Places
Fortified Church
The Unitarian church in Dârjiu (Székelyderzs), declared a UNESCO monument in 1999, is one of the most important fortified churches in Transylvania.
The most valuable assets of the monument are the wall paintings from the 15th century, of which the most important is the series of paintings depicting the legend of St. Ladislau, made in 1419 at the behest of István Ungi's son. The paintings are in a very good condition.
Among the church's attractions is the brick found in 1929 with Szekler runic writing, still visible today. The experts date the creation of this brick somewhere between 1274 and 1431. The content of the inscription is subject to discussion, a version of the text being "Miklós Derzsi apa-pap" (Miklós Derzsi father-priest).
Ramparts were built on the inner side of the fortress, but in 1788 they were dismantled, because there was no need for their protection. The wall is interesting due to the barns built on the inside, where the villagers could keep their goods and store the cereals.
The church has rooms over 5 m tall and thick walls that keep a constant temperature indoors, regardless of the season. For hundreds of years, villagers have deposited their supplies of smoked meat and bacon in them, which is why the church is also known as the Bacon Fortress.
Each family in the village has at least one wooden nail in the tower where the meat, sausages, bacon and smoked ham are stored. Nails are inherited from generation to generation and are not given away, the number of nails held indicating the social status of the family in question.
Every Wednesday, when the rooster crows - according to the rules established in the medieval times and still in effect today - the bell begins to ring, announcing the villagers that the gates of the fortress will open and they can come to make provisions for a week.
Visitors can take part in the "bacon ceremony" every Wednesday, if they announce their presence a few days earlier. If they wish, the visitors can register by phone, even from abroad, and after paying a tax, they could taste the meals at the "bacon feast". The feast starts with a plum brandy called pălincă, which increases the appetite, followed by sheep curd cheese, ham, traditional smoked bacon, other goodies from the local gastronomy and homemade wine.
Sources info and photo: http://virtualisszekelyfold.ro/; https://www.mediafax.ro/
Dârjiu 537075, Romania
Fortified Church
The church is located in the northeastern part of the village. It was built in the Gothic style in the 15th century, present only in three sanctuaries today.
The church took its present form after a restoration in 1806, when its style was changed to Baroque, the nave was lengthened and a new ceiling was cast. Also, the tower of the church was built.
A valuable artifact is its winged altar, made in 1510. In 1914 it reached the National Museum of Hungary, and now it can be seen in the permanent exhibition of the National Gallery of Hungary.
The bells of the historic monument church were cast in the first half of the 16th century to honor the Holy Spirit, the smaller one being hallowed in the honor of St. Anthony of Padua.
Next to the church, there is a special attraction - the oldest tree of the Ciuc areay, known in the area as the Leliceni linden tree. The 500-year-old tree has earned the first place in the European Tree of the Year contest in 2010.
Text and photo source: http://virtualisszekelyfold.ro
Leliceni 537268, Romania
Fortified Church
The ancient origin of the church is indicated by two stone inscriptions: the year 1230 inscribed above the western window of the outer wall of the sacristy, and the year 1247 inscribed in a stone of the church fence.
The church today has a polygonal shape, with a beautiful apse, a baroque-modified nave and a tower built in the late 18th century.
The sanctuary has preserved its Gothic style. The corners are supported by buttresses, the Gothic windows has lace, the vault is supported by lintel. There is a monstrance box on the northern wall of the sanctuary. A bas-relief of the Holy Trinity could be seen on the front of the hall built on the southern side of the church.
A part of a mural representing the battle scene from the legend of Saint Ladislau was recently discovered on the northern wall of the nave. Other murals were discovered on the northern side of the sanctuary. A painting that represents the figure of a rider is probably a 17th century creation.
Text and photo source: http://virtualisszekelyfold.ro/
Misentea 537269, Romania
Fortified Church
The Roman Catholic Church in Racu is on the edge of the Gârciu village. The location of the church at the edge of two villages is most probably explained by the fact that it was originally built as a church of several villages, many similar examples being given in this sense.
The church was built in the 18th century. The cross vaults and the portico-shaped structure in front of the southern arched entrance were built in 1758, when the church was rebuilt in Baroque style.
An irregular-shaped wall, dating back to the 17th century, surrounds the building. Its entrance has an arched Baroque façade.
The tower of the church is unique throughout the region due to its drawings, which are pagan symbols. This led to a possible dating of the church in the 12th – 13th century. Recent research, however, casts doubt on this hypothesis and supports, with proof, the origin of the drawings in the 17th century.
Individual and group visits to the church can be arranged by appointment by calling +40 744 664 386.
