September 20-21, 2024
European Heritage Days at Biertan
Immerse yourself in a multi sensorial experience in the heart of Transylvania, in one of the most breathtaking lands - the Saxon village of Biertan. An oasis steeped in history, filled entirely by an utterly authentic charm.
In 2024, the European Heritage Days invite us to embark on a journey along the "Routes, Networks, and Connections" that have woven the rich tapestry of our shared history. From ancient trade paths to the vibrant cultural exchanges that define Europe today, this year’s theme celebrates the invisible threads that connect us all. Across the continent, doors will open to hidden gems and timeless landmarks, offering a rare glimpse into the stories that have shaped our collective identity. It’s a celebration not just of places, but of the ideas and people that have travelled these routes, leaving their mark on the landscapes and communities we cherish.
In the heart of Transylvania, the village of Biertan will transform into a living tableau of heritage and festivity. The echoes of history will resonate through its UNESCO-listed fortified church as the village hosts a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community. Picture a serene courtyard filled with the melodies of a live concert, the warm glow of twilight bathing the ancient walls, followed by a feast of finger foods and cocktails that celebrate local flavours. As the night deepens, an afterparty under the stars will invite everyone to dance in the embrace of history, making Biertan not just a place on a map, but a crossroads where past and present joyfully meet.
Event organised by
About
BIERTAN
Nestled among the undulating hills and ancient forests of Transylvania, Biertan is a village where time seems to stand still, preserving the echoes of a storied past. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holding the title of a "Fairytale Village" according to the Destination of the Year 2024 competition, Biertan captivates visitors with its cobblestone streets, fortified church, and the enduring spirit of the Saxon settlers who first laid its foundations in the 12th century. Dominating the scenic expanse of Transylvania, the Biertan Fortified Church stands as a stunning testament to Saxon architectural mastery and historical resilience. This awe-inspiring edifice, characterized by its imposing double walls and an ancient oak door, is a living relic of the Saxon era's rich heritage.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
To celebrate the multicultural diversity of our Motherland Transylvania and to give chance to all visitors and foreigners that will attend the festival to understand more about how the local artists and foreigners are connected to their roots,
we have prepared a series of special activities and artistic acts.
BIERTAN FORTIFIED CHURCH 21.09.2024 / 19:00H
MINDTHEGAP Trio & Flow Strings Quartet
Motherland Transylvania
The historic heart of Transylvania will pulse for this special event with the avant-garde music of MINDTHEGAP Trio, a Romanian experimental jazz trio that defies conventional boundaries. In a special project prepared for this event, MINDTHEGAP Trio has invited Flow.Strings, a vibrant string quartet exploring a wide spectrum of music from classical and tango to jazz and electronic. Formed in 2021, this group of young professional musicians—Roxana Pál (violin), Iolanda Cochisă (violin), Alexandru Cochisă (viola), and Kata Domahidi (cello)—brings a fresh and dynamic approach to every performance, constantly pushing the boundaries of musical expression.
As dusk falls and the shadows lengthen across the village and the iconic fortress, the inside of the church will become the stage for a unique sonic experience that will transcend the ordinary. Formed by the visionary designer and musician Stefan Ormenisan, the trio is a manifestation of his lifelong passion for jazz and world music. Their sound, a mesmerizing fusion of nu jazz, cinematic scores, and progressive rock, is a reflection of both global influences and the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Transylvania. It is music that does not merely entertain, but envelops the listener in a rich tapestry of sound, invoking the ethereal and the profound.
*Following this concert, guests will be invited to enjoy a selection of locally made finger foods and cocktails, thoughtfully curated to complement the evening’s artistic offerings. The flavors of Transylvania, deeply rooted in the region’s diverse cultural heritage, will be brought to life in a menu that is as much a feast for the senses as the music that precedes it. And as the night deepens, the celebration continues with an after-party with Chill&Vinyl in the courtyard of Biertan’s fortified church, where the mingling of history, music, and taste will create an atmosphere both surreal and intimate.
IN ORDER TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE CONCERT AND THE AFTER PARTY EVENT YOU HAVE TO OPT FOR THE TICKETS BELOW
Please notice that in order to have access to the after party including one free drink and local made finger food you need to buy the full ticket!
