Gyergyócsomafalva

Gyergyócsomafalva (in Romanian: Ciumani) is a Székely village with nearly 5,000 inhabitants, located in the northern part of Harghita County, in the Gyergyó Basin. It lies in the valley of the River Maros, surrounded by the mountain ranges of the Eastern Carpathians. The village, with its traditional rural lifestyle, forestry, and cultural heritage, is an important part of the social and economic fabric of Székely Land. The settlement is characterised by scattered homesteads, traditional Székely houses, carved gates, and stone crosses. The Roman Catholic church in the village centre, built in the 18th century in Baroque style, dominates the landscape with its tower visible from afar. The village also lives through the world of legends: locals tell the story of the "Gold Digger" forest, where gold was once sought – but it later turned out to be a uranium deposit, and the yellowish spring water caused by this gave rise to the tale. The legend of the "Várkő" or Jerika's Rock is a highlight for the community: according to the myth, a tyrannical leader, Álmos, and his wife Jerika oppressed their own people. Jerika sacrificed her son, but guilt and the community's protest ultimately led to Jerika and Álmos turning into rocks – the Várkő and Jerika's Rock can still be seen nearby. Traditionally, the village's economy has been dominated by forestry and wood processing, shepherding, and the increasingly popular rural tourism. The locals proudly preserve their traditions: folk costumes are still worn, community celebrations, dance houses, and craft workshops are frequent. Gyergyócsomafalva is an excellent starting point for exploring the Gyergyó Mountains, the Görgény Mountains, or the Bicaz Gorge–Nagy-Hagymás National Park. The trails along the Maros River, lookouts, and springs offer tranquil experiences for both hikers and nature photographers. In winter, the area is also suitable for cross-country skiing and winter excursions. The village is accessible by rail (from Gyergyószentmiklós) and by road. Guesthouses and chalets in the village provide authentic hospitality, often offering homemade meals and local products. Gyergyócsomafalva is for those seeking the true face of Székely Land – a place where nature and tradition are not museum exhibits but an everyday reality. - editorial content -