This place is a walled city dating from the 14th century. The Saxons had colonized that region and in the 14th century the Turks occupied the area just south of the Danube, so the citizens mobilized to build a wall, fortresses and towers. It took until the 18th century to complete yet they were able to keep the area defended. In 1688 there was a terrible fire that damaged much of the old city, but gradually it was rebuilt. In the 19th century there was development around the old city that called for removing some of the old wall. It had become a very progressive city, but was partially destroyed once again with World War II. Now it is a quaint old walled city with lots of shops, some government buildings, parks and churches.

 

One church in particular is The Black Church. It is a gothic church....one of the largest in Eastern Europe. Another amazing fact is that it is not Catholic, nor Eastern Orthodox, (which is the predominant local religion). Instead it is Lutheran; it was built from 1380 to 1480 but was burned in the great fire of 1689. All the wooden parts of the church were destroyed. Although the wood was rebuilt, there was no money for the frescos and decor. The people brought their priceless carpets bought from Persia and now they grace the walls of the church. The stone had been charred and since they couldn't restore it they just named it The Black Church. We went inside it but pictures were forbidden. That was no big thing anyway as though the rugs are priceless and they didn't want them photographed, they still can't compare to the beautiful frescos of Eastern Orthodox churches!

Soldiers on the square:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We boarded the bus for home, but Irina had a surprise for us...a ride up the mountain for a great view of the old walled city ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ...and  red wine (Dracula label) with delicious Romanian smoked cheese and pepper relish! Many were jazzed, but I found that it didn't compliment the Big and Tasty, and I had an hour and half bus ride ahead of me.

 

 

 

An hour later, we must have caught a tail wind, we were home, tired as heck. I was going to nap (Michael is snoring away) but so much happened today I was afraid I'd forget if I didn't write in my journal and we leave tomorrow morning for the boat!

Tonight while Vic and Leona were off on a wine tasting and wine making trip, we hung around the hotel and then went back to the restaurant with Janet and Jerold to try something new. I had cabbage rolls and polenta and Michael had ribs, beans, and slaw... too full for dessert.

We waddled back to the hotel.