Text and photo source: http://virtualisszekelyfold.ro/
Racu 537298, Romania
Mansion
Family-friendly attraction
Monument
The Henter family of Sepsiszentivány probably built the still standing mansion in the 18th Century, presumably on the spot of an earlier structure connected to the Hadnagy family.
During the 18th Century the ill-fated Ádám Henter Sr. lived and worked here along with his wife, Krisztina Sármasági. Their son, the eventual Baron Ádám Henter Jr. (1714-1781) was born here, and following the Siculicidum he became the King’s Judge of Csíkszék. He, along with his wife, Borbála Nagy of Petk, is remembered by local knowledge as the patron of the settlement, since he offered significant help with restoring the local church. The family’s next member, Baron Antal Henter (1748-1824) served as imperial chamberlain and sheriff of Udvarhelyszék, his wife was Countess Anna Heller. Out of their six children József Henter (1791-1867) was the last male descendant of the family. With his demise the Henter family’s branch, which received the Baron title, completely died out. József Henter, known for his charity, his patronage of the theather and museums, was buried in the family crypt in Csíkszentimre, even though he had lived in Kelementelke. In his will he left a significant sum for building the church’s tower in Csíkszentimre. His only heir was his adopted daughter – the Baroness from Zágon, Irén Szentkereszti.
In 1878 Endre Székely from Pókakeresztúr (1835-1903) the sheriff of Csíkszentmárton bought up the sizable estate and moved in the mansion along with his wife, Adél Babolcs. At this time the local vicar, Sándor Veress noted in the domus historia that „this transaction was very much to the advantage of the village.”
In 1922 the local parish bought parts of the estate from the heirs of Endre Székely, „along with the mansional house and with the outbuildings.” – noted in the domus historia by vicar Balázs Kovács. Later the parish was forced to give up the building of the parochial school in favor of the state, and so in 1948 the denominational school moved into the building. This structure also served as the cultural center of the village while also housing the local cinema from 1934 until the erection of the newly built cultural center, in 1973. István Salló, teacher and cultural organizer created the first village museun of the Csík-basin in the mansion. During the 1970’s a few rooms were still utilized as classrooms, but after this the building stood empty for decades and almost went completely derelict, even though there were several attempts after the regime change in 1989 to restore the building, with the cooperation of the Szekler Museum of Csík.
In 2011 the Mayors’s Office of Csíkszentimre bought the building for 233335 leis. Its restoration took place between 2020 and 2023 with the help of the European Union, within the framework of the Regional Operative Program. The plans for the restoration were carried out by several architectural companies, led by the architect Szabolcs Guttman and coordinated by the Vallum Inc. from Csíkszereda and Szabolcs Korodi.
VISITING PROGRAM
Visits to Henter Mansion are by appointment.
For reservations call +40 788 125 166 at least three working days before arrival, at Monday to Friday between 9AM to 3PM.
Ticket price: 10 RON/person
The garden of the Mansion can be visited free of charge. By scanning the QR codes on the trees, you can learn information about them.
Sântimbru/Csíkszentimre 537271, Romania
Monument
Jézuskiáltó means, in direct translation, the "Cry of Jesus" because, according to a local legend, the locals defeated the Tatars on the hill. The place has a strong echo, so the locals screamed the name of Jesus, and the Tartars, hearing the terrifying sounds, believed they would face a large army, which they couldn’t hope to defeat.
The cross, located at 537 m altitude, was erected by the Roman Catholic Church on the site of a wooden cross that guarded the horizon for decades.
The cross and the memorial plaque hold the memory of the 144 heroes who died on duty in the First World War.
sources:
http://www.legendarium.ro/jezus-kialto
https://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sz%C3%A9kelykereszt%C3%BAr
http://keresztur.ro/index.php/hu/varosunk/varostoertenet
Sources of images
http://www.magasbol.ro/index.php/telepuelesek/varosaink/78-szekelykeresztur
https://www.facebook.com/magasbolszekelyfold/
Cristuru Secuiesc 535400, Romania
Monument
Vila 49, azi Vila ”Emil”, este o importantă clădire istorică specifică pentru arhitectura balneară din localitatea Borsec. Aceasta a fost restaurată și consolidată prin Programul Operațional Regional, Axa prioritară 5.1, Prioritatea de investiții 5.1 – Conservarea, protejarea, promovarea și dezvoltarea patrimoniului natural și cultural.
