Where is the legendary tree from Romania that is “green” even in winter. It is also called the “enchanted tree”

On the road that crosses the Apuseni Mountains between Baia de Aries and Câmpeni stands a tree with a history full of legend, known as the “enchanted tree” or “Emperor’s Beech”. It is a point of attraction on National Road 75, located on a hilltop near the village of Muncelu.

More than five centuries old, this beech gave birth to a legend that has been passed down from generation to generation. The access to this tree is through the forest, on a path still frequented by the locals, and its imposing appearance generated the name “Emperor’s Beech”.

The legendary tree would have been planted 500 years ago

The oral tradition of the place states that the tree has been rooted for over 500 years. Over time, its foliage dries up, but remains attached to the branches throughout the winter. The leaves turn brownish-brown in autumn and remain on the tree until spring, falling only when new leaves appear.

According to legend, this is where the “Crăișorul Munților”, Avram Iancu, met with the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef, to negotiate a pact, which is why the tree is also known as the “Emperor’s Beech”.

However, this legend does not find confirmation in history, because Avram Iancu refused to meet the Austro-Hungarian Emperor in 1852, when he visited the Land of Motilor.

According to the official version of the legend, passed down from generation to generation, it is said that around 1850, after the social unrest of 1848 had subsided, the emperor from Vienna traveled to the Aries Valley to meet with Avram Iancu and calm the spirits .

Avram Iancu was playing the flute when he caught the emperor’s attention

During his journey to Campeni, it is said that the Emperor stopped in the shade of the tree, where he heard a whistling song. Being asked about this song, the traveler tells him that it is performed by Avram Iancu. Hearing this, the Emperor sent an emissary to invite Avram Iancu to a meeting, but he categorically refused.

Another legend suggests that there was an ancestral road that passed over the mountains, and a monk would have stopped at this place to rest and quench his thirst, also benefiting from the presence of a spring nearby. After the monk blessed the place, a miraculous beech tree was said to have grown from the ground, and the nearby spring would have healing powers, writes newsweek.