Solonț: Churches, Customs and Landscapes of the Goșman Mountains

Solonț, Sărata and Cucuieți lie at the foot of the Goșman Mountains. Forested heights, hills rich in pasture, plains and numerous streams shape the varied landscape. Most of the streams flow into the Tazlăul Mare and the Tazlăul Sărat.

Landscape

The Solonț stream rises in the forested Zemeș Massif. From there, it flows eastwards through the villages of Solonț and Sărata and joins the Tazlăul Mare in the territory of the commune of Pîrjol.

In the vicinity of Solonț lies the Sihăstria Crucii hermitage in Cucuieți, five kilometres north of Solonț on the upper course of the Cucuieți stream. The sulphur- and chloride-rich waters of Solonț commune are considered an important tourism potential that could be developed for visitors.

The landscape thus combines forested heights, open hills, plains and waterways. The Solonț stream forms its own distinct geographical line: its source lies in the Zemeș Massif, its course runs through two villages, and its mouth lies in the commune of Pîrjol. The upper course of the Cucuieți stream is also associated with the site of the Sihăstria Crucii hermitage.

Culture and History

The village of Solonț is home to a Roman Catholic church dating from the 17th century. The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Solonț was built in 1767 by Iordache Pruncul.

In 1850, the church was repaired thanks to a contribution from Elena Sturza and furnished with ecclesiastical vestments and sacred objects. The Orthodox Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Solonț was renovated several times and structurally consolidated following earthquake damage.

The wooden Church of the Holy Voivodes in Cucuieți near Solonț is dated to 1749 in historical documents and is considered a historic monument. It is designated as a historic monument. On its north side are carved wooden consoles depicting the meeting of stylized ram and wolf heads.

The church of the Sihăstria Crucii hermitage in Cucuieți near Solonț is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and was built between 2000 and 2007.

The churches mentioned therefore bring together different historical periods and stages of preservation: the dates range from a church from the 17th century, through the construction of 1767 and the dating to 1749, to the construction of the hermitage between 2000 and 2007. The repair of 1850, later renovations and structural consolidation add to this local history.

Customs and Festivals

The 16th edition of the Nedeia de la Pădurăreni Festival was held in Pădurăreni in Solonț commune. Songs, dances and traditional costumes were presented at Nedeia de la Pădurăreni.

The Capra dance from Sărata includes representations or motifs of birth, marriage and death. In Solonț commune, young people perform the Capra dance at New Year; the first dance takes place at the town hall, after which the group visits the residents’ homes.

Local Cuisine

Local Easter customs include red eggs, sheep’s cheese, salad with spring onions and radishes, drob, roast lamb, and pasca filled with cheese or sour cream, more recently also with chocolate.

Transport

Public transport route 82 runs from Moinești via Solonț, Sărata and Cucuieți; a stop is listed for Solonț.

To the main travel overview: Solont.