View from the church tower of the fortified church

Carta Monastery (Kerz in German) is a former Cistercian (Benedictine) monastery in Transylvania, Romania.

It is located on the left bank of the Olt River, almost exactly halfway between the cities of Sibiu and Făgăraș, and is currently an Evangelical Lutheran church.

The exact date of the foundation of the Carta Monastery (Latin: monasterium beatae Mariae virginis in Candelis de Kerch) is unknown. A document from Constanta, dated 17 April 1418, issued by Sigismund, King of Hungary, vaguely states that the monastery was founded, built and granted rights and privileges by its predecessors. Cistercian documents from the 13th-15th centuries, collected and analysed by Leopold Janauschek, mention the year of the monastery's foundation as around 1202-1203.monastery around 1202-1203.

The church / fortified church is located in the commune of Biertan (German: Birthälm, Hungarian: Berethalom) in Sibiu County, Transylvania.

Biertan is part of the first German-Saxon settlements and was already mentioned in documents in 1398 (other sources: 1402).

Like every Saxon settlement, it stands out for its row of houses arranged around a central square, above which the imposing fortified church rises. Between 1572 and 1867, Biertan was the seat of the Saxon episcopate (bishop’s seat of the Evangelical Church A.B.), which favored the development of one of the largest rural communities in Transylvania around this fortified church. It is a medieval and architectural treasure in Romania, definitely worth a visit.

First of all, a beautiful and typically German word, "Dampflokomotivenmuseum" (in Romanian: Muzeul locomotivelor cu abur), but definitely a wonderful place here in Hermannstadt / Sibiu for all railway fans and those who want to become one.

The museum, inaugurated in 1994, includes about 40 locomotives, both standard gauge and narrow gauge, as well as snow plows and steam cranes. Seven of these locomotives are still operational today and can be admired and ridden during special trips or trains.

The Steam Locomotive Museum is located opposite the main train station in Sibiu (in German: Hermannstadt) and consists of the former roundhouse and the turntable of the railway line. The exhibited locomotives were built between 1885 and 1959 in Romania and other countries such as Germany (Henschel & Sohn, Borsig, Schwartzkopff) and the United States (Baldwin Locomotive Works).

Mr. Roland Schmid sent us these photos. Thank you, dear Roland, we didn’t know about it until now and it really is something special.

Alongside the Transalpina, it is one of the most beautiful mountain roads in Romania (Sibiu County), usually open from mid-June (including the current period) until October.

During the summer and the holiday season, especially on weekends, it can get quite crowded 😅, as it is a cool excursion destination at an altitude of over 2,000 meters when the valleys below are experiencing high temperatures.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de | https://welcome-to-romania.com

Daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM >> Corabia Piraților / Beach Club Avrig / Freck. Enjoy a refreshing day by the pool very close to Sibiu, in Transylvania.

Beach Club Avrig (Corabia Piraților), located opposite Brukenthal Palace in Avrig, about 25 km southeast of Sibiu, is the perfect destination for hot summer days.

https://palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro/beach-club-avrig-ro
https://brukenthal-palace-avrig.com/beach-club-avrig

Simply relax by the pool, enjoy the palace gardens and the restaurant opposite, and spend a day, a weekend, or even your entire holiday there. It is the perfect place for it.

Restaurant, guesthouse, and recently expanded with its own swimming pool. Available for staying guests, as well as for those just passing by who are looking to cool off when it's hot. The pool is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

https://pensionkokel.ro | https://bistrotecabaum.ro

The town of Dumbraveni is located between Sighisoara and Medias, making it the ideal starting point for discovering the "treasures of Transylvania." Fortified churches, medieval castles, picturesque hiking trails, and unforgettable cultural events.

At Guesthouse Kokel, a true oasis of Transylvanian tranquility and the warmth of a family atmosphere await you, where traditional charm blends harmoniously with modern comfort. The guesthouse features 12 luxurious rooms, lovingly furnished for comfort and relaxation—perfect for guests seeking peace and privacy in an elegant setting.

In addition, the house offers a breakfast room, a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, a SPA area, a fitness room, a children's Playground, and private parking.

And for those who want to enjoy a delicious meal, Bistroteca / Baum Restaurant is definitely the place to visit.

The Carpenters' Tower in Sibiu (German: Zimmermannsturm) was built in the 14th century by the Saxon carpenters' guild in Sibiu. The tower was part of the city's third fortification belt and is today the left tower of the preserved defensive and fortress wall. It is located on Citadel Street (Harteneckgasse, named after Mayor Johann Sachs von Harteneck).

The Potters' Tower (Romanian: Turnul Olarilor) was built in the 15th century by the Saxon potters' guild. It was also part of the city's third fortification belt and is located to the right of the preserved defensive and fortress wall.

