Landmark

In the early nineties, the number of Pentecostal pilgrims increased significantly in Csíksomlyó/Șumuleu Ciuc. The church and the surrounding area could no longer accommodate hundred thousands of pilgrims. According to the ancient tradition, the Pentecost celebration included a procession on the hill of Kissomlyó, which is why the new altar was settled on the saddle between the Nagysomlyó and Kissomlyó mountains. The so-called "triple hill" altar was designed by Imre Makovecz in 1996, following the request of Father Albert Bartók, the Franciscan householder. According to Makovecz, the Father clearly and precisely described the conception: a triple hill with a double cross to make an altar. He was assisted now and in later modifications by Ernő Bogos, an architect in Miercurea Ciuc, who took a significant role in the planning and construction work. The “Hármashalom” (“Triple hill”), which served as a model for the altar, is a heraldic element that appeared in the coat of arms of Hungary in the 13th century, and while it originally symbolized the three hills of the Golgota, later became the symbol of the former Hungary’s three highest mountains, Mátra, Tátra and Fátra. The altar was inaugurated on 24 November 1996, at the Feast of Christ the King. Today it hosts the annual Pentecostal celebration, the Day of the Thousand Szekler Girls and many other events. On 1st of June 2019, Pope Francis I celebrated Holy Mass at the “Hármashalom” Altar and has given the Golden Rose in honour of the Virgin Mary.

The Chirui Baths (in Hungarian Kirulyfürdő, translated as "The King’s Baths ") are located on the Odorhei-Miercurea Ciuc road, near Vlăhiţa. Thanks to the clean air, the quiet environment and the gentle climate, Chiruiul has long been the most beloved tourist settlement and spa resort in Harghita County and beyond. The Chirui baths have been known since 1600, but their development dates back to 1770. At the entrance to the Chirui baths is the H503 Chirui drilling, which intermittently erupts mineral carbonated water. A circular bridge was built around it, and if you are lucky to arrive during the eruption, you will witness an unusual show. In the resort area there are three carbonated springs, strongly mineralized (2-4 g / l). Water is particularly tasty because of its very high carbon dioxide content (CO2 = 1.6 g / l). They were recommended as treatment for digestive disorders, for hypoacidity and as diuretics, and externally for cardiovascular disease. Text, photo and video source: http://amfostacolo.ro

In 1883 thanks to baron Károly Apor the Apor Bastion (761 m) was built at the bottom of the Surduc-hill, which never served strategic goals, it was always a viewpoint and resting place. From the bastion there is an excellent view on Băile Tușnad in the Tușnad Defile, on the Olt River and on the Falcon Stone Nature Reserve, which is rising from the opposite peak. The Apor Bastion has undergone several renovations over the years, but every time its purpose and style was conserved and as an addition it can be viewed now from the city even in darkness. During the renovation of 2017, an exhibition space was set up in the bastion by placing archival billboards and a brief presentation of its history. Photo: Băile Tușnad and surroundings ecoturistical destination

Crippled Church (Csonkatorony in Hungarian), ruins of the tower of the old village church is located on the western edge of the village Tomeşti (Csíkszenttamás), Harghita County, Romania, near the other two special attractions: Bottomless Lake and Saint Anna Bath. Photo: Munzlinger Attila

Panoramic mountain refuges are rare in Europe. In Romania, there are two of them, both in the Bicaz/Békás Gorge. They were inaugurated this year by the Gyilkostó Adventure Association and Salvamont Harghita. One of them can be found at the Piatra Poienii/Mária-kő, the other one is on the Ucigaș/Gyilkos Mountain. Not only can you visit the refuges, but you can also stay overnight (50 RON/person/night) by simply contacting Salvamont (+4074 4701 815) or booking online using the In Time app. Photo: Péter Kázmér & Radio Cluj

Those who want a spiritual walk could follow the Way of the Cross, called the Szekler Calvary, and pass through the 14 stations, carved into two-meter-tall rocks, which, besides the passions of Jesus, also show the crucial moments in the history of the Szeklers. The stations were set along the forest road leading to Ugron chapel. The chapel, which is seen among the trees on the Nagymál ridge, is the tomb of the Ugron family, an old Szekler family of historical importance.

