The next stops on our journey included the Wooden Church of Rogoz and the village of Breb, places where Maramureș traditions remain vibrant and authentic. The Wooden Church of Rogoz, dedicated to the “Archangels Michael and Gabriel,” rises gracefully above the meadows, showcasing the craftsmanship of Maramureș artisans and the patina of a faith-filled past. Built in 1663, the church is renowned not only for its distinctive architecture but also for its unique history, being included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Adorned with carvings and relief decorations, with a spire reaching towards the heavens, the Rogoz church welcomes visitors with an air of peace and reverence, evoking the lives of people who found solace and hope within its wooden walls.
From Rogoz, our journey continued to Breb, a place where time seems to have stopped, allowing ancient traditions to flourish. In Breb, we visited wooden houses, true works of art, crafted with meticulous skill passed down through generations. Here, participants had the unique opportunity to witness a live woodcarving demonstration by master craftsman Petric Ioan. Dressed in traditional attire, with hands both strong and delicate, Petric transformed a piece of wood into a symbol of Maramureș’s culture and spirituality.
As Petric Ioan’s chisel struck rhythmically and its short, sharp sounds echoed in the air, the wood seemed to come alive. Faces of saints, ancient symbols, and floral motifs emerged with precision, reflecting a lifetime dedicated to this craft. Slowly, as if in a sacred ritual, the piece of wood transformed before the astonished eyes of those present, leaving us with the feeling that we had witnessed a tradition transcending time.
Breb, with its wooden houses and skilled artisans, proved to be a window into a world where humans and nature are united by respect, care, and art. Here, every house, every carved object, and every legend told us about an authentic, living Maramureș, preserved in the hearts of its people and in the knots of ancient wood.