Pictures: July 2023

On the way from Sibiu to Brașov lies the town of Făgăraș. At the end of the 12th century the town's fortress was only a wooden fortification, which was expanded into a stone fortress in the 14th century.

The fortress houses a museum, which—like the fortress itself—can be visited. Directly next to the fortress is the cathedral / church Sfantul Ioan Botezatorul.

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from a few days ago (end of September 2025).

The village of Almen, in Romanian Alma Vii, is located in Sibiu County.

This former Saxon village is located in a side valley, where you can see the typical construction style of a German village in Transylvania. Above the village is the renovated Evangelical church, which was built as a fortified church.

Since the town sign was completely faded, the town name has been added with a pen for better orientation 🙈😁

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these beautiful pictures and the corresponding text/explanation.

It is summer and it is hot! The swimming season has begun, and it is time to relax and cool off at the outdoor pool / Beach Club Avrig, just a few kilometres southeast of Sibiu, right next to Brukenthal Palace.

And those who would like to stay longer can, of course, book a room at Brukenthal Palace, stroll through the palace park, and/or discover and enjoy the restaurant and the Historic Café.

https://palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro/beach-club-avrig-ro/
(also available online in German and English)

Museum of Traditional Popular Culture in Sibiu (Hermannstadt in German) is one of the largest open-air museums in Romania.

Located just south of Sibiu (German: Hermannstadt), the museum is located in the "Dumbrava Sibiului" forest, on the connecting road between Sibiu and Rășinari, about three kilometers (3) from the city.

Contains installations of traditional pre-industrial Romanian popular civilization. Houses, workshops and construction complexes are scattered around a lake, among the trees of the Sibiu Drumbrates.

We thank Mrs Farkas Ildiko ( facebook.com/farkas.ildiko.75 ) for the permission to use these pictures.

Pictures from Sibiu (+1 from Cisnădie), located in the historic region of Transylvania, in the heart of Romania.

Discover more destinations in Romania and create your own travel itinerary > https://rotravel24.com

The old town and its fortification walls were built by Saxon settlers (the Transylvanian Saxons) during the 12th and 13th centuries and are still largely preserved in their original form today.

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian, taken just a few days ago (late September 2025).

We were there for the first time two years ago, Casa Traditionala in the city of Medias in Sibiu County. It's a bit on the outskirts and you have to know it / find it, but it's a beautiful place to relax and feast on delicious Romanian food.

Can be found here ( https://www.facebook.com/casatraditionalarestaurant/ ) in Strada Greweln, Medias 551109.

Only about 150 meters southeast of the Great Square (Piata Mare) and thus in the center of Sibiu / Hermannstadt, you will find Pardon Cafe Bar & Restaurant with its beautiful outdoor terrace.

Pardon Cafe Bar & Restaurant | https://pardoncafesibiu.ro

The restaurant offers a wide selection of European, Romanian, and also local regional dishes.

We thank Mrs. Meli Döring for granting permission to use these pictures. Thank you!

Historic café & restaurant, palace gardens, accommodation, events, pool (Corabia Piraților), and much more... | Located just a few kilometers southeast of Sibiu / Hermannstadt in Transylvania.

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Visit the restaurant and the historic café (both open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM) at Brukenthal Palace in Avrig (German: Freck), just a few kilometers east of Hermannstadt (Sibiu).

https://brukenthal-palace-avrig.com | https://palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro

Plan your day trip, weekend, vacation, or even your event here, and/or spend time with your family by the pool at Corabia Piratilor / Beach Club Avrig, located right next door. Brukenthal Palace looks forward to welcoming you.

Pirate Ship / Beach Club Avrig / Freck. The joy of swimming very close to Sibiu / Hermannstadt in Transylvania. Daily from 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM.

The Beach Club Avrig (Corabia Piratilor) opposite the Brukenthal Palace in Avrig, about 25 km southeast of Sibiu, is the perfect solution for the hot summer.

https://palatulbrukenthalavrig.ro/beach-club-avrig-ro
https://brukenthal-palace-avrig.com/beach-club-avrig

Simply relax by the pool, enjoy the palace garden with its restaurant (across the street), and spend a day, a weekend, or an entire vacation there. The location is ideal for it.

Sometimes everything in life is upside down. At Brambura Park in Avrig (German: Freck), that's simply the way things are. A wonderful experience for children, families, and every visitor 🥰

In addition to the famous Upside-Down House, visitors will find many attractions, including a Playground, a summer toboggan run, a petting zoo, and of course a beer garden where the whole family can enjoy food and drinks.

Pictures from Brambura Park in Avrig (about 25 km southeast of Sibiu / Hermannstadt), an adventure park for everyone, but especially for children and the young at heart.

https://brambura-park.ro | https://welcome-to-romania.com

In July / August 2023, we followed "Schnuff" and his motorcycle friends on their journey through Romania, with wonderful pictures and experiences.

