Apoldu de Sus can be explored through several distinct layers of time: from settlements dating to the La Tène period and medieval traces to the 19th-century Evangelical fortified church. The history of the Landler in Großpold, old Saxon houses, and regional routes for cycling and landscape exploration also add to the picture. Visitors planning a stay focused on culture and regional themes can consider these as different ways of getting to know the place.
Fortified church and several building periods
A protected Evangelical fortified church ensemble is located in Apoldu de Sus. The church was built between 1835 and 1838; its tower was constructed between 1867 and 1869. This makes it possible to distinguish two building phases: the church and tower were not built at the same time. Fragments of the fortified enclosure are dated to the 13th to 16th centuries, placing them in a significantly earlier period than the church building. At this site, older remains of the enclosure stand alongside the newer church and the tower built later. The different dates give the place a layered architectural history.
Archaeological traces from different periods
The archaeological sites also reveal different periods and ways of life. At “între Apoalde,” the site includes a La Tène-period settlement attributed to the Geto-Dacian culture. At “Apold,” settlement traces date from the 9th to the 13th century. At “Curtea Velii,” this archaeological site also includes an agricultural estate dating from the 2nd to 3rd centuries AD. These details point to different historical reference points: a La Tène-period settlement, medieval settlement traces, and an agricultural estate from Roman times. This shows not only a span of time, but also the difference between settlement and agricultural traces.
Großpold and the history of the Landler
Apoldu de Sus is also known as Großpold and is the westernmost of the three Transylvanian Landler communities. A specific date marks the local migration history: in 1752, 168 Landler immigrants arrived in Apoldu de Sus. The name, its place among the Landler communities, and the year of immigration offer different points of reference for understanding the history of the place. The traditional museum is called “Bei meinen Nachbarn in Großpold” (“At My Neighbors’ in Großpold”), in Romanian “La vecinii mei din Apoldu de Sus.” It is located opposite house number 231 on Maria-Teresa-Straße, locally known as “ulița de dindărăt.” Check this location information again before setting out. The old Saxon houses also shape the place’s cultural landmarks; they are considered graceful and colorful.
Regional routes with different focuses
Apoldu de Sus is a stop on Route 2 of the “Drumul sării – Țara Secașelor” circular route, which is recommended for cycling tourism. Another scenic route, “Drumul transhumanţei,” also passes through the village. For travel planning, these represent two different regional connections: the circular route is explicitly recommended for cycling tourism, while the second route is described as scenic.
Wine and a dated event
The wine selection from Domeniul Apoldium includes Landler, Fetească Albă, Pinot Gris, Riesling Italian, Sauvignon Blanc, and Fetească Neagră, among others. Fetească Neagră is available in rosé, red wine, and barrique variants. The range may change. Vinotopia took place in Apoldu de Sus for the fourth time on Saturday, August 15, 2026; the Saxon community took an active part. Unlike the dates associated with the buildings and archaeological sites, this is a specific event on a particular date, adding a clearly dated point of reference to the place’s historical themes.
Discover more destinations: Valea Viilor, Păltiniș, Arpaşu De Sus, Veştem, Avrig, Dealu Frumos, Şelimbăr, Städterdorf
For the overall travel guide: Sibiu.
