Come with us on a day tour
and take the chance to visit the Salt Mine of Turda, the
fortified church in Biertan and the medieval city of Sighisoara!
.
Visiting Turda Salt Mine is a must for any visitor to
this region. One of the most important salt mines in Transylvania
during the middle ages, Turda salt mine has been known
since ancient times, but was put into operation for underground
mining work during the Roman period. The Salt Mine is
mentioned in official documents from the middle of the
13th century, when the mine was offered to the Transylvanian
Catholic Church leaders. The mine started to fall into
decay after 1840, due the growing competition of the salt
mine in Ocna Mures. It ceased its activity in 1932 and
in 1992, entered into the tourist circuit. Apart from
it's tourist value, the inside average humidity, the constant
temperture of 11-12 ºC, the lack of pathogen bacterium
and the moderate air ionization, has a widely known beneficial
effect on the respiritory system.
A
few kilometres from Sighisoara is the fortified church
of Biertan (Birthalm), one of the best preserved in Transylvania,
listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The village has
been known since 1283 when a document mentioned an economic
relationship with the diocense of Alba Iulia. Gradually
the area grew and in 1418 King Sigismund of Hungary conveyed
to it the right to hold court; about one hundred years
later the construction of a new home for the Episcopate
was begun in the area. The present church was built by
the Saxons in the late 15th Century. The construction
lasted until 1522, while Biertan became the Episcopal
residence 50 years later, a great privilege, which it
was to keep for the next three centuries.
The magnificent walls which fortify the church stand at
a height of 12m. Beyond the wonderful church which can
be seen from kilometers away, is the "Marriage House"
found in one of the towers outside the church itself,
used also as a prison. Prudent people approached their
relationship with God with reverence and they did not
easily tolerate divorce. That's why, when couples would
come here to ask the priest for a divorce, they were locked
in the prison, out of contact with anything and anybody.
Once inside, they would find only one item of everything
they needed to live, one bed, one bowl, one spoon,so that
they were forced to share everything. If there was no
reconciliation between them after two weeks is the "jail",
the divorce would be granted. Fortunately, these last
cases were so rare that they are barely mentioned.
Close to the church, we will have lunch in a unique medieval
style restaurant.
After a journey of more than 200km, we will end our tour
by walking on the cobbled stone streets of Sighisoara,
and enjoying a local plum brandy, ("tuica")
at Dracula's birthplace house ...
TOUR INFORMATION:
- duration - between 11 and 13 hours;
- validity - thoughout the year;
- minimum people required - 2.
- transport - the tour leaves from Cluj, taking you to Sighisoara
via Biertan. Returning to Cluj on the same day will be via
Targu-Mures;
T
HE PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- transfer and tour Cluj - Turda - Biertan - Sighisoara
- Cluj, by car or minibus;
- English, German, Italian or Hungarian speaking guides;
- snack and refreshments in the car;
THE PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- entrance tickets throughout the day;
- All meals and drinks;
- personal expenses.
PRICES :
- 85 euros / person for minimum 2 people;
- 57 euros / person for 3 people;
- 43 euros / person for 4 people;
- 34 euros / person for 5 people;
- 33 euros / person for 6 people;
- 32 euros / person for 7 people;
- 29 euros / person for 8 people;
- 29 - 18 euros / person for 9 - 14 people;
- 20 - 28 euros / person for 15 - 20 people;
- 27 - 18 euros / person for 21 - 31 people;
Note: our tours are open to everyone
interested, every day of the week. These rates are valid
for our guests only!
