapes.

A sacred destination

Built to inspire and guide pilgrims, the Ciciola Chapel is more than a landmark – it is a place of reflection and renewal. Located approximately 3 kilometers from the picturesque “Vis” plateau, the chapel offers an ideal setting for prayer, peace or moments of personal tranquility amidst the hills and forests.

Part of a rich pilgrimage tradition

As the sixth stop, or the first, depending on the direction of travel, on the 7 Chapels Pilgrimage Route, the Ciciola Chapel holds a special place in the spiritual journey through Bacău County. Whether you walk the entire route or visit these chapels separately, Ciciola is a highlight that should not be missed.

More than a chapel

Visitors to the Ciciola Chapel can enjoy:

Calvar Chapel (Calvaria)

Location: Luizi-Călugăra commune, Bacău county
Geographical coordinates: 46.52666618, 26.837436
Google maps:here
Access:
1. Access is on foot from Luizi-Călugăra
Description:
The chapel Calvar is built on the hill Calvar (or Calvaria, after the old name) of Luizi Călugăra. From here you have a beautiful view over the town, the village and the valley. You can also admire the sunrise from here.
The chapel was built in 1814 with the honour of the Holy Spirit.

Video: Gabriel Horvat

capela suhard

Suhard Chapel (Sinislău)

Location: Sinislău Hill, Luizi Călugăra commune, Bacău county
Geographical coordinates: 46.51867667204952, 26.84153213325184
Google maps: here
Access:
1. The access can be done on foot, from Sărata, from MTB Bar or

2. From Luizi-Călugăra leaving the church towards the hill and at the intersection with the Road between the Vii you enter this road, or
3. From the Cattaleya guesthouse, go up the road on the right and then, when you reach the forest, turn left towards Sărata. Depending on the weather, up to a point can be reached by car or by bike.
Description:
The Suhard Chapel is built on Sinislău hill, one of the highest points near Bacău. From here you have a beautiful view over the city, the village and the valley. You can also admire the sunrise from here.
The chapel was built by the Neculai I. Horvat family in 1932, with the feast of St John the Baptist, in June.

Chapel of the Ascension

Location: Nicolae Bălcescu commune, Bacău county
Geographical coordinates: 46°28’52.5″N 26°51’46.2″E
Google maps: here
Access:
1. The access can be done by car, on an unpaved road, going up from Valea Seacă. From the bottom of the hill you walk about 500 metres.
2. On foot or by bicycle from Valea Seacă, Nicolae Balcescu or other places, following the Via Bacovia routes.
Description:
The chapel “Jesus’ Ascension to Heaven” is built on Albeni hill between Valea Seacă and Balțata. It is perhaps not by chance that this place, a favourite with paragliding enthusiasts, has this name.

The chapel was built in the 19th century, the exact date is unknown. It was built in honour of heroes.

Chapel of Saints Constantine and Helen

Location: village Buchila, commune Nicolae Balcescu, county Bacău
Geographical coordinates: 46.456477, 26.865037
Google maps:here
Access:
1. Access can be made on foot, from Buchila or from Valea Seacă
3. By bike

Maps:
1. Via Bacovia – Big Map
2. Route – Southern Chapels


Description:
The Chapel of Saints Emperors Constantine and Helen is built on the hill in the locality of Buchila. From here you can reach the Ciciola Chapel (about 4Km) following forest roads. From here you can also reach the chapel “Ascension of Jesus to Heaven”.

The chapel was founded in 1888.

Grotto of St Virgin Mary

Location: Luizi Călugăra commune, Bacău county
Geographical coordinates: 46°31’47.5″N 26°49’48.9″E
Google maps: here
Access:
1. Access can be made on foot either from Hotel Măgura Verde or from the commune of Luizi Călugăra at the end of the village on Pârăului Street.
2. On foot or by bicycle, following the Via Bacovia trails.
Description:
The Grotto of St. Virgin Mary was consecrated on 15 August 2006 in memory of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. On the way from the church to the grotto there are 14 crosses representing the 14 stations of the Way of the Holy Cross. The Grotto is celebrated on 15 August.

Below is a video clip by Gabriel Horvat,

Lake Racaciuni

Location: county Bacău
Geographical coordinates: 446°22’16.5″N 27°00’13.9″E (46.371317, 27.003901)
Google maps:here
Access:
1. Access can be made on foot from the villages around the lake
2. By car
3. By bicycle

Situated only a few kilometres from the city of Bacău, Lake Răcăciuni is currently a category IV nature reserve (birdlife reserve), as a result of Government Decision No 2151 of 30 November 2004. The protected area extends over the administrative territories of several municipalities (Cleja, Gioseni, Horgești, Faraoani, Pâncești and Răcăciuni) and covers an area of about 2000 hectares.

The lake was formed following the commissioning of the Răcăciuni hydropower plant in 1984. It has a length of about 13 kilometres and is the third largest lake in terms of water volume in the county, after the lakes of Valea Uzului and Berești, and represents the largest protected lake area in Bacău County.

Beyond the figures: the lake has a marvellous view and is a good place to spend leisure time. Also near the lake, passing on the left bank between Râcâtâu and Dieneț, are the ruins of the Dacian fortress of Tamasidava, which is considered the SECOND Dacian fortress in terms of importance and size!

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.