CLOSED UNTIL MAY 31, 2026 Building on the experience of the temporary butterfly house in Odorheiu Secuiesc/Székelyudvarhely, we opened the first permanent butterfly house in Romania, at Praid/Parajd, Harghita county, on the spring of 2012. The building, created for this very purpose, is divided into two parts and is house to a reception area that communicates with a gift shop and to a so called “flying space” with a tropical microclimate that is decorated with tropical plants, a small lake and a circular walkway. Our butterflies come to us from South-American, African and Asian butterfly farms as puppets. After their arrival, the puppets are installed in a hatchery especially built with this purpose, and, depending on species, wonderful butterflies hatch from the caterpillars after a few days. Each year, the butterfly house can be visited in the warm months and one can watch, usually at the same time, 8 up 9 different common species and several hundreds of specimens from the 6-7 changing species of butterflies. Because butterflies’ lifetime is of only a few weeks, we are attentive, when changing, to bring new species, thus inviting our visitors to come again and again. Among our permanent guests, we would like to highlight the virtuoso Blue morpho butterfly (Morpho peleides), the graceful Zebra butterflies (Heliconiinae), the ever lazy Owl butterflies (Calligo memnon), as well as the Paper kite butterfly (Idea leuconoe), which floats in the air like a silky sheet. Our butterfly house offers moments of relaxation and of excitement, both to children and to adults. Open every day from May to September. TICKETS • 10 RON - children, pupils, students • 12 RON - adults, pensioners • under 3 years old are admitted for free

Located in the centre of Parajd, the upside-down house measures 8×5 metres. Through the main door, you enter directly into the attic, where the children's room is located. A staircase leads to the ground floor, where is a kitchen, living room and a bathroom. TICKET PRICES • under 3 years free • 10 RON - for children up to 12 years • 20 RON - for adults

History of the castle: In 1466 we first hear about the landowner noble Geréb family, who owned the main estate in Fiatfalva, and whose manor house had stood here since the 15th century, on the site of the castle that still stands there today. There are no written records left about this building; it is assumed that in 1588, György Geréb arranged for the renovation of the manor house or the construction of another farm building. In 1625, András Geréb, the captain of the guards of Gábor Bethlen, rebuilt the collapsed manor house in stone, in the form of a castle. In 1628, after the death of András Geréb, leaving no heir, the estates were transferred to the treasury, which were donated by Prince Gabriel Bethlen to Moses Székely the Younger, who was the king's justice in Udvarhelyszék and his fiancée, Judit Lónai. In 1635, George I Rákóczi granted the entire castle of Fiatfalva, along with the associated estates to Matthias Huszár de Brenhida, his steward the chief judge of Marosszék. The castle was in the possession of Moise Székely, but because of his infidelity it passed to the prince. Matthias Huszár died in 1652, and among his two daughters, Borbála Huszár, or after her first husband, Györgyné Torma, inherited the castle of Fiatfalva. Borbála Huszár and her second husband, János Nemes de Hídvég, held their wedding in the Fiatfalva castle in February 1676. Read more... Castle visit: Individual and group castle tours are also possible: ugroncastle.ro. Castle Rental: Thanks to the reconstruction completed between 2021 and 2024, the castle shines in its new yet timeless splendor. One wing houses the event halls, while the gate wing has 12 hotel rooms, each with its own bathroom and a view of the garden. The entire castle is available for rent. We recommend it for 2-3 day gatherings with friends or family, corporate team-building events, or multi-day weddings and receptions. Request a quote here!

The Pilgrimage and Visiting Center Márton Áron is located in Sândominic commune, Harghita county. The main purpose of the center is to serve pilgrims and tourists who is visiting this location, to provide information, and a place to rest in a civilized atmosphere. At the same time, it is an ideal place for the programs and temporary exhibitions of the Márton Áron Museum. Also, the building will be a practical, comfortable home, worthy of the local community, after school activities and leisure programs.

