Saschiz: Ceramics, fortified church and cycling routes

Saschiz combines blue ceramics, medieval fortifications and cycling routes through the Transylvanian hills. Since 1700, the ceramics centre has been known for its blue colour. At the ceramics workshop, local potters introduce visitors to sgraffito techniques and help them make a traditional vessel in cobalt blue. The ceramics workshops begin with a brief introduction to the history of blue ceramics. This is followed by preparing the clay, as well as glazing and decorating the vessels. From the first step to designing the surface, the traditional craft remains a hands-on experience. For a workshop, the individual steps from the introduction through to the decoration should be planned together in terms of time, because the vessel only takes shape through several consecutive stages of work. The ceramics combine the blue known since 1700 with the production of a vessel in cobalt blue. Before a ceramics workshop, it may be useful to plan the entire process in terms of time, because the introduction, clay preparation, glazing and decoration follow one another.

Culture and history

The fortified church of Sf. Stefan is a UNESCO monument and was built between 1493 and 1525 in the late Gothic style. Its dual function as a church and fortification defines the character of the building. Here, the construction period, style and defensive function form a single historical ensemble. Sf. Stefan can be visited on Mondays and from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00; the church is closed on Tuesdays. Current dates and opening hours should be checked before travelling for workshops and visits.

The history of Saschiz also includes the peasant fortress. It was built in the 14th century to protect the inhabitants of Saschiz and the residents of neighbouring settlements from invaders. The peasant fortress is a notable sightseeing point in the settlement. Its historical purpose was to protect the population, while Sf. Stefan combines religious use and defence. The fortified church and the peasant fortress therefore represent different historical functions: Sf. Stefan unites church and defence, while the peasant fortress served to protect the population from invaders.

Landscape

Saschiz lies in a corridor zone in the east of the Hârtibaciu Plateau, more precisely in the Vânători Plateau, in the Scroafa Valley. The river crosses the settlement from south to north and flows into the Târnava Mare.

Cycling routes

Scenic cycling routes of more than 100 km in length begin at the central square in Saschiz and follow the Transylvanian hills. The bicycle rental centre is located on the main square opposite the tower church and is accessible from the national road. It offers mountain bikes and electric bicycles. The square thus brings together the starting point, bicycle rental and a choice between different types of bicycles. The beginning of the cycling routes and the bicycle rental centre are located on the central square; mountain bikes and electric bicycles are offered opposite the tower church. Before a cycling tour, current route conditions, traffic information and the opening hours of the bicycle rental centre should be checked.

Further destinations: Târnăveni, Trei Sate, Sângeorgiu De Mureş, Chibed, Gorneşti, Hetiur, Targu Mures, Absdorf

To the higher-level travel overview: Mures.