Cisnădioara/Michelsberg

The legend says that before their wedding the men of Cisnădioara had to roll a big rock up to the fortified church. This was not an easy task for them because the church lies on a high hill above the village. The stones collected in this manner were further used in case of a siege and rolled down the hill to crush the enemies. Part of this tradition is still practiced today. Many young men still push huge rocks up the hill on their wedding day in order ransom their brides, who have been kidnapped during the wedding party, which is another old tradition.

Inside the fortification above the village one of the oldest churches in the country, built between 1200 and 1250, can be found. Two stair galleries lead from the church nave through the mighty exterior walls into the remains of the never completed towers.

Cisnădioara was one of the few villages in Transylvania, which had been inhabited almost exclusively by Saxons until after 1989.

Mălâncrav/Malmkrog

In the last years Mălâncrav became known primarily for its visits of Charles, Prince of Wales. After a cautious restoration the former mansion of the Apafi family, once used by his Royal Highness, is open for visitors today. Alongside, a little further up the hill from the village the Evangelic Lutheran Fortified Church has been erected. In the Roman church visitors can find one of the best-preserved examples of 14th century linear-narrative gothic painting in Transylvania. At a length of about 20 meters, the biblical salvation history is depicted in numerous images. The paintings date from the 14th Century.

Mălâncrav is one of the last villages in Transylvania that still has a large Saxon community preserving numerous traditions. The village lies at the end of a beautiful valley and is surrounded by a gentle hilly landscape. A dense network of hiking trails leads to the neighboring villages.

A wide range of accommodations in private homes is available in Mălâncrav. Especially in the summer months, it is the perfect place to rest and relax for a few hours or days.

Cârţa/Kerz

The ruins of the Cistercian monastery of Cârţa are an impressive testimonial of the eventful history of Transylvania. Through the construction of the monastery, around 1200, the easternmost abbey of the order was erected. Scarcely 50 years after its establishment the ensemble was destroyed by the Mongolian invasion and it had to be rebuilt afterwards. In the 15th Century the downfall of the monastery began. The buildings were damaged again by Ottoman attacks and partly burnt down. The dissolution of the abbey took place in 1471. While the chapel was being used as a parish church by the developed village, the remaining living spaces and farm buildings of the monastery decayed.

The ruins survived over the centuries until today. They are affectionately maintained and can be visited. Marginally to the whole ensemble is the evangelic protestant parsonage of the Saxon community. Professional guidance is offered there.