Mária Route M05 trail in Harghita County

The M05 section of the Mária Route in Harghita County is particularly rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, following a gentle, south-easterly pilgrimage path that leads from Sovata to Lunca de Sus, passing through numerous iconic Székely villages. The route enters the county from Mureș County in the west and gradually traverses the Sóvidék region, the villages of Udvarhelyszék, then through Csíkszék to the mountainous borderlands of the Gyimes region. The landscape constantly changes: soft hills give way to dense forests, mountain ridges, enclosed valleys, and high-altitude settlements. The first major stop is Sovata, located on the road towards Odorheiu Secuiesc. From here, the trail leads to Siklód – a picturesque village clinging to the hillside, showcasing unique examples of folk architecture. In the areas of Etéd and Énlaka, pilgrims can not only experience spiritual reflection but also witness cultural treasures such as runic inscriptions and ancient churches. After Firtosváralja, the route passes through Székelypálfalva to reach Lupeni, the birthplace of Áron Tamási, where both folk religiosity and literary heritage are present. The fruit-growing regions of Oroszhegy and Zetea, along with their homemade pálinka and smoked delicacies, offer a special rural gastronomic experience. From here, the pilgrimage continues through Căpâlnița to Sântimbru, a small town at the foot of the Harghita Mountains, where the Székely brass band traditions are also alive. The route then gradually descends towards Șumuleu Ciuc, the centre of Marian devotion in Székely Land and one of the main destinations of the Mária Route. The pilgrimage church, the saddle, the calvary, and the Pentecost pilgrimage events live on in the shared memory of thousands of pilgrims. The pilgrimage continues eastward from Șumuleu Ciuc, passing through the villages of Delnița and Borzont, where medieval churches, carved Székely gates, and peaceful rural landscapes accompany the journey. Through Frumoasa, the route follows the valley, where local mineral springs and the remains of an Árpád-era church are noteworthy. The section concludes in Lunca de Sus, where the traditionalist communities of the eastern borderlands, the Csángó culture, and the closeness of nature reveal yet another facet of Székely Land's spiritual richness. This section not only traces the geographical arc of the region but also connects the three major centres of Székely spirituality: villages preserving folk traditions, religious sanctuaries, and literary memorial sites, while offering opportunities for physical and spiritual pilgrimage, encounters, and introspection. - editorial content -