The Szekler Border Guard Memorial Center presents the history of the Szekler military organization and border defense in the Eastern Carpathians, starting from the Árpád-era up until the Second World War. The Szekler Border Guard Memorial Center, created by the Frumoasa Association, is a niche and unique tourist destination in Szeklerland, and, through presenting all the damages and the suffering war causes, also contributes to the strengthening of the modern European pacifism. Besides the richness of reconstructed scenes with mannequins, an array of modern technical equipment also helps the visitors learn about a thousand years of history. Tickets: • Adult: 30 lei • Students: 15 lei (one must present a valid ID) Free admission for museum workers, journalists, teachers leading a group, tourist guides. The exhibition is not recommended for children under 10 years. Guidance is provided in three languages (hungarian, romanian and english) through an audioguide system. The length of museum visit: 90-120’ Photography, audio recording and video recording is strictly prohibited! Opening hours: Wednesday 10-16 Thursday 10-16 Friday 10-16 Saturday 10-16 *last entry: 15:30

Golgota from Şumuleu, known as "Jesus Pass", is the most famous Cross Station in Transylvania. You can reach the Salvator chapel by following the path through the fir forest, on the Western slopes of the Şumuleu Mic hill. The Stations of the Cross Way, which could be found on the steep slope, represent the passions of Jesus. Many people follow the Way during the Whitsuntide Pilgrimage, praying. The stations declare the faith and the sacrifice of a person or a group. The first written mention of Golgotha from Şumuleu dates back to 1834. After 1868, stone crosses were erected in place of the old wooden ones, but only a few remain today. The new crosses were raised in the early twentieth century and are the work of the sculptor Kovács Béla from Jigodin.

At the Southern edge of Lueta there is the Salt House, which stands out as a monument that supplies not only the Lueta village but also the surrounding ones. In the region there are such houses in Mereşti, Mărtiniș, Corund and Praid, but the villagers believe that here is the best quality salt. The history of the house spans over a hundred years. It was built in 1866 above the fountain (the inscription above the entrance is witness). In 1996, the building received a new roof. The settlement once had a salt mine, but it only worked for a short time. The village was built on a large salt field that is linked to the salt field of Praid. Somewhere below the village, the salt deposit meets a water source resulting the Salt Fountain, the salty solution here being highly concentrated. The locals take great care of the well, from where they get the salt they need.

Discover the magical Pony Empire and Mini Dino Park, located in Lupeni/Farkaslaka, just 12 kilometers from Odorheiu Secuiesc/Székelyudvarhely! This fairy-tale destination offers unforgettable experiences for both children and adults. Pony Kingdom: • Children can ride and pet the ponies. • A pony carriage exhibition awaits visitors. • Other small animals: rabbits, chickens, lambs, peacocks, pigeons, and pheasants. Mini Dino Park: • Located in a pleasant forest environment. • Ideal family program for both children and adults. The park is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. Visit us and enjoy the closeness of nature and the unique experiences!

The Insect Park is located next to the Mini Transylvania Park, where both giant insects, 2 meters high, and smaller insects made by our team are exhibited. The park is the only one of its kind in Romania and the second in Europe, a similar one can be visited in Poland. The park displays 18 giant robotic insects, so tourists can see and hear how they behave in nature. These insects originate from our country, ranging from the common tick to grasshoppers, ants, butterflies, ladybugs and even scorpions. Information: The park is located at Băile Seiche, near Odorheiu Secuiesc. Tickets:  • Adult ticket: 25 RON • Children's ticket (free for children under 3): 15 RON • Ticket for senior citizens: 15 RON • Group ticket (minimum 10 people): • Adults: 22 RON • Children / pensioners: 13 RON CAUTION! !!! People with disabilities are admitted free of charge if they have a document proving this!!! We look forward to seeing you at the Băile Seiche/Szejkefürdő near Odorheiu Secuiesc/Székelyudvarhely!

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The windmill in Călugăreni/Homoródremete is a monument of local importance. The building from the 19th century is unique in Harghita county. Another curiosity is that at that time a water mill was built next to it. The monument changed its owner in 2001, and the new owner transformed the building in a romantic style. The two-levels building has a round shape and is covered with shingles. The first floor has stone walls, which are divided by simple windows with square closure. At the top of the walls there is only a semicircular window. The windmill, considered a local curiosity, does not work since the 19th Century - it is just a special attraction of the region.

Orbán Balázs was born in Polonita village near Odorheiu Secuiesc, in an old Szekler family. He studied in Odorheiu Secuiesc, but in the spring of 1846 he left his native lands to return only in 1859. During the years of absolutism and the relatively short relaxation period after that, he traveled to the Szeklerland. He arrived in every locality, visited all the ruins and natural attractions, taking notes and immortalizing them with a camera. Between 1868 and 1873, Orbán Balázs published the six volumes of his trademark "Historical, Archeological, Geographical and Ethnographic Description of the Szekler Land". He died without descendants, leaving all his inheritance to the Szekler people. Respecting his last wish, Orbán Balázs was buried at Seiche. In front of his grave is a row of Szekler gates, the first of which is the gate of his house.

