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3 fairy-tale, unforgettable places to visit in Transylvania
3 fairy-tale, unforgettable places to visit in Transylvania
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Magical locations, villagers that are always smiling, always willing to share some stories about Prince Charles, fortified churches and fortresses, dating back to the 13th century, delicious jams and local brunches, hills and winding roads, on which you lose yourself – here are some of the unique experiences that you can have if you plan a visit in Transylvania region.
Biertan village, Sibiu County
Located in the heart of Transylvania, Biertan is a fairytale place which you have to visit in Transylvania, at least once in your lifetime. First mentioned officially in 1224, Biertan is one of the first Transylvanian Saxons settlement in the region.
The fortified church, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is the main “attraction”, where you will meet more foreigners than Romanians. The church is built in a late Gothic architectural style, with some Renaissance features and the triptych inside the church dates back to 1514 – 1523.
The fortification in Biertan is the best kept in the region and it consists of the Clock Tower, the Bell Tower, the City Hall Tower, the Catholic Tower, the Gate Tower and the Weaver’s Bastion.
Upon visiting the fortified church, however, many people want to know about the rather strange tower, called the “matrimonial prison”.
Legend says that, back in the day, the couples that wanted to divorce would be locked in the “matrimonial prison” – a room with a single bed, in which they had to share a single table, spoon and plate. The two would live there, until they would solve their difference and decide to remain married.
There are a lot of places around, where you can spend the night.
Our personal suggestion is that you do not leave the village until you have also walked its hills! You are in for a treat!
3 unforgettable locations to visit in Transylvania
Viscri village, Brasov County
Located off the main road, that links Brasov to Sighisoara, Viscri thrills the travelers with a beautiful Transylvanian Saxon fortified church, one of the 7 churches in Transylvania, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This must be a must on your itinerary during a visit in Transylvania.
There is usually silence all around the village and when you step inside the fortified church, dating back to 1230, you can almost hear your own thoughts. It is the oldest church of its kind in Transylvania and has been transformed into a museum by the Mihai Eminescu Trust Foundation. However, in this village, it is not the church who is the main attraction, but Prince Charles’ house, which the travelers look for.
After you visit the church, you can start chatting up the villagers, who will immediately start telling you about Prince Charles, his visits in Viscri, about the hiking trips the Prince takes, either by foot or by bike, on the hills surrounding the village.
You can also discover some other local legends. You just have to be patient to hear them all out!
During summer and early fall, the villagers have a certain “task” to perform, every evening. They come out of their yards and wait for their cows to come back home. This process is actually an entire show that you should not miss, with cows of various sizes and colors coming back home, after an entire day of grazing in the fields around the village.
When visiting Viscri, enjoy the slow, country life it offers, the beauty of the place and walk among the colorful houses.
Cisnadie town and Cisnadioara village, Sibiu County
Cisnadie town is an 8-century old town, which, in its prime was one of the most known crafts centers in Transylvania.
When you get to Cisnadie, located about 10 km out of Sibiu, your attention will be drawn to the tower of the Evangelic Church, in the heart of the town.
The Bell Tower was a true innovation for the Middle Ages, when it was built, as it was the first clock tower in Transylvania and the first tower east of Vienna, on which a lightning rod was installed.
Two km out of Cisnadie, the village of Cisnadioara showcases a fortified basilica, from the second half of the 12th century and the oldest, still functioning, pipe organ in Romania.
The legend around says that the round edged stones, that form the wall of the fortress were used for defense purposes. Each of Cisnadioara’s grooms, before their wedding day, had to lift one of these huge stones, from the base of the hill all the way up to the church perched high up, without using any equipment, in order to be considered a man of the village.
You can spend a relaxing and quiet day in Cisnadioara, during your visit in Transylvania. After a few minutes climb to the base of the fortress, you will be thrilled by the views. The place is surrounded by mountains, you will be able to see Cisnadie and, if you choose your visit time carefully, one of the most beautiful sunsets.
The Transylvanian Saxon settlements present in Transylvania are not only those villages which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but also smaller villages, within a short distance of each other, who offer the travelers views, stories and unforgettable memories, but also larger cities, with treasures waiting to be discovered! While enjoying your visit in Transylvania, be sure to take a lot of photos!
Have we made you curious? You can always contact us and plan a visit to these wonderful places!
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