The village of Viscri in Transylvania, Romania is one of the oldest villages in the region, dating back to the 15th century. It is known for its well-preserved fortified church from the 13th century that dominates the village. The church is enclosed by defensive walls and was an important religious and military site for villagers seeking protection. It was added to UNESCO's World Heritage list. Today, Viscri retains an authentic rural character with residents continuing traditional farming and animal husbandry. It attracts tourists looking to experience traditional village life and visit sites like the fortified church and workshops.

1. UNIVERSITY OFAGRONOMIC SCIENCES AND VETERINARY MEDICINE OF BUCHAREST
The Faculty of Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development Engineering and
Management in Public Alimentation and Agrotourism
Coordinating teacher:
Mihai Daniel Frumușelu
Student:
Niculescu Cristina- group 8211

2. Romania is a land of infinite diversity and great authenticity,
combining the charming beauty of nature, with the rich cultural
heritage and the warmth of it’s people. There are certainly many
things to see and do in Romania, from climbing the highest mountain
peaks to swimming in the Black Sea and from exploring the glittering
cities to experiencing the authentic life of the old villages. Among the
rural destinations of Romania, one village has become known in the
whole world over the past decade, a unique place where time seems to
stand still and people continue to live outside the modern world. The
village of Viscri is a unique reason to visit Transylvania and might as
well be one of the main reasons why Prince Charles of Great Britain
fell in love with Romania. He began to visit and discover
the Transylvania heritage many years ago and charmed by the beauty
of the landscapes and the authentic way of life, he came back year
after year, buying a traditional house inside the village.

3. The village of Viscri is one of the oldest in
Brasov county and all of Transylvania, its
beginning being lost in time, although the first
mentioning appears in the 15th century. The
Saxon colonists came in this area of Romania
somewhere in the 12th century, settling or
establishing new villages, most of them having
beautiful fortified churches in the middle. This
is also the case of Viscri, dominated by the
impressive rural fortification with its charming
Romanic church from the 13th century. The
mysterious monument rises above the gentle
rolling hills and the traditional atmosphere that
hasn’t changed in centuries. People still live
from their farming and animal growing,
although the development of tourism has
introduced a new activity in the village. Many
peasants are now transforming their traditional
authentic Saxon houses into beautiful and
welcoming guesthouses.

4. The fortified church of Viscri is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage, together with six other
monuments of the same type in the villages of southern Transylvania and represents the main
landmark of the village. The veritable small citadel includes strong defensive walls that encircle
the small Romanic chapel that was enlarged in the 16th century. During those perilous times, it
became a necessity for the people of the village to have a safe place to retire in case of danger and
as the church was usually located right in the middle of each village, many began to build small
fortresses around those churches, becoming the religious, cultural and military centers. After long
renovations, the former magnificence of the fortress can be admired again, rising over the small
houses nestled between the surrounding hills and on the background of the tall Carpathian
Mountains.

5. Apart from the overall character of the village and the feeling of living in a fairytale country, Viscri
includes several interesting places to see and things to do. The most important is of course the fortification
and the chapel inside, a mysterious Romanic monument with old origins. While inside the fortification,
visitors should also take the time to climb in the lookout tower for a fascinating panorama of Prince
Charles village in Transylvania, with its tiled rooftops and rural landscape. Inside the church, there is the
so-called Holy Font, on a piece of old stone column, probably coming from the older, now lost chapel.
The church also harbors a small museum about the traditional life in a Saxon village. Another fascinating
experience is to walk around the peaceful village and observe the traditional life and charming
architecture. there are also several workshops in Viscri and travelers can learn more about
the Transylvania heritage by visiting one of the them. Leaving the village, there are many hiking routes
and paths that pass through unforgettable landscapes, green pastures and dense oak forests.

6. Bibliography:
https://romaniatourstore.com/blog/the-village-of-viscri/
http://romaniatourism.com/castles-fortresses-romania-viscri-fortified-church.html