Discover Gherăești: Archaeology, Oina and Pilgrimage Route

Gherăești combines an archaeological site, a long-standing Oina tradition, a pilgrimage route and a landscape along the Ciurlic stream. At the “La Biserică” site is the archaeological site of Gherăiești, which is listed in the register of historic monuments of Neamț County. It includes a settlement dating from the 2nd to the 1st century BC. The Roman Catholic Church “Trupul și Sângele Domnului”, whose construction began in 1904, is also part of the commune’s cultural identity.

Culture and History

The name “La Biserică” refers to the specific archaeological site within Gherăești. The archaeological site there preserves evidence of a settlement from pre-Christian times and is registered as a historic monument in Neamț County. The church “Trupul și Sângele Domnului” adds a religious local landmark: Construction of the Roman Catholic place of worship began in 1904 in Gherăești.

The dates place the aforementioned local landmarks in chronological context: The settlement belongs to the pre-Christian period, while construction of the church took place in 1904. In its cultural programme for 2026, the cultural centre complements these historical references with cultural activities in the commune.

Oina in Gherăești

A distinctive local sports history is associated with Oina. Sports master Eugen Cocuț introduced the game to Gherăești in 1959 and simultaneously founded the commune’s first Oina team. The first Oina generation from Gherăești won medals at the National Championship, the Romanian Cup, the Village Cup and the Youth Cup.

The team’s subsequent record is also linked to specific competitions and periods. At the level of Neamț County and the Bacău region, respectively, it remained unbeaten for 25 years. It also took part in all national competitions organised by the Romanian Oina Federation.

Roads and Pilgrimage Route

The E85 national road crosses the commune of Gherăești on the Suceava–Roman–Bacău route. Within the commune, it passes through Gherăeștii Noi and Tețcani. A county road also runs through the commune centre, connecting the centre with Pildești in the commune of Cordun.

The “Camino de România – Neamț County” pilgrimage route begins in the north of the commune. From Gherăești, it runs south to Izvoare in the commune of Bahna. The route described therefore has a northern starting point in Gherăești and a southern endpoint in Izvoare.

This results in a clear spatial distinction between the routes: The E85 crosses Gherăești, while the Camino begins in the north of the commune and runs south to Izvoare.

Landscape along the Ciurlic

The Ciurlic stream shapes a section of the landscape within the commune. It meanders between gardens and houses across the plain and eventually flows into the Moldova River. Along its course, residential areas, gardens and the flat landscape thus meet before the water reaches the Moldova.

Events

The cultural programme of the commune of Gherăești for 2026 includes cultural activities at the Gherăești Cultural Centre. In addition, the “Zilele Comunei Gherăești” take place annually.

To the main travel overview: Gheraesti.