Viscri (Deutschweiskirche)

GPS Coordinates:
46.05472 N, 25.08858 E

In Viscri, which lies at an 8 kilometer distance from Rupea and Bunești, time has stopped in the XVIIIth century. The only signs of civilization are the telephone and electricity. In 1999 Viscri was declared world heritage and was preserved. The isolated settlement became the centre of attention due to Prince Charles who has bought a house here and became the chief sponsor of the foundation for Saxon villages.

Let us go back a bit in history. Around 1100 the village was inhabited by Szekelys who guarded the southeast border of the Hungarian kingdom. A hundred years later, when they were moved to the foot of the East Carpation, Saxons were brought in, who built a real fortress around the small chapel left behind. Seven towers rise above the white walls. The oldest one, the enormous church tower, with its 2,3 m thick walls dates back to the XIII century. The gate tower, which serves as an entrance, houses the bell. The oval walls with an average height of 5-7 m date back to the XII century.

The increase in the population asked for a larger church and for fortification in the XVI century. The XVIII century gave rise to another protection wall, parts of which still exist today. In the XIX century the castle lost its protection function this bringing forth slight changes. The Communist regime brought suffering to the Saxons, who after 1989 returned to their home country, Germany. Those who stayed behind, with financial support coming form the ones who left, started the preservation of buildings belonging to the Saxon heritage. This is what the Mihai Eminescu Trust foundation does, having is headquarters in Viscri.

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