Wooden Church of Șurdești
Șurdești, Maramureș County · Maramureș
About Wooden Church of Șurdești
At a glance: Monasteries and churches in Șurdești, Maramureș County. Information verified on 7 October 2026.
The Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Șurdești stands in the Chioar Land, a few kilometres off the road between Baia Sprie and Cavnic. It was raised from oak beams on a stone foundation by the village's Greek Catholic community, under the local master carpenter Macarie. For the year of construction, CIMEC, Maramureș County Council and the parish monograph give 1721; other sources date it later, to the second half of the 18th century.
What makes it famous is the tower: 54 metres, and together with the cross and the body of the church, 72 metres from the ground. For a long time it was considered the tallest timber building in the world, until the 78-metre spire of the new Săpânța-Peri Monastery took the record. Since 1999 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Wooden Churches of Maramureș", as one of the site's eight churches (component 904-008).
The church is still the place of worship of the village's Greek Catholics. In April 2026 a fire destroyed the roof and tower of the parish's new church, still under construction; the UNESCO monument was not touched, and services have moved to the old church.
What you can see
Outside, the church has a double-eaved roof, with a second row of windows opening between the two eaves. On the west side, the later porch has two levels of superimposed arcades, with different spans but the same design, a rare feature in the region. A carved band shaped like a twisted rope runs around the walls. The tower rises above the narthex, with four small turrets at the base of its pointed spire.
Inside, the paintings of Old and New Testament scenes are done on strips of canvas laid between the beams. The iconostasis, with Baroque influences in both its painting and its gilded carving, bears the year 1783 and the name of the painter Ștefan, a craftsman from the neighbouring village of Șișești.
Good to know
There are no posted visiting hours: the church is opened by the parish priest or by the person who keeps the key, so it is best to phone ahead. Since the parish now holds its services here, avoid Sunday mornings and feast days.
- The 54-metre tower, with four small turrets at the base of its spire, seen from the meadow beside the church.
- The porch on the west side, with two rows of superimposed timber arcades.
- The Baroque iconostasis, bearing the year 1783 and the name of the painter Ștefan.
- The paintings on the canvas strips between the beams, with Old and New Testament scenes.
- The carved band shaped like a twisted rope that runs around the walls.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Baia Mare head east on the DN18 to Baia Sprie, then take the road towards Cavnic and the DJ182C to Șurdești; it is ~20 km (~30 minutes). Sighetu Marmației is ~55 km away (~1 hour 5 minutes) and Cluj-Napoca ~130 km (~2 hours 30 minutes). The church can be combined with the one in Plopiș, in the same commune.
Public transport: the nearest railway station is Baia Mare, ~20 km away; from there continue by taxi or car.
- Rules
The church is an active place of worship: dress modestly, keep quiet and do not visit during services.
Frequently asked questions about Wooden Church of Șurdești
- How do I get to Wooden Church of Șurdești?
- Wooden Church of Șurdești is located at next to the DJ182C, in the lower part of the village, Șurdești, Maramureș County. By car: from Baia Mare head east on the DN18 to Baia Sprie, then take the road towards Cavnic and the DJ182C to Șurdești; it is ~20 km (~30 minutes). Sighetu Marmației is ~55 km away (~1 hour 5 minutes) and Cluj-Napoca ~130 km (~2 hours 30 minutes). The church can be combined with the one in Plopiș, in the same commune. Public transport: the nearest railway station is Baia Mare, ~20 km away; from there continue by taxi or car.
- When is the best time to visit Wooden Church of Șurdești?
- The best season for Wooden Church of Șurdești: All year round (avoid Sunday mornings).
Reviews
Other attractions nearby
The closest attractions to Wooden Church of Șurdești, sorted by distance.
1 km from Wooden Church of Șurdești
11 km from Wooden Church of Șurdești
15 km from Wooden Church of Șurdești