Here the municipality of Bazna (in German Baaßen or Baassen, Transylvanian Saxon Baußen, Hungarian Bazna or Felsobajom) in the district of Sibiu in Transylvania (pictures mid-August 2023).

The Protestant fortified church in Baußen was built in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 16th century. Today, the church and part of the community center are listed buildings.

Current pictures (June 6, 2026) from Alma Vii (German: Almen), kindly sent to us by Mr. Iercosan Marian. Many thanks, Marian 🥰

The fortified church and the village are part of the municipality of Moșna and are also known by the former Romanian names Alma Săsească and Alma Între Vii, as well as by the Hungarian names Almád, Szászalmás, Német-Almás, and Almás.

A picture from Hermannstadt / Sibiu / Nagyszeben taken yesterday, June 6, 2026, kindly sent to us by Mr. Iercosan Marian. Thank you very much 🥰

The old town and the fortress walls were built by Saxon settlers (the Transylvanian Saxons) during the 12th and 13th centuries and are still preserved today in much of their original form (pictured).

The Carpenters' Tower (Romanian: Turnul Dulgherilor) was built in the 14th century by the Saxon carpenters' guild. The tower was part of the city's third ring of fortifications and today is the left tower of the surviving defensive wall. It is located on Citadel Street (Harteneckgasse), named after the mayor Johann Sachs von Harteneck.

The Potters' Tower (Romanian: Turnul Olarilor) was built in the 15th century by the Saxon potters' guild. It was also part of the city's third ring of fortifications and stands to the right of the preserved defensive wall.

A picture from Hermannstadt / Sibiu / Nagyszeben taken yesterday, June 6, 2026, kindly sent to us by Mr. Iercosan Marian together with his constant companion, Donna the dog. Thank you very much 🥰

The "Bridge of Lies" is one of Sibiu's best-known landmarks. Manufactured in 1859* at the Friedrichshütte foundry in Hesse, it became the first cast-iron bridge in all of Romania (and the second in Europe) to be erected here.

There are many legends about the origin of its name, but because it was also the first bridge not supported by pillars, it was originally called the "Lie Bridge" ("Liegebrücke")... and from there, it was only a small step to the name "Bridge of Lies" ("Lügenbrücke")... 😅😊

* Information: In 1859, Hermannstadt (Sibiu), like the entire region of Transylvania, was part of the Austrian Empire (and from 1867 of the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy).

Alma Vii (in German Almen) is a village in Sibiu County in Transylvania and definitely deserves a visit!

The village is part of the municipality of Mosna and is also known under the old Romanian names Alma Saşe and Alma Intre Vii, as well as in Hungarian such as Almad, Szaszalmas, Nemet-Almas and Almas.

Information about the fortified church can be found here:
https://kirchenburgen.org/location/almen-alma-vii/

We thank Vlad the Impaler - Dracula for the permission to use these images.

The church / fortified church is located in the community of Biertan (German: Birthälm, Hungarian: Berethalom) in Sibiu County, Transylvania.

Biertan is part of the first German-Saxon settlements and was already mentioned in documents in 1398 (other sources say 1402).

Valea Viilor, originally Vorumloc (Transylvanian Saxon) / Wurmloch (German), was probably first mentioned in documents under the Hungarian name Baromlak in 1224 (possibly also in 1305) 😍😍

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The Alba Carolina Citadel in Alba Iulia (Karlsburg) was built between 1715 and 1738 under the rule of Emperor Charles VI as a fortification with seven bastions.

It served the Habsburgs as a strategic defense point along the military border with the Ottoman Empire. Alba Iulia is located near the highway on the route to or from Sibiu (Hermannstadt). A visit is definitely worthwhile.

We thank photographer Rene Benner ( facebook.com/rene.benner.1 ) for sending these beautiful images. Thank you!

Visit Brukenthal Palace in Avrig, Sibiu County, with the whole family. In addition to the wonderful palace gardens and the restaurant with its outdoor terrace, there are also many attractions for the "little" guests.

https://www.facebook.com/Edenul.Transilvaniei

Or / and also Brambura Park nearby! There, too, many activities are offered for Children's Day >
https://www.facebook.com/BramburaPark

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 30, starting at 5:00 PM, Beach Club Avrig opens the bathing season with its first pool party. The water is heated to 32 degrees, and both the pool and the Beach Club are ready to welcome their guests.

More information at:
https://www.facebook.com/Edenul.Transilvaniei

The outdoor pool / Beach Club Avrig is located just a few kilometers southeast of Sibiu, right next to Brukenthal Palace.

Beautiful pictures of the botanical garden "I Giardini di Zoe" from March 2024.

The garden, also known as Banpotoc Garden, is located east of the city of Deva (in German Diemrich), on the left side of the A1 motorway (heading towards Sibiu), in the Banpotoc village of Harau commune.

We thank Go Hunedoara for granting permission to use these images.