SAXON VILLAGE OF AŢEL

Called Hetzeldorf in German, this charming traditional Saxon village in the hills between Mediaș and Biertan features a fine ^14th-century church, fortified in the ^15th century. Note the pretty Gothic carvings with plant motifs, particularly on the western portal. The view from the towers over the brown-tiled roofs of the identical, low-rise houses is truly breathtaking. Today, only around 100 Saxons live in the village. From Biertan, it can be reached via a hiking trail (vertical blue stripe) through Dupuș.