Ucea is a commune in the county of Brasov, Transylvania, Romania, located on road E60 connecting the capital to Sibiu. It is in the middle of the country, at the feet of Fagaras Mountains and it is made up of villages: Ucea de Jos (residence), Corbi, Feldioara and Ucea de Sus, all of them with an impressive history (13th century). The area is beautiful, with natural and historic potential, the people are hospitable, and they deal with agriculture and animal husbandry. The customs are kept from father to son, the children taking further the traditions of this place, the crafts and the old technique of painting glass icons.
Brief history
Ucea de Jos has been certified in documents in 1223, the king of Hungary, Andrew the 3rd, confirming the existence of some Romanian villages from Ţara Făgăraşului, among which Ucea, too. Village Ucea de Sus, located at the feet of Tarata, has been certified in documents ever since 1509. The name of the village comes from Ucea Mare Valley.
Village Feldioara is mentioned in documents dating back to 1307, where it is said that the borders were settled "after the old and real signs ". There are proofs that the Roman camp was built here in the 2nd century.
Village Corbi is located in the valley with the same name. The small settlement was part of Ucea boyard settlement during centuries 15th-16th, the first documentary certification being in 1509.
Touristic attractions
“The touristic objectives which may be visited on the territory of the commune are: Turnuri Chalet - location Golul Alpin, Podragu Chalet - location Golul Alpin, the Roman camp - location Feldioara and the old churches in the area, with valuable paintings and icons. The natural and cultural potential of the area grows the interest of tourists. The glass paintings of the pupils under the coordination of teacher Elena Banda are already famous at national level. We invite all those who wish to visit our area and we ensure them that they are not going to regret it. The traditional holidays are observed and they are a good opportunity to spend an unforgettable vacation.” declared Marian Valentin Bacila, the Mayor of commune Ucea.
The secrets of glass painting
Teacher Elena Banda initiates the children from commune Ucea in the secrets of glass painting. Their technique is unique and emphasizes the light, the shadow and the half-shade of the old icons until the 15th century. And one new thing, Elena Banda does enamel paintings, paintings in natural silk, silver thread paintings and gobelin tapestry. A painting displaying a peacock for which 14 meters of silver thread (7euro/m) were used represents a unique work. The house of the painter is a real museum and people can order whatever they want to. She is considered a good citizen by the inhabitants.
