Csíkszenttamás

Csíkszenttamás (in Romanian, Tomești) is a Székely village in Harghita County, located on the eastern edge of the Csíki Basin, about 17 km from Miercurea Ciuc. The settlement lies at the western foothills of the Hagymás Mountains, in the valley of the Hidegség Stream, boasting rich natural and cultural heritage, as well as vibrant Székely traditions. The village takes its name from the Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint Thomas the Apostle, built at the end of the 18th century. Its Baroque-style tower still defines the character of the settlement today. The first written record of the village dates back to 1567. The population is predominantly Hungarian-speaking and Roman Catholic, preserving their folk, religious, and community traditions for centuries. The settlement is proud of several unique attractions. The Csonkatorony (Stub Tower) is the remnant of a medieval church, believed to have been the Romanesque tower of the former Saint Thomas church. Today, only its stump remains, but its sacred atmosphere and harmonious integration into the landscape make it a popular destination for pilgrims and hikers. According to legend, long ago, a young shepherd was grazing his flock at the site of what is now Feneketlen-tó (Bottomless Lake), which was then just a hollow in the hillside. On a hot summer day, while seeking shade, the shepherd heard a strange humming sound from beneath the ground. Moments later, the hillside trembled, the earth suddenly opened up, and a massive swirling torrent of water erupted from the depths, swallowing the shepherd, his dog, and the entire flock. People from nearby villages gathered and found only a vast, deep, dark lake where there had once been pasture. The water seemed bottomless – neither stick nor stone could reach its depths, and anyone venturing too close was pulled in by a mysterious force. This is how it got its name: Feneketlen-tó (Bottomless Lake). According to local folklore, secret underground tunnels stretch beneath the lake, leading into the heart of the Harghita Mountains. It is said that the lake "never gives back what it swallows," which is why locals long avoided it, especially at night. Another, gentler version of the legend tells of a fairy residing in the lake, guarding the treasures hidden deep within the earth. From time to time, she shrouds the lake in thick mist to ensure no one discovers the secrets she protects. Today, Feneketlen-tó is a tranquil, ecologically significant small lake on the outskirts of Csíkszenttamás. However, the place still exudes a palpable sense of mystery and legend, and locals continue to speak of it with respect and a hint of caution. One of the spiritual centres of the village is the Saint Anne Chapel, perched on a hilltop offering stunning views of the Csíki Basin. Next to the chapel is a Way of the Cross, which serves as a site for pilgrimages and outdoor ceremonies. The local mineral springs are also noteworthy: the mineral water of Csíkszenttamás is known for its healing and refreshing properties and has long been used for drinking cures. For nature enthusiasts, the surrounding hills and forests provide excellent opportunities for hiking, mushroom picking, and collecting medicinal herbs. In winter, ski tours and snowshoeing excursions are also possible. The village and its surroundings are home to an increasing number of rural guesthouses, offering accommodation, homemade meals, and personal hospitality. Nearby settlements – such as Csíkszentdomokos, Gyimesközéplok, or Csíksomlyó – are easily accessible, making Csíkszenttamás an excellent starting point for exploring the heart of Székely Land.