Pro Odorhei Foundation built the Memorial Park. The statues represent 12 famous historical and cultural personalities: Kós Károly, Bethlen István, Wesselényi Miklós, Bethlen Gábor, Fráter György, King Szent László, Prince Csaba, Hunyadi János, Báthori István II. Rákóczi Ferenc, General Bem, Nyírő József, and the thirteenth is the anonymous Wandering Szekler. The sculptors are: Blaskó János, Hell Tibor, Krisztiáni Sándor, Lessenyei Márta and Tóth Emőke. Text and photo source: https://tourinfo.ro/

Discover Transylvania in one day! Mini Transylvania Park is the only multicultural, thematic mock-up park in Romania, where visitors can see a scaled-down copy of Transylvania's most important historical buildings. The park is located in Szejkefürdő/Băile Szejke, near Székelyudvarhely/Odorheiu Secuiesc. In the area of about 8000 square meters we recommend to our visitors: • our open-air exhibition, which presents scale models of more than 80 of the most significant castles, fortified churches, mansions and other monumental buildings in Transylvania; • most of them are part of the national heritage and UNESCO World Heritage; • a mini-Szekler train tour;  • buffalo carriage rides; • the Mineral Water Museum; • exhibition of the Szekler gates; • the Orbán Balázs Visitor Center; • playground. Tickets: • Ticket for adults: 40 lei • Ticket for children (free for children under 3 years): 25 lei • Ticket for retirees: 25 lei • Adult group ticket (minimum 10 people): 35 lei • Group ticket children / pensioners (minimum 10 people): 20 lei * Ticket price for the Mini Transylvania Park includes admission to the Orbán Balázs Visitor Center. Tickets for the Mini Secler Steam:  • Adult ticket: 10 lei • Children's ticket: 5 lei The idea of the Transylvanian mini-park came from Szekler Legendarium's team. The scale models exposed in our park present the most important buildings of the region's nationalities, in their golden age. The scale models were made by Németh Hajnal Auróra and Vajda Domokos born in Cristuru Secuiesc, with the contribution of historical graphic artist Gyöngyössy János.

The foundation stone was laid in September 1895, and the most impressive building of the former Lower Market, the current Town Hall, was commissioned in 1897. The former headquarters of Odorhei County was built in eclectic style, according to the plans of the architect Sztehló Ottó. Its constructor was the engineer Ferenczi Endre, but an important role was given to Haberstumph Károly, the city’s main architect. As for the construction of the rooms, the conference room, located at the end of the enclosed courtyard, richly ornamented with wall and ceiling paintings, has a special value and since 2003 it has been named Szent István (St. Stephen). It is the most representative hall in the city, which hosts symposiums, conferences, high-quality concerts, festivals and other events. Text and photo source: http://www.odorhei-turism.ro/

In 2011, the largest statue of Jesus in Eastern Europe was built on Gordon hill in Harghita, between Odorheiu-Secuiesc and Praid. Called “the Heart of Jesus”, the statue is about 22 meters high, and is made of iron and stainless steel. The statue costed 200,000 EUR and was paid by donations gathered by the Lupeni village hall. Inside the statue, there are metallic spiral staircases up to the head, from where you could admire the wonderful view around. Photo: Mihálydeák Antal, Fülöp Attila

