Discover the Saxon roots of Transylvania in a one-day private trip from Brasov. You will explore the quaint villages of Viscri and Biertan, guarded by their fortified churches, the impressive Sighisoara Citadel, the Rupea Fortress. Embark on a medieval journey and discover the secrets of Transylvania, a land famous for its glorious history and legends that date back to the Middle Ages.
Your first destination will be Viscri, one of Transylvania’s Saxon Villages, famous for its Fortified Church included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Viscri's Fortified Church is a Lutheran church built in a Romanesque style, which was fortified in 1500. Its halls were lengthened and linked to the keep. The old houses of Viscri, some of which were built hundreds of years ago, have a particular charm given by their pale colors and windows covered by shutters. This peaceful village is only occasionally disturbed by a wooden carriage that crosses its dusty roads.
You will then head to Sighisoara, a city whose historical center is also included in the UNESCO heritage list. This is one of the few inhabited fortress-cities in Europe and it is one of the best preserved in the world. Due to its remarkable architecture and stunning surrounding landscape, the city earned the name of “The Pearl of Transylvania” ever since the end of the 19th century.
Next, you will visit a village that was mentioned in official documents for the first time in 1224. The village of Biertan was presented in a BBC reportage as “one of Transylvania's seven Saxon UNESCO World Heritage Village, frozen in time”. Today, the settlement is known worldwide due to its Fortified Church, restored with funds raised by former inhabitants of the village which are now spread all over the world.
Before heading back to Brasov, you will stop at a former Dacian settlement, Rumidava. During the Roman occupancy, the name of the settlement was changed to Rupes, and here we will visit Rupea Citadel, erected on the Cohalmului Hill, that silently guards the city. The Citadel was constructed and extended in the 14th and 17th centuries, and it served as a safe haven for the surrounding villages.
Your tour will end in Brasov, where you will take a tour of the city center and discover the history of the Black Church.