Explore Rural Life in Moldova: Zagarancea Open-Air Museum
Nestled in the heart of the village of Zagarancea, Republic of Moldova, the open-air museum serves as a captivating window into the simple and peaceful life of the Moldovan people of the past.
Here, visitors can explore a variety of village households, each one meticulously arranged to reflect the traditional occupations of its inhabitants. The exhibits within these households, meticulously curated and passed down through generations, are displayed in five distinct sections. Notably, one section offers a fascinating glimpse into the art and practice of shepherding, a cornerstone of the region's history.
"Within our village," explains Sebastian Andriuță, "there are eighteen families whose very names evoke the proud tradition of sheepherding. Together with these families, we have constructed a dedicated sheepfold. This exhibit encompasses everything related to sheep husbandry – from the animals themselves and the loyal sheepdogs who guard them, to the production of cheese, whey, and other traditional Moldovan products. In this way, we have not only preserved these practices but also immortalised the way of life for countless individuals who have dedicated themselves to raising livestock."
The villagers themselves played a pivotal role in the museum's creation, demonstrating remarkable civic spirit and unwavering dedication. They actively participated in the Great Clacă (a traditional community effort to build houses), contributing their time and skills to bring this project to fruition.
"The villagers generously donated whatever they had available, particularly older items that held historical significance," Andriuță continues. "As a result, our museum boasts truly unique exhibits that cannot be found anywhere else. These include a tool for making everyday objects and materials traditionally used for roofing Moldovan houses. Even today, villagers continue to bring in cherished objects from various areas – items they no longer use but which hold immense cultural value. These contributions continuously enrich our collection."
A crowning jewel of the museum's collection is an authentic hut, lovingly built by local residents and aptly named "colibă" – a term signifying such dwellings.
"I am deeply honoured to be part of the colibă family," declares Vitalie Colibă, administrator of the Zagarancea Cultural Center. "As you can see, I chose to construct a colibă as a symbol of this heritage we hold dear."
The local community takes immense pride in this unique open-air museum, a treasure trove of the Ungheni District's rich heritage. Looking towards the future, plans are underway to expand the museum's collection by incorporating a house representative of the region's architectural style.
This meticulously curated open-air museum offers a poignant reminder of a bygone era, fostering a deeper appreciation for the traditional Moldovan way of life and the enduring spirit of the Zagarancea community.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
