carurile

Carurile are traditional wheeled vehicles used in Romanian-speaking regions to transport people and goods. The term refers to a family of carts and wagons, typically built of timber and fitted with iron hardware, pulled by animals such as horses, oxen, or donkeys. They vary in size, from small two-wheeled carts to larger four-wheeled wagons, and were common in rural life from the medieval period onward.

Construction and design elements usually include a wooden chassis, a flat or slightly curved bed, a pull bar (shafts) for the animal team, an axle system, and wheels with wooden spokes and metal rims. Some examples have simple seating for a driver, while others carry cargo or passengers. Protective coverings, when present, used canvas or leather.

Historically, carurile enabled farmers to transport harvests, tools, and livestock between fields and markets, and served as the primary means of local travel for many households. With the advent of railways and motor vehicles, their everyday use declined, but they remain a visible feature in rural heritage, fairs, and artisanal workshops.

Today, carurile are preserved as part of cultural heritage in museums and in regionally themed festivals. Restored vehicles are occasionally demonstrated in rural tourism programs to educate visitors about traditional agriculture and rural mobility.