The Golden Rose (Rosa d'Oro) is a special gift from the popes, which is nowadays given to Mary's shrines. This honour was presented by Pope Francis in Șumuleu Ciuc/Csíksomlyó on June 1, 2019, in honour of the Virgin Mary. It is currently the only papal rose in the Carpathian Basin. Originally the popes gave the golden roses to persons of great merit serving the Church. The custom was first mentioned in 1049, in the context that the Pope had donated the rose to an eminent official. Later the kings received the honour, then different bodies, and in the 13-14th century it was given to churches. The first woman to take over was Joanna I of Naples in 1368. From the 17th century onward, the Pope predominantly bestowed the honour on women of royal families for their virtues, and for their church service. Since the mid-20th century, the Pope has honoured with the Golden Rose the Queen of Heaven, the Virgin Mary, at the most important shrines of Mary. Pope Paul VI awarded a church in Bethlehem in 1963, the Fatima in 1965 and the Guadalupe Shrine in 1966. Among others, John Paul II awarded the Golden Roses to the Shrine of Mary in Czestochowa, Loreto and Lourdes. Pope Benedict XVI honoured most of the Mary's shrines when he visited them (including Aparecida and Mariazell, the Immaculate Conception Church in Washington, the Nostra Signora di Bonaria in Cagliari, the Rosary of Pompeii, and the Basilica of the Rosary). Pope Francis also donated Golden Roses to the Mary's shrines in Fatima, Turin, Guadalupe and Czestochowa. The Golden Rose is a symbol of joy and love, a symbol of Christ, according to old ceremonies, and thus its giving is not only a simple acknowledgment but also a mission: the honoured ones must bring Christ into the world. The rose given by Pope Francis to the Virgin Mary of Șumuleu Ciuc/Csíksomlyó is made of silver with 24 karat gold plated stems. It is about 84 cm tall and weighs 1,200 grams. The Golden Rose was placed next to the statue of Virgin Mary, which having a height of 2.27 meters is the largest votive wooden statue in the world.

An information point with an exhibition hall about human-bear coexistence at Băile Tușnad/Tusnádfürdő for tourists and locals set up as part of the project entitled “WatchBear & AdvoCity – bears and people for a common future”. For reservations (maximum 15 people), further details and to book a visit, please call +40 743 775 213.

3 kilometres from Porumbenii Mari/Nagygalambfalva, on the “Várfele” hillside, rising above the valley of the “Vágás” stream, there was a castle in ancient times and in the Árpád era. In the 13th and 14th centuries it served as a refuge for the villagers. On the banks of the “Vágás” stream, the locals joined forces to build an imaginary replica of the former fortress in 2023. The building, called “Várféle” (meaning: castle-like), is located next to the Spring of the Sad Princess and also serves as an observation tower. The building incorporates the style of the old church forts, castles and medieval fortifications of Szeklerland. A small fish pond has been created nearby.  The “Várféle” can be visited any time for free. According to legend, the castle on the “Várfele” hillside, whose remains are now only relics and artefacts, was built by Prince Csaba (in Hungarian mythology, the youngest son of Attila, King of the Huns) and left to one of his daughters. From the tears of Csaba's orphaned granddaughter sprang the spring that is now called the Spring of the Sad Princess. Another legend tells that there was a lake near the castle, at the bottom of which a huge white snake holds fabulous treasures.  Photos: Mihálydeák Antal

The Caracău Viaduct is a railway viaduct on the Miercurea Ciuc - Ghimeș section, which was put into operation on 18 October 1897. The viaduct was completely destroyed in 1944 as a result of World War II battles. From December 1944 until 12 February 1945, the Romanian engineers built a provisional, completely wooden (3,600 cubic meters) wooden viaduct. This was a unique performance in the history of railway constructions. In parallel, a new viaduct was built, and it was put into operation on 14 September 1946. The new construction of the viaduct was the largest railway bridge made of reinforced concrete in Romania. The total length of the viaduct is 264 m, the vault has an opening of 100 m and the arrow is 37 m. The width of the vault is 6.50 m at the top and 10 m at the base. The vault section has 2.5 m at the top and 4.8 m at the base. Photo: Bartalis Zsombor

Learn the secrets of Miercurea Ciuc's beloved brew at this factory tour, 12km south of Miercurea Ciuc, through tastings and traditional Hungarian beer snacks. After a few sips, you too will be singing the praises of the Harghita Mountains' spring water and quality hops. Offer 1: 125 g CSÍKI chips Price: 55 RON/person Offer 2: Price: 110 RON/person Offer 3: Price: 120 RON/person For children: Factory visit and technology presentation Chicken bites with French fries and sauce Price: 50 RON/person Csíki Chips Factory entrance fee: 30 RON/person Booking: +40755 030 895, latogatokozpont@csikisor.hu IMPORTANT! Registration is considered a definite booking after confirmation by phone or e-mail.   We want your visit to be a lasting memory, so you have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs related to Csíki Beer and Csíki Chips in our gift shop. We offer also: • Visiting and tasting tour at "Csíki Csipsz"