Published on October 29, 2023 by Zoltan Nyaradi
Located in the historical region of Transylvania, not far from the inhabited medieval citadel of Sighisoara, Viscri in another important Saxon village that must be visited. One of the primary reasons for its renown is the well-preserved Lutheran fortified church located in the heart of the village. This fortified church, built by the Saxon community, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an architectural and historical gem that attracts visitors from around the world seeking an authentic Transylvanian experience.
Did you know that King Charles III visited this place multiple times? Through his foundation, he bought an old traditional Saxon house. Ultimately the house was transformed in a beautiful guesthouse which can be rented out to the tourists.
As a small side note, the fortified church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting to Viscri
When I traveled to Viscri from Sighisoara, I made the wrong decision to make a right turn in the village of Bunesti and drive on 104L road. The road between Bunesti and Viscri although it’s the shortest route, is in a pretty bad condition. In my opinion, the best option especially if you are driving from Sighisoara, is to drive until Rupea and make there a right turn towards the village of Dacia. Once you are near Dacia you will have to make another right turn towards Viscri.
The village
Upon my arrival in Viscri, I felt like I had stepped back in time. The Saxon architecture and the cobblestone streets instantly transported me to a bygone era.
The handmade clothes is a reminder of the enduring importance of tradition and the value of artisanal skills passed down through generations. It is a testament to the resilience of small communities in preserving their unique cultural heritage. Purchasing handmade cloth from Viscri not only allows visitors to take home a piece of Transylvanian history but also supports the artisans and ensures the survival of this exceptional craft.
Since this village is visited by many tourists therefore you will see a lot cars parked near the main road. When I visited Viscri, there were a lot of cars with foreign license plate.
The Lutheran Fortified Church
The fortified church in Viscri stands as a testament to the village’s rich history, dating back to the 13th century. The formidable walls and defensive towers tell the story of a community that had to protect itself in turbulent times.
In order to visit the fortified church, you have to pay for a ticket. Don’t worry, its not expensive at all. After you’ve entered the place, I highly recommend to climb up the main tower. Once you’ve reached the top, almost the entire village is visible from up there. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the Evangelical church’s hall, it’s right next to main tower.
Within the fortified church, you will find a “little museum” with many interesting old items used by the Saxons.
Up in the church tower
As you can see, the view from church tower is breathtaking. You can easily spot the village of Viscri including the beautiful Transylvanian scenery.
Other important places to visit in the area:
If you’ve decided to explore other interesting places that are not very far from Viscri, then you must add to your list the medieval citadel of Sighisoara and the old Rupea citadel.
Another place to visit that is not far from this Transylvanian village is the old volcano and the emerald lake in the village of Racos.
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