The Bihor County Council and the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Oradea have approved a strategic partnership for running the multi-annual program “Rehabilitation of wooden churches in Bihor County” between 2026 and 2030. The initiative aims to conserve 59 historical monuments and integrate them into a cultural-tourist circuit designed to boost the economic development of rural communities in the region.
The partnership agreement, approved in the regular meeting of the County Council on July 30, 2026, addresses a heritage representing approximately 5% of all wooden churches in Romania. Of the 59 historical monuments targeted, 15 are classified under Category A (national interest) and 44 under Category B (county interest). Due to the advanced state of degradation of many of these places of worship, the project includes urgent works to consolidate foundations, rebuild shingle roofs, set up drainage systems, and restore mural paintings and iconostases. Additionally, access infrastructure and tourist signage will be created.
Implementation will be coordinated by a joint committee consisting of six members (three representing the Bihor County Council and three representing the Diocese), whose meetings may also be attended by representatives of the Bihor County Directorate for Culture, certified restoration experts, and parish representatives. The committee will evaluate the condition of the monuments annually and set funding priorities based on degradation levels, heritage value, existence of technical documentation, co-financing from beneficiaries, and tourism potential.
The President of the Bihor County Council, Mircea Mălan, pointed out that the project aims both to protect local cultural identity and to revitalize rural tourism while supporting traditional crafts in hill and mountain areas. The list of funded monuments and allocated amounts will be approved annually by county authorities, subject to available funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wooden churches in Bihor County will be included in the project?
A total of 59 historical wooden churches will be preserved under the 2026–2030 multi-annual program, including 15 of national interest (Category A) and 44 of county interest (Category B).
What type of rehabilitation works will be performed on the churches?
The project includes foundation consolidation, rebuilding shingle roofs, installing drainage systems, restoring mural paintings and iconostases, as well as improving access infrastructure and tourist signage.
Who will oversee the implementation and funding priorities of the project?
Implementation is managed by a joint six-member committee from the Bihor County Council and the Orthodox Diocese of Oradea, which will annually assess the monuments and prioritize funding allocation.