Alt-Petschka combines nature and history in very different ways. In the area around Pecica, the Mureș forms broad meanders and oxbow lakes that provide valuable habitats for the region’s flora and fauna. There is also a cycling route through forest and floodplain habitats, the protected natural landscape of “Lunca Mureșului,” and cultural sites with historical connections spanning widely different periods. This offers several ways to plan your trip: a ride with opportunities to spot wildlife, activities in the river landscape, or archaeological and architectural themes.

Cycling through forest and floodplains

The “Arad-Pecica” cycling route ends in Pecica at the buffalo farm. It runs through forest and along the banks of the Mureș, through floodplain habitats where mammals or birds can often be spotted. Along the route, information boards describe the protected area, and there are places to stop and rest. The route thus combines a defined course with insights into the river landscape and opportunities to connect with nature through possible wildlife sightings.

The river landscape as a nature destination

The protected natural landscape of “Lunca Mureșului” includes oxbow lakes of the Mureș, floodplain vegetation, and a rich variety of birdlife near Pecica. Fishing and birdwatching are suitable activities there. Unlike the cycling route, which connects forest, riverbanks, and floodplain habitats along a set course, the focus here is on the protected landscape and its waters and birdlife. This makes it possible to choose between nature activities according to your interests: cycling with possible wildlife sightings along the route, or activities in Lunca.

A nature conservation proposal has also been recorded for the landscape: the reintroduction of a buffalo population was proposed in Pecica. Grazing was intended to encourage native flora in the “Lunca Mureșului” nature park and remove non-native vegetation. The proposal describes a planned objective, not an implemented program.

Archaeological traces and architecture

The “Dealul Vechi” archaeological site is also known by the names “Movila dacică de la Pecica” and “Șanțul Mare.” It contains traces of Neolithic cultures, the Free Dacians, and the first centuries of the Middle Ages. The three names refer to the same site; its historical traces span several periods.

A different historical and cultural reference is the Biserica Romano-Catolică “Duminica Sfintei Treimi” in the center of Pecica. The church was built in the late 19th century in the Baroque style. Inside is a painting by Rezso Gyongyossy. These are two distinct ways of exploring history: archaeological traces from several earlier periods and a centrally located church building featuring a specific work of art.

The buffalo farm near Pecica

On May 12, 2012, the Pecica buffalo farm was inaugurated as a tourist attraction. It is located near the center of Pecica and close to the “Lunca Mureșului” nature park. The inauguration date provides a specific historical reference; the farm is also identified as the cycling route’s endpoint in the route description.

Discover more destinations: Vinga, Moneasa, Fântânele, Ghioroc, Căprioara, Săvârșin, Lipova, Vladimirescu

For the broader travel overview: Arad.