Pay a visit to Feldioara!
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From a historical perspective, Feldioara town is registered in the Archaeological Repertory of Romania with several sites, one more important than the other. Archaeologists have found proof of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic. These traces have remained through the Bronze Age until reaching the 4th century BC and creating connections with the Dacian, and later to the Dacian Roman population. There is an indication of the existence of settlements belonging to the Teutons and the Transylvanian Saxon colonizers on these lands dating back to the Middle Age, as well as of migratory horde invasion or fights stirred by the political disputes of that time. The ruins of the glorious fortress that has been here for 800 years, the Transylvanian Saxon and Romanian churches, the monuments built and the remained documents, tell us the story of these places.
Feldioara Citadel
It is well known that the Teutonic Knights arrived in Tara Barsei around 1211 and they were entitled to build earth fortifications and wooden cities. They settled in Feldioara citadel where thieves, murderers, forgers and heretics were not allowed to enter. The citadel was fortified, made of stone, with consolidated walls and a three-levelled tower. The access inside was possible through an opening bridge over a huge moat. The ruins have been preserved up to now and nowadays the citadel is part of a rehabilitation/restauration process in order to be included in the tourist circuit.
The Teutonic Knights Return to the Citadel
Every year, when the town is celebrated, in early September, the Knights Tournaments festival takes place, a genuine medieval show with horses and riders stepped out of times gone by, fight demonstrations and exhibitions of hand-made objects. The entire town is animated and those who are curious participate in the workshops where they are taught how to handle a broadsword, archery or javelin throw, creating the impression that the Teutons returned to Feldioara. ?These festivals are a way of learning history, because, other than the show, the people from the audience are given a flyer, a kind of a modern charter, with excerpts from the rich medieval history of this place. When these manifestations occur, there are a lot of spectators, not only locals, but also people coming from far and wide?, said Mr. Sorin Taus, Mayor of Feldioara.
?The Winter Spirit?
Just like the Teutonic Knights, the carol singer groups return every year before Christmas in Feldioara to organise the Winter Fair and the Christmas Festival entitled ?The Winter Spirit?. A typical custom for this community used to be ?the Bear Dance? whose main characters were two disguised young men: one as a bear and the other as its tamer. The bear was taken downtown and everyone came to see the bear dance. This moment marked the New Year?s Eve. Nowadays, the memory of this custom remained and the holidays start with a folk festivity where groups from the neighbouring villages and towns are invited.
