Tucked away in the small village of Dumbrava de Jos, in the Metaliferi Mountains of Hunedoara county, stands a wooden church that has anchored the local community for over 150 years. This is a place where the simplicity and craftsmanship of Transylvanian wooden architecture shine, crowned by a sturdy bell tower rising above the rooftops.

Built of wood in the mid-19th century, the church surprises with its generous scale - a pentagonal apse, a robust west tower with an open gallery, and a neo-baroque spire covered in sheet metal. The surrounding landscape is classic Hunedoara countryside - gentle hills, pastures and forests that turn gold in autumn and green in spring. It is a peaceful destination away from crowded trails, perfect for travelers who like to combine a countryside walk with a glimpse into local heritage and living faith traditions.

How to get there

• From Ribița commune center - local road to Dumbrava de Jos village, easy route, also accessible by car
• Walking route through the surrounding hills with valley views - moderate difficulty, good for a relaxed hike

Practical information

• Listed as a historic monument under code HD-II-m-B-03311
• Dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God
• A small museum in the nearby parish house displays icons from Dumbrava de Jos and Dumbrava de Sus
• Interior plastered, roof covered with tiles, tower last restored in 1999

Fun fact: the current church replaced an older one that burned down during the 1848-1849 revolution, from which some wall beams and a valuable icon of the Mother of God Hodegetria, painted by Constantin of Rișca, were salvaged.