Two themes take centre stage during a stay in Chirpar: a multifaceted history of churches and fortifications, and a hilly landscape with the valleys of Valea Veseudului and Valea Ilimbav. The buildings can be dated more precisely than by simply calling them medieval: several ensembles include later construction phases, and some churches have their own histories. The area also has a historic pottery tradition and a route that passes through Săsăuș and Chirpar.

Construction history spanning several periods

In Chirpar, the fortified Evangelical church ensemble is a historic monument complex dating from the 13th to the 19th century. The church has construction phases from the 13th century, around 1500, and between 1800 and 1850. Fragments of the fortified enclosure and zwinger date from the 16th century. The ensemble therefore brings together medieval and considerably later construction phases. The “Înălțarea Domnului” church has its own chronology: it was built in 1844 and remodelled in 1899.

The construction history of the fortified Evangelical church in Veseud can also be viewed in several phases. The ensemble dates from the 13th to the 18th century; construction phases for the church are recorded from the 13th and 16th centuries, as well as from 1784 to 1785. A fragment of the fortified enclosure, including a gate tower, dating from the 16th to the 18th century has been preserved. The “Sf. Gheorghe” church dates from 1790. These dates therefore refer to different parts and buildings and should not be combined into a single construction period.

Other churches and historic traces

The Evangelical church in Vărd dates back to the 13th century. Its tower dates from the 14th century, while the choir and vault date from 1853. The individual dates show the different periods in which the building’s parts were constructed. In Săsăuș stands the Orthodox “Adormirea Maicii Domnului” church, a historic monument dating from around 1782. Thus, the places mentioned are home to churches of different denominations, each with its own construction history.

Local history extends beyond the churches. Residents of Chirpar and Veseud built a refuge fortress at the boundary between their two villages. In Chirpar, the important pottery centre ceased production in the mid-19th century. The refuge fortress points to the community’s need for protection, while the pottery centre reflects a craft tradition whose production ended during this period.

Hill country, valleys and route

The commune of Chirpar lies in a hilly area crossed by the valleys of Valea Veseudului and Valea Ilimbav. The Hârtibaciu de Sud Est protected area also lies partly within the commune. One version of the “The greenway of Hârtibaciu Valley” route passes through Săsăuș and Chirpar. Rural tourism and agritourism are listed among the tourist offerings in Chirpar. These details bring together the landscape, protected area and route, without implying a particular order for a visit.

Accommodation in Veseud

Veseud 11 is a guesthouse in a house built in 1883. Materials from a house built in 1799 that had previously stood on the site were used in its construction. The building was renovated in 2014 and 2015. Veseud 11 has three rooms, three apartments and a relaxation area in a modernised barn. This accommodation thus combines a named place to stay with a specific history of the building.

Facilities and details may change.

Discover more destinations: Zied, Racovita, Mosna, Rosia, Merghindeal.

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