SÃPÂNTA

SÃPÂNTA, commune in NW extremity of Romania (Maramures county), situated on the river Tisa, in W Maramures depression, at the foot of the Ignis Mountains (Eastern Carpathians), elevation 500 m, 95 km NE of the municipality of Satu Mare (seat of Satu Mare county), on the border with the Ukraine; population 3,520 (July 1, 1991).

Spa known for its springs of bicarbonated, clorided, sodic, calcic, carbonated, isotonic mineral waters which are bottled here and marketed in the trade network as therapeutic mineral water. Given the high content of bicarbonic ions, the Sapanta mineral waters are recommended for internal cures in the treatment of hyperacid chronic gastritis (after the carbon dioxide has been eliminated from the water by stirring with a glass baton of by winnowing), gastroduodenal ulcers, chronic cholecystitis and chronic colitis, food allergies, simple forms of diabetes mellitus.

The commune has an original, one-of-its-kind cemetery (The Merry Cemetery) which was craftsman Stan Patras's idea in 1935. The croses carved and coloured by Stan Patras and his apprentices represent in caricature the good aspects and especially the imperfections of the deceased. The commune of Sapanta is also famous for its cottage industry turning out beautiful traditional woolen blankets, men's folk hats and folk costumes.

Last update: 2000, November 22
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