A custom held on the second day of Easter, the mineralogical history of Săcărâmb and Vărmaga’s long, stretched-out settlement offer several different perspectives on Comuna Certeju De Sus. When planning your trip and accommodation, it is worth choosing a focus first: are you mainly interested in churches and historic landmarks, mineralogy or the landscape?
Traditions and Local History
“Ridicatul Steagului” is a 200-year-old custom in the commune of Certeju de Sus, held on the second day of Easter. Several young people beat the Toaca, a wooden clapper, while improvised pipes filled with carbide boom through the village; details of the performance may vary. The specific arrangements may also change from year to year. If the custom is a reason for your trip, check in advance whether it will take place that year.
Vărmaga was first mentioned in a document in 1492. Other historical points of interest are found in different parts of the commune: the ruins of Biserica Trăsnită stand on the ridge where the church once stood. In Hondol, Stânca lui Horea marks the place where miners from Certej, Hondol and Săcărâmb were mobilized to take part in the 1784 peasant uprising. Crucea Roșie in Săcărâmb is considered a landmark on the revolutionaries’ route to Alba Iulia in 1848.
Săcărâmb: Churches and Mineral History
The present-day Roman Catholic church in Săcărâmb was built in 1777. The Roman Catholic and Franciscan church in Săcărâmb stands on the volcanic cone of Calvaria Mică; abundant volcanic rock from the surrounding area was used in its construction. The history of the place can therefore also be explored through its church architecture and building materials.
The mineral history includes other precisely dated events. Krennerite was first described from Săcărâmb in 1877. Tellurium was described in 1802 by M. H. Klaproth from Săcărâmb in the Metaliferi Mountains; nagyagite was described in 1878 by A. Schrauf from Săcărâmb. Together with the churches and landmarks, these facts offer a glimpse into different aspects of Săcărâmb’s history.
Landscape Between Forest and Mountains
The 13-hectare Măgurile Săcărâmbului nature reserve is located within the village of Săcărâmb in the commune. It consists mostly of pure beech forests, with trees aged 70 to 90 years. The forest edges are home to a diverse butterfly population. Here, the forest and wildlife define the area’s connection with nature.
Vărmaga lies in the Munții Metaliferi at the foot of the Munții Auriferi, in a depression below Vârful Gurguiota. The village extends for more than seven kilometers along a watercourse. The landscape themes here are therefore distinct: at Măgurile Săcărâmbului, beech forest and butterflies take center stage; in Vărmaga, it is the location between the mountain ranges and the elongated shape of the settlement. Dealul Calvariei in Săcărâmb is an isolated volcanic cone. Tăul Făerag is considered the oldest reservoir in Hunedoara County and reaches a depth of up to 8.7 meters.
Connections and Choosing Accommodation
County road DJ 761 connects Certeju de Sus with Bocșa Mică and Săcărâmb. DJ 761A connects Vărmaga with Nojag and also provides access to the Certeju de Sus–Măgura Toplița–Toplița Mureșului corridor. Routes and road conditions may change; check your plans before departure.
When choosing a hotel, it is worth comparing its location with your itinerary: will churches, mineral history and landmarks be your focus, or the landscape around Vărmaga and the protected area near Săcărâmb? Compare the location of the specific accommodation with the places you want to visit, and take current route information into account. This will help you tailor your search to your own priorities.
Discover more destinations: Săcărâmb, Vărmaga, Comuna Hărău, Hunedoara, Comuna Densuș, Comuna Teliucu Inferior, Bosorod, Santamaria - Orlea
For the wider travel overview: Eisenmarkt.
