Hidden away in a secluded valley, Engenthal (Mighindoala) in Sibiu County is a place that has long captivated my interest. My first encounter with this forgotten village was in 2013 while working on the documentary Engelthal – Valea Îngerului. Since then, I have often felt the urge to return—not only to witness the ongoing restoration of the Saxon church, overseen by Tara von Neudorf, but also to reconnect with the essence of the village itself.
True to its name, Engenthal is situated in a narrow valley, surrounded by rolling hills that rise over 500 meters. It is remarkably easy to disconnect from the outside world in this timeless enclave, where nature has slowly reclaimed the abandoned houses and ruins, blending seamlessly with the few who still seek refuge here for their seasonal stays. The village, once home to a thriving Saxon community, now exists in a state of quiet abandonment, its history whispering through the crumbling walls and overgrown pathways.
On that summer day in 2016, however, I found no one. The village stood in silence, undisturbed by modern life. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and wildflowers, and the only sounds were the rustling leaves and distant calls of unseen birds.
The journey to Engenthal is as much an experience as the destination itself. Below, a visual journey along the muddy road that winds up from Buia, through chestnut-covered hills, before descending into the heart of Mighindoala.
Photos & text: Alex Iacob
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