Location and population
Sâncraiu and its administratively affiliated villages are located between the crystalline frame of the Apuseni Mountains, represented to the west by Mount Horaița with Bogdan Peak (1,151 m) and Horaița Peak (1,050 m). Toward the Huedin Basin, the area is bordered by a chain of hills situated along the watershed between the Crișul Repede and Călata rivers.
The administrative unit currently comprises the following localities:
- Sâncraiu – the administrative center
- Alunișu, located 4 km west of the center
- Domoșu, 8 km east-northeast
- Brăișoru, 4 km northwest
- Horlacea, 12 km east of the center
The commune of Sâncraiu covers a total area of 56.83 km² and lies at an average altitude of 550–600 m, 56 km from Cluj-Napoca (the county seat) and 6 km from Huedin. The main roads crossing the area include: DN 1R Huedin–Beliș–Albac, DJ 103J Sâncraiu–Alunișu–Săcuieu, DC 126 Sâncraiu–Brăișoru (9 km), and DC 124 Huedin–Horlacea (5.25 km).
Geography
Morphologically, the region consists of hills with gentle or flat ridges that reveal traces of long-term erosion. Their elevations range from about 1,000 m in the south to 600 m in the north. Between the main valleys, erosion has exposed surfaces that slope slightly toward the northwest.
In the northeast, near the villages of Domoșu and Horlacea, the hills take the shape of truncated pyramids (Dealul Turdeanul). Both here and further north, the hills extend into plateau formations stretching toward Huedin.
Hydrography
The main watercourse is the Călata River, originating in the crystalline Boroleasa Massif and Măgura Călățelei. It is a tributary of the Crișul Repede River and flows from southeast to northwest, passing through the villages of Sâncraiu and Brăișoru.
The hydrographic network is relatively well developed and largely dependent on precipitation, particularly in the higher areas of the commune. Because of the steep slopes and valley basins formed mainly of impermeable rocks—clays and marls—runoff from rainfall and snowmelt is rapid, resulting in high flow rates that intensify erosion.
Climate
In terms of temperature, analysis of monthly averages shows that the lowest temperature is in January (-15°C), and the highest temperature is reached in July (+30°C). The temperature in the foothills is lower, with an annual average of around +6-+8°C.
