Traditional households Cerna

The commune of Cerna, located in the southwest of the Măcin Mountains National Park, stands out for its architectural variety and local traditions. The remaining traditional houses in this area accurately illustrate the specific style of local architecture. Until 1940, the community in Cerna was composed mainly of Bulgarians, living alongside Romanian families. Later, as a result of a population exchange, the Bulgarian community was replaced by Megleno-Romanians from Southern Dobruja, who settled in the area.

The style of traditional houses in Cerna is obviously influenced by Bulgarian architecture. It is characterized by roofs with wide and sloping eaves made of tiles or reeds, as well as by solid stone foundations and walls made of adobe. The facades of the houses are usually painted in white or blue and are decorated with elements specific to the area, emphasizing the authenticity of local traditions.

A distinctive feature of the houses in Cerna are the generous and shady porches, which add charm and functionality to the houses. These porches are located along the entire length of the main facade, or on a significant portion of it.

An emblematic example of vernacular architecture is the house where the poet Panait Cerna was born and raised. It reflects the style characteristics of the area, with high walls, blue-painted woodwork, contrasted by the warm white of the paintwork and a traditional cornice. The interior of this house houses objects of popular civilization specific to the area, such as decorative and useful fabrics, tools typical of local trades, but also a collection of documents and reproductions based on the manuscripts of the poet Panait Cerna.

The yards of households in Cerna are generous, having a minimum area of 2000 square meters. They house various household annexes, each with a well-defined role. The barn, exemplifying the agricultural nature of the household, is an important place for storing crops. The stable serves as a shelter for the domestic animals, and the fodder shed is the fodder store. The bread oven, the henhouse (here called curnic) and the sheepfold complete the picture of a life based on industriousness and perseverance.

The summer kitchen, also called ascana, is the place where the traditional culinary art of the community is preserved and transmitted. Various dishes and pastries are prepared here, such as pies, doughs, cakes and pies specific to the Meglen cuisine. These delights are baked with care in bread ovens or on ascanala stoves, maintaining the authenticity of the taste and local traditions.

In the center of Cerna village, near the village church, is the Memorial House of the poet Panait Cerna. Here, visitors can learn more about his life and work.

The exhibition in the 3 rooms presents information, photographs, documents, official documents, reviews and works of the poet. Other rooms recreate the traditional interiors of early 20th century homes with authentic furniture and fabrics.

In the courtyard, visitors can see traditional agricultural tools, which reflect one of the main occupations of the area.

Dumitru Cerna, also known under the pseudonym Dumitru Bobină, was born in 1955 in the Cerna commune and is another personality of the area. He is a poet, publicist, prose writer and essayist, based in Cluj-Napoca. He obtained the title of doctor in philology with distinction and is a member of the Romanian Writers' Union.

Last but not least, the town of Cerna gave another man of great value: Ioan Simiti. Born on October 1, 1928 in the Southern Dobruja region, he became a doctor of pharmaceutical sciences with a thesis on chemical substances. He has written more than 130 articles in the country and abroad, collaborating with other experts on the development of inventions and innovations. He made a significant contribution in the field of pharmacy and chemistry, being present at national and even international conferences and congresses, as well as at academic events.