TRAVEL WITH FAITH: April 2014

Monday, April 21, 2014

Romania-Sibui

Sibui is definitely worth more than a few days. There are several museums including: a history museum, ethnography museum and the Brukenthal museum which is one of the most important art museums in Europe. Sibui is the largest of the seven walled citadels built in the 12th century by German settlers. Nearby there are a string of 18 villages rich in architecture, history and heritage. I spent two nights and only had time to explore the exterior of the Medieval village, one of the churches and the Brukenthal museum.

Sections of the medieval wall still guard the historic area where narrow streets pass steep roofed 17th century buildings opening into church dominated squares. The large square has been designated a architectural monument by UNESCO.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Transylvania-Sighisoara

A Unesco World Heritage Site is a 15th century medieval town with nine towers, cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches.

Every year in July, Sighisoara hosts the Festival of Medieval Arts and Crafts which recreates the medieval atmosphere of the town.

The Cidadel which is the UNESCO Site can be seen in about 4 hours. I suggest staying one night and then travel to Sibui and spend at least 2 nights there.

I stayed at Villa Franka on Decembre NR 1 which is across the street from the path to the citadel. It is an 1894 Villa, very comfortable with an excellent breakfast with homemade jams. Staff are very helpful.

Sites to see are: the Church on the Hill with 500 year old frescos, the Church of the Dominican monastery known for its carved altarpiece, baroque painted pulpit and it's 17th century organ and the 14th century Clock Tower (this tower controlled the main gate of the half mile long defensive wall). The Clock Tower houses the Museum of History which holds a medieval pharmacy from 1670, fine arts and a collection of clocks. There is a walk up creaking, winding staircase with views of the red-tiled roofs of the Old Town.

Walkway to CitadeL

Burgher Houses

The large Basilica along the river with view from Citadel

Stairs to Organ in Church

Church on the Hill Built in the beginning of the 13th Century. Beautiful medieval altar pieces, wall paintings and sculptures.

Clock Tower

Close up of Clock Tower

Clock Tower from the top

The Wall surrounding the Citadel

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Transylvania-Brasov

Transylvania has numerous medieval towns, spas, quaint villages and historic attractions. The region is also home to villages, churches and fortifications founded by Saxons between the 13th and 15th centuries.

First stop in Transylvania is Brasov which is surrounded br Carpathian Mountains. Brasov is definitely a storybook town with narrow cobblestone streets to stroll. The city was founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 and settled by the Saxons. Fortifications were erected around the city with several towers maintained by different craft guilds, according to medieval custom.

I was there for 3 nights but could easily have stayed longer as there is much to do in the surrounding area.

I rented an apartment from Select City Center apartments which was across the street from the Council Square where people gathered to walk, sit by the fountain or eat and drink at one of the cafés. The apartment was lovely, spacious and updated and very well appointed.

Train ride from Bucharest to Brasov

Street in Brasov

Council Square-beautiful place to linger in the evening.

This s the view of the cafe where I enjoyed a glass of wine, the view and the people.

View from the Square. The Church is the Black Church-the largest Gothic church east of Vienna so named because of its dark walls which survived a devastating fire in 1689. Unfortunately it was not open the days I was there.