Viscri: The Saxon Village Where Traditions Came Back to Life

Diana Condrea
Diana Condrea
I'm a tour guide and amateur photographer. You can also find me on LinkedIn

With a history that goes back to the 12th century, Viscri is maybe the most famous village in Romania. Prince Charles’ visits, its fortified church, and the activity of the Mihai Eminescu Trust helped this small village reinvent itself in the past years. Its promotion was such a success that Viscri is right now one of Transylvania’s must-see attractions.

Viscri

The fortified church


Make the best of your time and opt for a guided day tour to Viscri.

We selected tours with excellent quality and free cancellation for your peace of mind.

Viscri Day Tours

The centuries-old heritage of the Saxons of Transylvania

Viscri is best known for its white fortified church, first mentioned in 1400 as Alba Ecclesia. Like most monuments of the time, the church went through different construction phases. The local Szekler population was the first to build a small church on the site in the early 12th century. Decades later, the German colonists took control of the land and started a new chapter in its history. 

During the 13th century, they built the main tower on the west side and enlarged the nave. However, its fortification started later, during the 15th century, and is partially preserved until today. Parts of its fortification elements were demolished after the Ottoman threat disappeared or were used for more peaceful purposes like storage rooms and kindergarten space.

Read also our Five Ideas for Your Dream Holidays to Transylvania

Viscri

Cows coming back from the pasture

Traditions’ revival in Viscri

In the last couple of years, the village was part of an ambitious community project of reviving traditions that almost disappeared. The community was so successful in its rediscovery of traditions that today they’re part once again of local life.

The blacksmith brothers will show you how they make horseshoes and nails the old-fashioned way, while the hard-working Gheorghita will explain how he burns hand-made bricks and tiles in an incandescent earth oven. Plus, locals still use horse carts. You can always go for a bike ride to the pastures outside the village, while in the evenings you’ll enjoy a mouth-watering dinner prepared with fresh local ingredients.

Viscri

Traditional house in Viscri

More than just a tourist attraction, Viscri is the best example of well-done community tourism. It offers plenty of activities for all those curious to discover the typical village life of TransylvaniaWe hope this will be the norm and not the exception. It also depends on us to encourage this model by visiting destinations based on the values of responsible tourism.

Explore more villages from Transylvania

Where to stay in Viscri village

Stay at least one night in Viscri. We recommend Viscri 9, Viscri 32, Viscri 44, Viscri 125.

Try also Critz Cross and Crit 189 from the nearby village of Crit.

Travel tips

The fortified church of Saschiz and Rupea Fortress are must-see nearby attractions.

Discover the many nearby cycling trails. You can rent a bike from Viscri or Bunesti.

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