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About Viscri

Viscri’s story began in the 11th century, when Hungarian frontier guards built a small chapel on the hill. By the 12th century, Saxon settlers arrived, bringing their craftsmanship, resilience, and deep sense of belonging. They fortified the church, built homes with thick stone walls and wooden gates, and created a community that thrived for centuries.

Then, history shifted. In the late 20th century, many Saxons left, leaving behind a village that could have been forgotten. But Viscri refused to fade. Instead, it became a symbol of preservation, sustainable tourism, and rural revival—a place where the past and future exist side by side.

Today, Viscri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a living, breathing piece of history where centuries-old traditions still shape everyday life. The famous Viscri-blue houses, the Saxon Fortified Church, and the handcrafted textiles and ceramics aren’t just for show—they’re part of a culture that refuses to be lost to time.

What makes Viscri truly special isn’t just its architecture or its status—it’s the people. The blacksmith still forges iron the way his ancestors did. The shepherds still guide their flocks over green hills. The local women still knit wool socks by hand, just as they have for generations.

And the best part? You’re invited to be part of it. Walk its cobbled streets, learn the stories behind the walls, and experience a place where heritage isn’t locked in a museum—it’s alive, thriving, and waiting to be discovered.

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Why Visit Viscri?

Step into a village where history, tradition, and nature intertwine. Viscri is not just a destination—it’s an experience shaped by centuries of culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a strong local community. Here’s what makes Viscri truly special:

Authentic Saxon Heritage

Walk through Viscri’s famous blue houses and explore its UNESCO-listed Fortified Church, a landmark of medieval resilience and craftsmanship.

Sustainable Tourism

A village that embraces eco-friendly travel, local craftsmanship, and responsible tourism, ensuring that every visit supports the community and the preservation of its heritage.

Royal Connections

Walk in the footsteps of HRM King Charles III, a strong advocate of Viscri’s heritage, and visit the Prince of Wales’ Museum to explore his passion for conservation.

Local Craftsmanship & Traditions

Visit the blacksmith’s workshop, pottery studios, and traditional wool weavers, keeping age-old crafts alive in the heart of the village.

A Community That Welcomes You

Visit the blacksmith’s workshop, pottery studios, and traditional wool weavers, keeping age-old crafts alive in the heart of the village.

A Living Rural Experience

Experience farm life, local markets, and slow, meaningful travel—where geese roam the streets and cows return from pasture at sunset.

Did You Know? 7 Fascinating Facts About Viscri’s History

  • Historical records from 1404 tell about the name of the village as it appeared in the accounts of the mayor of the Sibiu citadel (Hermannstadt). This marked the initial mention of the village’s name, Viscri.
  • Around the year 1500, Viscri had 51 families, 1 schoolmaster, 3 shepherds, and 2 humble households.
  • In a document from 1696, the aftermath of the devastating fire of 1688 is revealed. Objects within the Fortified Church, such as parchment books, a Latin Bible, wooden candleholders, and liturgical vestments did not withstand the fire.
  • The tumultuous year of 1848, marked by national revolutions across Europe, left its imprint on Viscri. Reports tell of the hijacking and tragic murders of 11 Saxon soldiers, 1 Romanian, and 1 Roma as they marched towards the municipality of Odorhei.
  • In 1996, Viscri made its debut on the tourism stage by participating in its first tourism fair in Bucharest, Romania. This marked the village's entry into the wider world, inviting travellers to explore it.
  •  In the early 2000s, the first guest houses for tourists appeared in the area, opening perspectives for the local economy and fame of the village.
  • In 2017, Viscri achieved a milestone with approximately 40,000 tourists visiting the village. an unprecedented number that reflected the growing allure of this enchanting village.
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