Obiectivul principal a fost impulsionarea dezvoltării locale prin conservarea, protejarea și valorificarea patrimoniului cultural și a identității culturale. Astfel, clădirea restaurată și consolidată poate fi pusă în valoare prin acitvități culturale, muzeale, expoziționale și de turism cultural-educaționale, specifice unui Centru expozițional balneoclimateric, care să facă posibilă vizitarea obiectivului într-un cadru organizat. Prin implementarea acestui proiect se are în vedere diversificarea vieții culturale a orașului, crearea unui nou punct de atracție pentru turisți, dar și un motiv de mândrie pentru localnici.
Vila a fost construită în anii 1938 și figura sub numărul 51, proprietarul fiind Antal Constantin Emil din localitatea învecinată, Toplița.
Clădirea reabilitată se află în proprietatea Primăriei Orașului Borsec din anul 2016 și este categorizată de către Ministerul Culturii ca și monument istoric.
Vila 49 sau „Vila Emil “, situată pe strada Primăverii nr. 11, în apropierea a mai multor obiective turistice, cum ar fi Poiana Zânelor, izvoarele de apă minerală Kossuth și Petofi, Pârtia de schi/bob de vară „Speranța”, va avea rolul unui Centru expozițional, cu posibiltate de vizitare.
În cadrul Centrului expozițional poate fi admirat arhitectura anilor 1930, acesta oferind o viziune și asupra perioadei de funcționare prin amenajarea unor spații cu mobilier de epocă.
Strada Primăverii 13, Borsec 535300, Romania
Monument
Open
The 1000-Year Old Border at Ghimeș Făget is not only a place of historical significance but also offers numerous attractions to visitors. Here are some of the most important tourist sites:
1. Railway Watchtower No. 30
It was built during the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and was the easternmost railway watchtower of historical Hungary. Today, it houses a railway history exhibition, showcasing the railway life of that period and the history of border surveillance.
Bilibok Ágoston
0721814734
2. Ruins of Rákóczi Castle
The ruins of the castle, built in the 17th century, are located on the hill above Railway Watchtower No. 30. It can be reached via a steep staircase, from where there is an impressive view of the Tatros Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Currently under construction, so it is not accessible for visits!
3. Gyimes Quarantine (Kontumác)
The quarantine station built in the 18th century, where travelers were isolated during epidemics. On the premises of the quarantine station is also the Kontumác Chapel, which provided spiritual support to those in quarantine.
4. Border Stone with the Tilted Cross of the Holy Crown
The former border stone marking the eastern border of historical Hungary, with a special decoration: the tilted cross of the Holy Crown.
5. Nature and Landscape
The area is distinguished by its stunning natural beauty: green mountain slopes, meadows, and the valley of the Tatros River, offering excellent opportunities for hiking and nature exploration.
These attractions together provide a unique experience, combining history, culture, and the beauty of nature.
Ghimes - Faget, Romania
Monument
In the past centuries, many water sawmills worked in Zetea commune, due to the forest-rich area, and the presence of high-speed mountain rivers and high falls. Most of the buildings have deteriorated over time, being abandoned or replaced by modern power-operated facilities.
Currently, this is the only functional water sawmill in the central area of the country. It works in the memory of the old sawmills, bringing their essence to the present.
Photo source and text: http://vizifuresz.ro/
Izvoare 537362, Romania
Monument
The Heroes’ Mausoleum is located on the Topliţa-Borsec Road, at the edge of Topliţa. It was built on the initiative of “The Cult of The Heroes” Society, and was inaugurated in 1925.
At the base of the mausoleum there is the ossuary that shelters the bones of 771 Romanian soldiers fallen in battle in 1918 in this region. Of these, 25 are identified, and placed in individual niches, and 746, unidentified, are deposited in the ossuary.
There are 18 white and black marble plates on the walls of the building, on which the names of Romanian heroes are written.
Photo source: https: //once.mapn.ro/, Georgeta Maiorescu
Strada Toplița, Romania
Monument
The characteristic symbol of the region's social and economic past is the mill, the machine that used the power of water. In the region, traces of several water mills can be found, but few of them are operational. More and more Szekler settlements recognize that the hundred-year-old water mills can be useful nowadays - especially as tourist attractions, because these "miraculous machines" are truly interesting and stir the curiosity of the people.
The Tinka Mill, which was built in 1890 and is currently a historical monument, shows those interested how the ancestors used the power of the Békény creek to grind the wheat into flour. The Tinka mill currently has both museum and functional value.
Every year, the events organized in the courtyard of Moruna Tinka in Gheorgheni, where every visitor can take a look and discover the secrets of the mill and those of various folk crafts, have a great success.
Gheorgheni, Romania
Monument
The Tulgheş water mill was built from wood in 1875 and today it is still in operation.
