And what is important for the wooden houses in Maramures is the fact that such a house is much more than just a useful structure. It is above all a home, and the idea of renting or simply selling such an old house just for profit is simply unheard of. The house becomes a home and much more than just a dwelling for the family, it is a structure which makes an intricate part of the small village world. Nothing in here is just for show, nothing is too much or too litle, there is an interesting and surprising economy of shapes and lines both on the inside and on the outside. Built according to techniques and customs which are hundreds years old, passed on from generation to generation, they are cultural artefacts, little museums and, of course, very popular and interesting tourist attractions.
Yet, as seldom is the case, the main peril for the future existence of these wooden houses is not the degradation - they have stood for many decades and even over a century without needing much repair or renovation. Is not even the passing of time, for they keep their charm and their usefulness. It is not even the fact that such a tourist and cultural treasure is still not used and promoted as it could be, making it a brand and a definitive national element. Is it a simple but deadly enemy. Called progress. The modern world, the new technologies and the contemporary way of life, this is the main danger which threatens the existence of the wooden houses of Maramures. Which must be kept as such, restored if and when needed, sold to those who want to live in them and keep them alive. They must not be ignored, forgotten or replaced, for it is in no small part due to them that Maramures keeps it's beauty and identity.
Photo: http://bochis.ro/maramures/
