The commune Halchiu is located at the north of Tara Barsei, 15 km distant from Brasov. Its territory compasses two villages: Halchiu ? the commune seat and Satu-Nou.
The lands located within the territorial and administrative area of the commune favored the development of the agriculture, meadows and pasturages.
The Fortress on the Swamp
Legend tells that a swamp used to be once on the area covered today by Tara Barsei. Count Hiltwin, along with the colonist which accompanied him, drained off the swamp and transformed it into fertile land. In remembrance of the count, the locality?s armory represents a hero carrying a mace with a shot.
The first document attesting the locality, also known as Holtovery (in Magyar) and Hesldorf (in German) goes back to 1337 and refers to Villa Heltiven, Heltven, Heldvinum.
The archives registered the existence, on the actual location of the evangelic church, of a wooden church, dedicated to Saint Andrew. The church was rebuilt in the 15th century and turned into an evangelic sanctuary, frequented by the local German natives and the tourists. In Halchiu there also functions the orthodox church ?Saints Archangels Michael and Gabriel?, built in 1791, while another evangelic church gather the parishioners of Satu Nou.
Halchiu?s Days
The local authorities unfold various strategies meant to revive the Romanian and German traditional costumes. This year edition of ?Halchiu?s Days? was a rehearsal for 2007 ceremonies, when the evangelic church will celebrate a Holy Year. The folkloric band ?The Chestnut Flower?, along with the other county?s bands performed a magnificent cultural show and authentic traditions. The sporting activities, the pupils? program and the contest of the bravest local breeders successfully completed the feast.
Invitation to Halchiu
The mayor Ioan Garbacea promises a great show to all those who want to attend the 2007? edition of ?Halchiu?s Days?. The former inhabitants of the commune living abroad will find a modernized locality, involved in various projects concerning the infrastructure and the social field. The commune has a good image, attracts investor in agriculture and posses lands propitious to unfold various businesses.
As the mayor stated, there is an excellent development potential for the agro-tourism in the area.
