The town Rupea, located on the European road connecting Brasov to Sighisoara, easily distinguishes thanks to the Medieval Stronghold, erected on the basalt rock, at the north-western side of the locality.
Fifteen minutes walk from the road, the visitor arrive behind the citadel, from where he can see the Lower Stronghold walls, the tower and the main gate. In order to reach the entrance on the eastern side of the walls, he has to cross a plum trees orchard and pass through an old heavy oak gate, lined with metallic ribbon.
The Peasant Stronghold
In the 14th century, the Germans found the camp abandoned and destroyed by the invasions of the migratory tribes. They built on the ruins, in several phases, a peasant stronghold, baptising it with the local name: Reps (the Hungarians will call it later ?Koholom?, which means ?mass of stones?). The redoubt system has three enclosures: The Upper Stronghold (built before the German colonisation), The Middle Stronghold (erected in the 15th century and enlarged at the beginning of the 17th century), and the Lower Stronghold, dating back to the 17th century.
Processions and Parades
The town hall Rupea, in collaboration with the County Council Brasov, the Center for Traditions? Conservation and the Community Centre recently organized the 36th edition of the Citadel?s Festival of Rupea, dedicated to the old local stronghold. The event occasioned folkloric shows, popular costume?s parades and procession of the groups representing the strongholds from Sighisoara, Alba and Sibiu, along with those within the county ? Codlea, Ghimbav, Fagaras, Zarnesti and Brasov. The event was attended by various personalities from Romania and abroad, Government?s representatives, parliamentarians and local mayors.
Folkloric Treasures
The Band ?Cohalmul? from Rupea performed a wonderful folkloric show, accompanied by the local brass band and chorus, which members were highly appreciated by the audience of other major events, such as ?The Golden Stag?. The brass band of the Communitarian Centre Rupea, the ?Cohalmul? chorus and the Wedding with Riders procession are some of the cultural treasures representing Rupea; they managed the gather an impressive collection of diplomas and prizes.
The authentic event hosted by the Stronghold Rupea ended with a splendid fire works.