Thesawmill is a saw with several straight, vertical blades that work with alternate movement, driven by the power of the water flowing through a water wheel.
The Water Mill and Sawmill Complex in Tulgheş has been declared a historical monument with the code HR-ll-m-B-12991, and is included in the Catalog of Monuments and Architectural Ensembles of the National Cultural Patrimony at 21.B0268.
Text and photo sources: http://www.cesavezi.ro/; http://www.ana-iorga.ro/
Tulgheș 537330, Romania
Monument
Landmark
The windmill in Călugăreni/Homoródremete is a monument of local importance. The building from the 19th century is unique in Harghita county. Another curiosity is that at that time a water mill was built next to it.
The monument changed its owner in 2001, and the new owner transformed the building in a romantic style. The two-levels building has a round shape and is covered with shingles. The first floor has stone walls, which are divided by simple windows with square closure. At the top of the walls there is only a semicircular window.
The windmill, considered a local curiosity, does not work since the 19th Century - it is just a special attraction of the region.
Călugăreni 537178, Romania
Monument
It is the work of the sculptor Szervátiusz Jenõ and his son, Tibor (1972-74). The monument is carved from a rock 3 meters tall, 1 m in width, weighing 8 tons, brought here from the Harghita Mountain. Characters from his works are represented on it: Magdó, the young man in love from the story Énekes madár, "Jégtörõ Mátyás and the devil," from the novel "Ördögváltozás Csíkban", and the young pastor from the Trilogy Ábel, the writer's most acclaimed work.
Lupeni 537165, Romania
Monument
The SICULICIDIUM monument in Siculeni is a historical monument according to the Harghita County Monument Register (1992).
The monument, built on a plan drawn by the architect Tamás József from Miercurea-Ciuc, was inaugurated on 8 October 1905. The bird on the central pillar is the work of the famous sculptor Köllő Miklós from Ciumani, and has a 2.6 m wingspan.
The monument commemorates the massacre on 7 January 1764, when the Austrian imperial troops killed more than 200 Szekler martyrs.
In 1891, following the proposal of Orbán Gyula, a committee was set up to raise funds for the construction. The name of the SICULICIDIUM monument is actually a cipher - the letters converted to Latin numbers give the sum of the year of the massacre - 1764. The Latin name has the meaning "the killing of the Szeklers" or "the extermination of the Szeklers".
The commemorative plaque has a brief description of the events, the date of sanctification (1899) and a poem commemorating the action of the Szeklers who resisted tyranny and died for their rights and freedoms, leaving behind an example for the following generations.
Text and photo sources: http://www.enciclopediavirtuala.ro/, https://www.harghita.ro/
Siculeni 537295, Romania
Monument
Landmark
Orbán Balázs was born in Polonita village near Odorheiu Secuiesc, in an old Szekler family. He studied in Odorheiu Secuiesc, but in the spring of 1846 he left his native lands to return only in 1859. During the years of absolutism and the relatively short relaxation period after that, he traveled to the Szeklerland. He arrived in every locality, visited all the ruins and natural attractions, taking notes and immortalizing them with a camera. Between 1868 and 1873, Orbán Balázs published the six volumes of his trademark "Historical, Archeological, Geographical and Ethnographic Description of the Szekler Land".
He died without descendants, leaving all his inheritance to the Szekler people. Respecting his last wish, Orbán Balázs was buried at Seiche. In front of his grave is a row of Szekler gates, the first of which is the gate of his house.
Odorheiu Secuiesc 535600, Romania
Monument
The Nyerges (RO: Pasul Cașin) commemorative complex marks an important moment in the history of the Szeklers, one of the last military confrontations in the Revolutionary and Independence War of 1848-1849. Here, about 200 Szekler soldiers who fought in the Hungarian revolutionary army against the imperial Tsarist and Austrian armies met their end in 1849.
In their honor, a 5.4 m high stone monument was built in 1897, the work of the Italian sculptor Poulini, who lived in Jigodin (Miercurea Ciuc).
After the year 2000, another memorial consisting of Szekler-style funerary monuments was raised on top of the mass grave, located about 100 m north of the monument.
Photo: Szőke Éva
DN11B, 537066, Romania
Monument
The bronze statue of Balázs Orbán (1829-1890), an illustrious revolutionary, historian, ethnographer and politician, called "The Greatest Szekler", is located in the main square park, next to the reformed church. The creator of the statue was the artist from Târgu Mureș, László Hunyadi, and the casting master was Mihály Antal from Szabadka. The statue was inaugurated on 4 February 1995.
Text and photo source: http://www.odorhei-turism.ro/
Odorheiu Secuiesc 535600, Romania