eduard ersek: santimbru bai

Here are a few facts about Santimbru-Bai:

The village Sântimbru-Bai is situated on the Harghita mountain ridge at an altitude of around 1200 m. It is known especially for gaseous emanations (the strongest in Harghita mountain range), used to treat rheumatic symptoms. In the last ten years at Sântimbru-Bai almost 750 houses were built. The gaseous Mofettes used nowadays for treatment were originally dug by shepherds for their own use.

The gases released here have a high content of carbon dioxide and sulfur and are among the best in Romania due to their positive effects on health. The gases are made up of 99% carbon dioxide (CO2) and 1% hydrogen sulfide (H2S) with a smell that reminds of rotten eggs. The mineral water here is primarily indicated for the treatment of rheumatic and loco motor problems. Gas which is rich in sulfur (containing radon) invigorates the body's metabolism and regulates the central nervous system functions. The therapeutic effects of this place are used in an organized manner since 1920. Mofettes were built in 1960, and saunas five years later in 1965. Over the past 230 years thousands of disabled, people suffering with rheumatic problems, arthritis and arthritic pain have improved their health in this place.

The place lacks a viable infrastructure. Accommodation is possible only in villas and private homes and the access road is a gravel one. Only a few small shops are open during the summer.

A deposit of mercury was exploited during the 1970-1980. The mine of cinnabar (sulfurous rock from which mercury was extracted) is closed now, but still poisoning the soil and water, this being a telling example of the reckless industrialization from communist times, leaving scars on the land for today's generations. Nature is recovering slowly from these man-caused wounds.

The village is located in a beautiful scenery where dense coniferous forests alternate with mountain meadows.