Wooden Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Beznea
About Wooden Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Beznea
The wooden church in Beznea, a village of Bratca commune formerly called Delureni, is dated 1723 by the inscription on its entrance portal. The inscription, written by the deacon Toader, names Caba Gaboru the Elder as founder and the archpriest Isaiu of Oradea. The church is dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and is a historic monument (LMI code BH-II-m-B-01141). Some sources describe it as one of the largest wooden churches in Bihor.
The walls are of oak logs, encircled at mid-height by a carved belt in the form of a twisted rope. The shingle roof sweeps low over the porch, and above the narthex rises a tower with a lookout gallery and a tall, pointed spire. The church was enlarged in 1864, when the choir and the narthex were added and the interior painting was redone; the craftsmen Micula Pavel and Teodor Tonțiu are named among those who worked on it and helped pay for it. In the added part it can be seen that the rope is not carved into the log but made separately and fixed with nails. Further renovation took place in 1964–1965.
What you can see
The porch around the entrance has posts with timber arches and a board balustrade with cut-out hearts. On the west side the thick logs, joined at the corners, and the carved rope are visible. Inside survive the iconostasis, with royal doors of Baroque inspiration, and painting attributed to 1777, on wood and on canvas; sources disagree on how much of the mural painting has survived.
Good to know
Some sources give the dedication as the Baptism of the Lord, while Ioan Godea's monograph and tourist presentations give the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. This is a parish church; no official visiting schedule is published.
Information verified on 20 October 2026.
- The tall pointed tower with its lookout gallery above the shingle roof.
- The carved rope-like belt encircling the walls.
- The porch with a board balustrade cut with small hearts.
- The Baroque royal doors of the iconostasis.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Beznea is in Bratca commune, Bihor county, and the church stands on the DJ764D, in the village.
Public transport: no regular connection to Beznea is confirmed; a car is the safer option.
- Rules
This is a working parish church: dress modestly and keep quiet during services. Before photographing inside, ask the person who opens it for permission.
Frequently asked questions about Wooden Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Beznea
- How long does a visit to Wooden Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Beznea take?
- A visit to Wooden Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Beznea takes about 30 min (exterior, porch and churchyard).
- Can you visit Wooden Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Beznea with kids?
- Yes, Wooden Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Beznea is suitable for children (open grassy churchyard).
- Where can I park at Wooden Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Beznea?
- There is free parking at Wooden Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Beznea (by the road, nearby).
- How do I get to Wooden Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Beznea?
- Wooden Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Beznea is located at DJ764D, in the village of Beznea (Bratca commune), Beznea, Bihor County. By car: Beznea is in Bratca commune, Bihor county, and the church stands on the DJ764D, in the village. Public transport: no regular connection to Beznea is confirmed; a car is the safer option.
Reviews
Other attractions nearby
The closest attractions to Wooden Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Beznea, sorted by distance.
7 km from Wooden Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Beznea
28 km from Wooden Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Beznea
28 km from Wooden Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Beznea
