Discover the charm of the Maramureș region in “The Guardian,” in journalist Liz Boulter's article: a world of fairytales and traditions. The prestigious British daily put the spotlight on a story about Romania in an article published on February 4, 2025.
Liz Boulter is a travel journalist known for her captivating way of telling the stories of authentic places. Through her articles, she manages to shine a light on little-explored destinations, offering readers a unique and personal perspective on the world.
Maramureș in The Guardian – a fairytale land
The author captures not only the beauty and authenticity of the area, but also the effort to save its old wooden houses.
The article takes us through the picturesque villages of Maramureș, presenting an area where ancestral traditions blend with modern amenities.
Fairytale Landscapes and Traditional Architecture
The article highlights the idyllic landscapes of Maramureș, where gentle hills dotted with haystacks that seem brought to life by a special charm blend with villages that preserve their traditional architecture – wooden houses with wooden roofs and tall, carved gates.
Maramureș in winter
Maramureș in The Guardian: Blending Tradition with Modernity
An important part of the story is that of the German couple Volker Bulitta and Lilli Steier, an architect, who discovered Maramureș on a hike a few months after the 1989 Revolution. In 2005 they bought their first plot of land and an old wooden house in Botiza, and since then they have been saving abandoned traditional houses and rebuilding them, with modern amenities, on their estate. One of them is the 200-year-old “Casa Palaga,” today a guesthouse on the Șesuri estate.
The house has kept its original doors and ceilings, while the modern bathroom and the tiled stove complete the experience. A neighbor, whose wooden house was restored following Lilli's guidance, even has fiber-optic internet, although horse-drawn carts pass by the house.
Cultural Heritage and Unique Attractions
The report in The Guardian doesn't leave out the details that give the area its authenticity.
It mentions the monastery in the village of Botiza and the wooden churches, which impress with their distinctive architecture as well as their atmosphere steeped in spirituality and tradition.
The cultural landmarks also include the Ieud Deal Church, one of the eight wooden churches of Maramureș on the UNESCO World Heritage List, built in the early 17th century, whose painted walls depict religious scenes and nature motifs.
Likewise, the Merry Cemetery in Săpânța, with its colorful crosses and the works of artist Stan Ioan Pătraș, transforms the perception of death, offering an interpretation full of humor and optimism.
Local Gastronomy and Culinary Traditions
Maramureș cuisine is presented as a defining element of the region. The article details the traditional dishes, from hearty sour soups (ciorbă) and fragrant cabbage rolls (sarmale) to vegan zacuscă, a vegetable spread typical of fasting periods.
Every recipe, prepared with fresh local ingredients, is an invitation to discover authentic flavors and culinary traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Conclusion
The report on Maramureș in The Guardian offers a multifaceted picture of the region as an exceptional tourist destination.
Maramureș is portrayed as a fairytale place, with storybook landscapes, traditional architecture, and unique cultural landmarks, making it an ideal destination for anyone interested in authentic experiences in Romania.
We invite you to learn more about Maramureș in our articles on: Cavnic Resort, Prislop Pass, Horses' Waterfall, The Cheapest Ski Resorts in Romania.
