Category: Rural

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Gherdeal Village

Nestled in the heart of Romania, the village of Gherdeal, known in German as Gürteln, stands as a silent witness to the passage of time. It is one of the many abandoned Saxon settlements that dot the Transylvanian landscape, where the echoes of past lives have been replaced by an overwhelming stillness. Walking through its deserted streets, one cannot help but feel the weight of history pressing down on every crumbling facade and overgrown courtyard. … Continue readingGherdeal Village

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The Oteteleșanu Manor in Grădinari

The Oteteleșanu Manor stands as a silent witness to the passage of time, its once-vibrant past now overshadowed by neglect. Situated on the outskirts of Grădinari, Giurgiu County, this neoclassical estate once served as a countryside retreat for the aristocratic Oteteleșanu family, offering them a respite from the bustle of city life. In the early 20th century, the manor was known for its elegant terraces, a meticulously maintained park, and a grand salon that played host to lavish luncheons and evening gatherings for distinguished guests. The estate was also home to an exceptional pack of greyhounds, a symbol of prestige and refinement. … Continue readingThe Oteteleșanu Manor in Grădinari

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The Vinegar Factory of Margina

With the construction of the railway connecting Lugoj and Ilia, the small town of Margina caught the attention of investors eager to capitalize on its strategic location. In 1910, the Budapest-based Razskatol Society commissioned a German firm to design and construct a wood distillation factory, aimed at processing beechwood through chemical distillation. Operations commenced in 1912, but the outbreak of World War I led to the factory’s closure. After a hiatus, production resumed in 1921 under predominantly Romanian ownership, marking the beginning of a new industrial chapter for Margina. … Continue readingThe Vinegar Factory of Margina

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Felmer Village

Nestled in the heart of Brașov County, Felmer is a place where history lingers in the ruins of an abandoned Saxon village. Some people still live here, among the skeletal remains of homes burned down long ago, their roofs missing, their walls blackened. They reside in what was once a thriving community, now reduced to scattered remnants of its former self. … Continue readingFelmer Village

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Saxon Lutheran church in Răvășel

The current Saxon Lutheran church in the village of Răvășel, Mihăileni commune, was built in 1825, likely over an older church, although no specific details are available about it. In 1878, however, there is a mention of a bell from the second half of the 14th century, inscribed with “O rex glorie veni cum pace,” which may have originated from the inventory of the previous church (Fabini 1998, p. 613). … Continue readingSaxon Lutheran church in Răvășel

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Masoneria operativă din Biertan

În vizita pe care am făcut-o de curând în Biertan am avut ocazia să revăd urmele vechilor bresle. Se știe că aici a fost reședința unei episcopii săsești până în 1867, iar mijloacele de construcție și de întreținere a bisericii fortificate a întrecut cu mult pe cele ale altor comunități de sat obișnuite. Altarul se poate ridica la nivelul celor ale bisericilor germane și flamande. El este compus din douăzeci și opt de panouri în care sunt pictate scene din viața Mariei și din Patimile lui Isus, imagini de sfinți, martiri, proroci și alte rude ale lui Isus până în cele mai îndepărtate spițe. … Continue readingMasoneria operativă din Biertan

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Despre o pictură din Biertan

În podul bisericii fortificate din Biertan a fost descoperită o pictură pe pânză foarte veche. Ea a fost expusă lângă altar vreme îndelungată, dar turiștii au încercat deseori să o atingă, iar pânza s-a deteriorat și mai mult. Asfel, s-a horărât să o conserve într-un loc ascuns de ochii vizitatorilor, până când va fi găsit un restaurator. … Continue readingDespre o pictură din Biertan