Dealu Negru: Landscape, Cycling Tours and Culture

Landscape and Location

Dealu Negru lies in the transition zone between the Huedin-Călățele Depression and the Apuseni Mountains. The Huedin-Călățele Depression is called Țara Călatei. The landscape is characterized by mountainous terrain as well as spruce, fir, pine and birch forests. Dealu Negru lies between the localities of Călățele and Beliș. The Fântânele-Beliș Dam and the Râșca Transilvană Monastery are located in the surroundings of Dealu Negru.

The geographical references thus extend from the depression through the forested mountain slopes to the wider surroundings of the destinations mentioned. The location between Călățele and Beliș is also connected with the Apuseni Mountains and the depression locally called Țara Călatei.

Cycling Tours

The Vasvári cycling tour connects Lake Beliș-Fântânele with Beliș, Dealu Negru and Călățele. Its route leads from the lake through the two localities to Călățele. The tour is considered moderately difficult and is suitable for people who cycle regularly.

The Bánffy cycling tour uses the Râșca–Dealu Negru road. After approximately 2 kilometers, it reaches the Huedin–Beliș national road.

The two tours therefore refer to different starting points and routes: The Vasvári cycling tour describes a sequence of the lake and localities, while the Bánffy cycling tour emphasizes the Râșca–Dealu Negru road and the connection to the Huedin–Beliș national road. The approximate distance of 2 kilometers belongs to the Bánffy cycling tour.

Culture and History

The “Sf. Voievozi” wooden church in Dealu Negru, house number 4, is listed in the register of historical monuments of Cluj County. Its construction year is given as 1764; the church belongs to the Orthodox denomination. In 1935, the building was moved from Finciu in the same Călățele commune to Dealu Negru. As a historical monument, the wooden church burned down completely on June 26, 2012.

The Dealu-Negru branch church is dedicated to Saint Hierarch Spyridon. A traditional Șezătoare took place in the cultural hall of Dealu Negru. It was organized by the “Tudor Jarda” School of Popular Arts in Cluj-Napoca. At the same event, the examination for a weaving and sewing course with 69 female participants took place, coordinated by folk art master Elvira Gavriș.

For the Șezătoare, the inhabitants wore multicolored traditional costumes. Among the visitors were people from various parts of Romania.

The historical information about the wooden church thus ranges from its construction year, 1764, through its relocation in 1935 to the fire on June 26, 2012. In addition, the branch church’s patronage and the Șezătoare provide further ecclesiastical and cultural connections to Dealu Negru.

Festivals and Regional Traditions

The mushroom and forest-fruit festival in Dealu Negru was held for the first time in Cluj County. At the first festival, the inhabitants prepared a mushroom stew with garlic and Groșcior. They used a recipe described as 100 years old.

A potato festival was reported from the Râșca–Dealu Negru area in the Apuseni Mountains; it attracted thousands of participants every autumn.

The traditional festivals thus combine regional ingredients with recurring events: The mushroom and forest-fruit festival centered on a stew made according to a recipe described as 100 years old, while the potato festival was associated with autumn and the Râșca–Dealu Negru area.

From the Kitchen

In Dealu Negru, porcini mushrooms were first cleaned and chopped, then fried in lard and refined with garlic sauce and homemade cow’s cream.

The preparation of the porcini mushrooms also follows a clear sequence: Cleaning and chopping are followed by frying in lard; garlic sauce and homemade cow’s cream are added for refinement.

Other Places

Other places include: Negreni, Cluj-Napoca, Gherla, Câmpia Turzii, Margau, Frata, Satu Lung and Dej.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cluj-Napoca.