LOCATIONS

Homorod / Hamruden

Once upon a time, during the reign of King Geza II in the 12th century, certain Flemish guests (hospites flandrenses) arrived on a hillock near the area where Homorod now lies. Although they spoke a language different than the Saxons, they were of Germanic origin. The place they settled in bore the name of the patron saint of the existing church – Petersdorf. In the 13th century, following the great Tatar invasion they decided to move for reasons of security or because the water spring was too far away. Nevertheless, they relocated to the base of the “hill” (ham) which they then “deforested” (roden), giving their new site the name, Hamerodia, as first mentioned in 1400. A contrarian view comes from the Hungarians who say that it is from them that the colonists actually took the name, as they called the nearby flowing river hamar, meaning quickly.

Malancrav / Malmkrog

The history of this fortified church is related to the Apafi family, upper class noble landowners from Transylvania. Malancrav was a commune coveted and then incorporated by the district of Alba Iulia. But because it was a latifundium placed in the midst of the Saxon Seats of Sighisoara/ Schassburg, Medias/ Mediasch and Cincu/ Grossschenk, it was assigned by the Hungarian king to the Apafi family. The first acknowledgment of Malancrav dates from the 14th century in a series of documents related to disputes over property.

Darjiu / Dersch

"...and he wrote these in the year of the Lord fourteen hundred nineteen and he remembered the beautiful lass." These were the last words painted by the master painter in his depiction of the riders taking part in the baptism of the Apostle Paul. The main character depicted in the scene was actually the Apostle, who had said that in reference to the love of the Lord that if there was no love, then nothing existed. By the time he wrote these words, the painter had come to understand the truth of the Apostle's words. He also understood that it was not fitting to write words regarding a lover inside the Holy Church, especially on the chancel arch. Despite this, he did so to prove his love, believing that it was likely no one would notice the words he had written. Only he might know and maybe his loved one, after running away from her father, the grof, and eloping with him. The Legend of Saint Ladislau had given the painter strength and courage while he painted it and he felt it would keep him from harm's way.

Bazna / Baassen

"The prices are low and the conditions are civilized and comfortable. The music, evening events and festivities, tennis, gym equipment and beach that tone one's tanned muscles, all fully convince the visitor of the benefits of the wonderful climate and great hot springs found in Bazna." This is how the spa report in the newspaper, "Romanul" advertised Bazna in its issue on June 22nd 1919.

Medias / Mediasch

Medias is the second important town of the Sibiu county by its size, population and economic growth. During the Middle Ages, the city, like most other towns in Transylvania, was strongly fortified.

Valea Viilor / Wurmloch

Surprisingly, the villagers of Valea Viilor excelled at making wine, giving rise to the Romanian name meaning "Vineyard Valley".

Curciu / Kritsch

A troubling event took place in 1366. The Saxons of Curciu did away with Thomas Kend in his own house. Kend was a nobleman who abusively demanded to be paid a tax by everyone who crossed a certain bridge over Tarnava Mica.

Velt / Woelz

"We, Dominic prepositus of Zips […] and Petru son of Stefan of Darw […] the count and knight of the Queen’s Court bring word and bear witness […] that while in Medias, of the Saxons of this borough of Medias came forth the wise man Nicolae, head of the parish, and Ioan the judge of Bazna and complained against the Saxon folk of Velt […] who restlessly cut down the forest which lies at the border of the previously named village of Bazna, next to the lands of Boian, which are under the rule of Cetatea de Balta, and the land of Prostea Mare of the prepositus of Sibiu […]".

Darlos / Durles

Darlos was first mentioned in a document dating from 1317 under the name Possesio Darlaz. The settlement, however, had been inhabited since the 3rd century BC as indicated by some burnt human bones found in a creation tomb alongside three pieces of pottery which had been made with a potter's wheel.

Agarbiciu / Arbegen

The little village of Agarbiciu, forming part of the Axente Sever commune, is situated between the eponymous resident town of this commune and the settlement of Seica Mare. The river Visa flows right through the village, which is called Arbegen in German. Founded in the 13th century, it was initially subordinated to the Seat of Schelk (Cincu).