Cisnădioara

Whether you are coming from Sibiu or from Cisnădie, as soon as you get to Cisnădioara on the rocky peak of St. Michael’s Hill you will see a fortified stronghold, representative for the Romanesque style in Transylvania.

They say that the founders of Cisnădioara were French origin colonists who came here with the Cistercian Order. They took over the basilica in Cisnădioara and turned it into a Romanesque fortress with gothic influences. The Plateau on which the basilica is build was surrounded by a stone wall. This offers a splendid panorama of the entire region.

In the yard one can still see huge stone cannon balls which, according to traditions, young men wanting to get married had to carry to the church yard (alone or with the help of their friends) and then throw over the ramparts to the enemy in case of a siege. Thus, a young man who wanted to get marry would prove to the entire community and to his future bride’s family that he was worthy of starting a home.

The stronghold lost its past role, but each it “stars” either as a stage for theatre shows, or as a main character in historic or documentary features.

Also in Cisnădioara, in the centre of the village, you can visit the evangelic church built in the 18^th century in a baroque style. Cisnădioara is loved not only for its stronghold and evangelic church but also for the tranquillity and beauty of the surrounding scenery. Take your time with your visit here; park the car in the centre of the village and take a walk to Argintului Valley (one km away from the village). As you enter the valley, on your left-hand side you will see a very special monument of nature: the Frog Rock, as locals call it, a geologic monument from the Cretaceous. Follow the signs for biking routes or a relaxing mountain hike.