Viscri Fortress

One of the most interesting Saxon fortified churches is in Viscri. Located on top of a hill that towers above the area, the church is ringed by two rows of walls and has 4 defensive towers, one of which is particularly huge, erected in 1494. Traveling to Viscri is possible from Rupea, a town located between the cities of Brasov and Sighisoara, along 7-kms of unpaved road. Today Viscri is home to only 25 Saxons, as most of them left for Germany, following the fall of the communist regime. Many of the Saxon deserted houses were in danger of collapse, though a number of them have been rescued thanks to Prince Charles and the London-based Mihai Eminescu Trust, who financially supported their restoration.

As Viscri has become a tourist attraction, the locals have taken an increasing interest in agricultural tourism. Local families can accommodate up to 50 people. The most interesting thing here is that everything they offer their guests is 100 % natural and locally produced: home baked bread, meat from own bred pigs, cows and chicken, home made cheese, plum brandy and wine.

The church in Viscri holds mass fortnightly and houses a museum of Saxon traditions. Every two years, the ethnic Saxons who left Romania years ago return for a reunion that has become traditional.