"The Land in the Clouds" Keeps Memories of an Old Romanian Lifestyle

Valentin Evstatiev, BTA correspondent Martina Gancheva

Photo: BTA/Martina Gancheva

Fundata, Central Romania,

07.10.2023 14:13

(BTA)

An old iron chandelier casts diffuse light upon a traditional terracotta oven which emits the sound of burning firewood. The smell of fried dough and icing sugar hangs in the air. The clock has stopped. Here, time is measured in memories, not minutes. The house is called Casa Pelinica and serves as a kind of museum for Fundata Commune in Central Romania's Brasov County.

"Coming through the door, you need to be careful if you are taller than 1.70 m. So, watch your head," the host, Ion Voicu, warns with a smile. He explains that the door frame was made low to keep more of the warm air from escaping the house.

Inside, I am greeted by eight mannequins wearing typical local costumes. Some of the clothes were made by Ion's mother, who is the heart and soul of this rather unusual museum. The place also provides accommodation for enthusiasts, mainly from other European countries, who stay here for a day or two. "They want to get an idea about what it is like to grow up in a village, something they could not experience as children. Milking cows, collecting eggs. We also own five big dogs to guard us from bears," Ion says.

Situated at 1,360 m above sea level, Fundata is the highest commune in Romania. It is often referred to as "the land in the clouds". A couple of days would be enough for a patient photographer to capture all possible types of clouds, seasons and terrains, the full range of Mother Nature's moods in one place. The area has a host of tourist attractions, including man-made wonders as well as stunning natural features (caves, gorges, waterfalls, peaks).

Just 180 km from the Romanian capital Bucharest, Fundata is a sport paradise. The local people take pride in the fact that cross-country skiing in Romania was born in this area.

A kind of cheese kept in fir tree bark is Fundata's trademark. It is a specialty of Southeastern Transylvania which dates back to the 14th century. The place also boasts the cleanest air in Romania. Many Romanians and foreigners come here to heal their lungs.

/VE/