Mănăstirea Bârsana

Bârsana Monastery in Maramureș is the most spectacular expression of wooden architecture in northern Romania, an ensemble of churches, cells and carved gates that seems a gateway to heaven. Although the present monastic community was re-established in the 1990s, the tradition of the place reaches much further back, and the new buildings were raised by local craftsmen in the authentic Maramureș style, with slender, soaring spires, cascading shingle roofs and lacework in wood. The main church, one of the tallest wooden structures in Europe, rises skyward above a well-tended flower garden.

The whole complex, set on a hill, breathes calm and craftsmanship. It is an essential stop on the trail of Maramureș wooden churches, some inscribed on the UNESCO heritage list. Modest dress is advised; check the visiting schedule.