BAROQUE TWILIGHT
Street parade
Friday 20.09.24 - 18:00-19:30h
The European Heritage Days debute on Friday evening, when Biertan will be the host of a special street show, with epoch costumes, lyrics of the poet Radu Stanca, voices and instruments, an impressive allegorical chariot, along with countless unique artistic elements. All these are part of the Heritage - Street Parade project - The Baroque twilight, of the students of the Theatre Arts Department of the "Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu.
LOCAL FARMERS MARKET
Biertan Central Square
Saturday 21.09.24 - 10:00-16:00h
This year, Biertan continues its cherished tradition with the "Local Farmers Market", happening on the 21st of September from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the Central Square. The fair will celebrate Transylvanian heritage with an array of traditional baked goods, including artisanal bread and regional pastries, along with a selection of cheeses, cold-pressed oils, spices, and handmade artisan items.
OPEN DOORS DAY
Homes Throughout the Commune
Saturday 21.09.24 - 11:00-17:00h
Step into the Heart of Village Life.
A truly special experience for our souls, and surely for yours as well. For a few hours, several families from Biertan and beyond will open the doors of their homes, offering us the perfect opportunity to finally see what lies behind the majestic and imposing Saxon gates.
HERITAGES WORKSHOP
Locations Throughout The Commune
Saturday 21.09.24 - 11:00-19:00h
Biertan City Hall will organise different workshops for children and adults, on the theme of heritage, together with partners and active locals from the community, in multiple locations that will be involved in the Open Doors Day. Discover them while they will be announced in their official Facebook event.
YOGA IN THE BARN
Casa Gela
Saturday 21.09.24 - 09:30-11:00h
Connect with heritage and connect with yourself. Yoga in Transylvania invites you to immerse yourself in the village life of Biertan to discover architectural and cultural heritage through a different kind of experience: Yoga in the barn of a Saxon house.
HIKE BIERTAN - COPSA MARE
by Anii Drumetiei
Saturday 21.09.24 - 09:30-15:00h
Take your family on a hike along the Via Transilvanica trail connecting Biertan to Copșa Mare. Join us as we explore the picturesque beauty of Transylvania, blending stunning landscapes with authentic local traditions. We'll start from the square by the Via Transilvanica milestone and embark on the trail. After about 1.5 kilometres, we'll pause to admire the view of the fortress from above and our journey continues to Copșa Mare.
FLOWERS, BUTTERFLIES AND STORIES
by Transylvanian Highlands
Saturday 21.09.24 - 10:00-12:00h
You will have the opportunity to explore the diversity of species in the flora and fauna of the region and learn about the importance of biodiversity in Transylvania: how it influence us, how it can support us and why it is vital to protect it. You will discover with the guide for this journey, flowers, plants, butterflies, birds, reptiles and insects that shelter in the Transylvania Highlands and their role and how we can better protect and appreciate them.
BRUNCH AT CASA DANI BIERTAN
Local Gastronomy Point
Saturday 21.09.24 - 11:00-15:00h
A countryside brunch is a complete experience that offers you the chance to connect with local traditions and discover the authenticity of this unique region. Every detail, from how the food is presented to the hospitality of the hosts, is designed to make you feel not just like a visitor, but part of a warm and welcoming community.
BRUNCH AT COPSA MARE 122
Local Gastronomy Point
Saturday 21.09.24 - 11:00-15:00h
An authentic Saxon culinary experience in the heart of Transylvania. A truly special opportunity to savour dishes prepared with soul, just as the locals have done for generations. Here, rural landscapes blend with ancient traditions, creating an incomparable culinary journey in an intimate, cosy, and bohemian setting.
WINE CELLAR Guided Visit
Crama Biertan
Saturday 21.09.24 - 13.00h and 15:00h
Built between 1961 - 1963, Biertan Winery was at its time one of the largest in Sibiu County. The hundreds of hectares of vineyards on the terraced hills of Biertan unfortunately disappeared, the Jidvei being the last to manage them until 2009. This year, the new owners decided to reopen it for visiting, and the rooms with its huge containers and vintage equipment are genuine tourist attractions.
ARCHITECTURAL TOUR
with historian Razvan Pop
Saturday 21.09.24 - 16.00-18:00h
Discover Biertan trough the eyes of historian Răzvan Pop, general manager at Astra Library in Sibiu and find out about the elements that make this UNESCO World Heritage rural site a unique place.
PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS
