Wooden gates of Maramures
In the past, only the noble ones had the right to build a big wooden gate. This correlation of the gate with a certain social status generated the construction of more imposing gates, decorated with sophistication, that would match the owner's social prestige. There were many talented gate master carvers that created genuine masterpieces. Massive beams, suggestive ornamental patterns turn Maramures gates into true arches of triumph honoring every household.

The ornament usually consists in a twisted rope that forms stylized solar patterns, life trees, crosses and other Christian symbols, all these massively carved out by the skillful sculptor. Other incisions and cuts representing animals, birds, snakes or antropomorphical figures, dates or names of the owner come to complete the image of a monumental work that combines archaic elements with modernist manifestations. Nowadays, one can admire many new gates that have recent decorative patterns, many of them meant to be very original, or to express the artist's creativity.