Things to see and do Miercurea-Ciuc

This fortified castle, the town's oldest building, was erected in 1621, burnt down during the Tatar invasions of 1661 and rebuilt in 1716. Its role was both defensive and political (seat of the Sicilian Country). Today, it houses a museum with historical, folkloric and artistic collections relating to the region and reflecting its cultural particularities. Behind the castle, you can see the reconstruction of two traditional houses.

This place is well worth a visit. One of the churches of this Franciscan monastery was built by the famous voivode János Hunyadi in 1448. Demolished in 1802, it was rebuilt in neoclassical style with a Baroque influence. The church is famous for its statue of the Virgin Mary, carved from limewood to a height of 2.30 meters and reputed to perform miracles. On Whitsun Sunday, Mount Somlyó (1,035 meters) hosts the Pilgrimage of the Siculi, which attracts huge crowds.

Lined with pretty, colorful houses, the main street, strada Petőfi Sándor, has become partly pedestrianized and has really spruced up in recent years. It's now a real pleasure to stroll along it on a busy day, when the terraces are full. By contrast, piața Libertăţii is a sad example of the architecture put in place under Ceaușescu's systematization plan. On the other side of the central park, to the south, you'll find the Palace of Justice (1904), the Town Hall (1898) and the Mikó Castle-Museum.