Old House in Dumbrava

The village of Dumbrava, located in Mureș County, was first documented in 1393 under the Hungarian name Lyget, and by 1733, it was recorded as Dumbrava. Its name reflects the natural beauty of the region, once filled with vast meadows surrounded by ancient forests. Throughout history, the village endured numerous invasions and the passage of various armies, often resulting in the destruction of households. Yet, the people of Dumbrava always found the strength to rebuild, ensuring their community’s survival to this day.

One of the village’s most treasured landmarks is the Popescu family house, home to generations of Orthodox Christian priests who have served the local community. Built in the early 19th century, the house stands today as a living museum, filled with antique furniture made of white fir wood and chairs upholstered in buffalo leather, brought from the Austro-Hungarian Empire via the royal train.

During World War II, the Popescu house was used as the headquarters for German soldiers stationed in the area, likely due to the fact that Father Ioan Popescu and his wife were among the few villagers who spoke German. One of the officers asked the priest for an icon, but he refused to part with it. “You know I could shoot you for this!” the officer joked. Yet, the priest was neither harmed nor forced to give up his cherished icon.

A few years later, Russian soldiers stormed through the village, and Ioan Popescu’s house was not spared. They demanded his wife’s gold wedding ring, and when she couldn’t remove it from her finger, they were prepared to cut it off. Thinking quickly, the priest offered them a gold watch instead, and in doing so, he managed to protect his family.

These stories still live on in the memories of the children and grandchildren who remain in Dumbrava. Inside the house, framed portraits of past generations line the walls, their silent gazes watching over the home they once filled with life. Over the years, the family’s valuable icons and antique lamps have been stolen, but a few hand-drawn crosses remain on the blue-painted walls—marking the recent years when religious blessings were performed at the start of each new year.

Photos & text: Alex Iacob