A trip to Leșu offers two distinct focuses: the history of Orthodox churches and cultural traditions, and hiking in the surrounding area. The specific building histories add depth to the cultural side, while the trails broaden your perspective on the landscape. When planning your stay, you can decide which of these aspects you want to focus on.

Landscape and Hiking

The commune of Leșu lies in the eastern part of Bistrița-Năsăud County, in the valley of the same name, a left-bank tributary of the Ilva Valley, which flows into the Someșul Mare. Tourist attractions in Leșu include the Bârgău Mountains and Valea Măgurii. Hiking on mountain trails in the surrounding area is one way to discover the region’s biodiversity. This brings together river and valley features with a specific activity; if you are primarily interested in nature, you can incorporate the surrounding area into your travel plans through hiking.

Church Architecture and Craftsmanship

An earlier church in Leșu was built by villagers in 1632 at the old settlement site of Fata din Jos. This should be distinguished from today’s Orthodox church of the Leșu I parish, built between 1851 and 1854. Its appearance is defined by stone walls, a wooden ceiling and a wooden tower. The dates and materials offer two specific starting points for exploring church architecture: the construction period and the combination of stone and wood.

Another building history belongs to the Orthodox church of the Leșu II parish: construction began in 1994 in Gura Ierboșelei. The church was built in the Byzantine style and in the shape of a cross. The iconostasis and furnishings are made of beechwood and were carved by local craftsman Ion Bîgiu a lui Emil. Here, the architectural form and local woodworking sit alongside the chronology. Compared with the church of the Leșu I parish, different architectural features take centre stage: stone walls and wooden elements in one, Byzantine style, a cross-shaped plan and carved beechwood furnishings in the other.

Cultural History

The region’s cultural history extends beyond its churches. The interregional folklore festival “Rapsodia trișcașilor” was founded in 1968. Another historical milestone is the choir of the Leșu Cultural Centre: in 1954, it won first prize at the national level and the title of laureate at the third national competition for amateur art groups. Local legends and traditions associated with Leșu have also been passed down through generations. The festival, the choir’s success and the traditions represent different facets of cultural life. If you want to plan your trip around a particular edition of the festival, check the dates in advance.

Getting There and Accommodation

Public transport to Leșu is limited; travelling by car is recommended. Check local transport connections before setting off so that your journey fits in with your accommodation plans. When looking for a holiday apartment in Leșu, use your travel plans as a guide: would you prefer to focus your trip on church and cultural history, or on hiking in the surrounding area?

For the main travel overview: Lesu.