"The Old Man of the Carpathians," the 900-year-old oak tree from Mercheasa, Brașov.

The Beauty of Transylvania

Hidden from the world and the daily hustle, on the edge of a dense, ancient forest, lies a village that, once visited, will make you understand why life in Transylvania is so beautiful. In Mercheașa, a village located 11 kilometers from the town of Rupea, the people are truly hardworking, evident from the moment you enter the village. If you ask them what they are most proud of, they will tell you in a voice as strong as the 900-year-old oak tree.

The Elder of the Carpathians

For nearly a millennium, a tree has stood at the edge of the village, unfazed by the harsh winters or scorching summers it has endured.

• It is over 900 years old and measures 21.3 meters in height.
• Not even four people could embrace it, as its circumference is 9.3 meters.

In 2011, the villagers, alongside the Geopark Perșani association, included the tree in a ranking of the oldest trees in the country and named it *"The Elder of the Carpathians."*

Legends and History

With such an ancient age, it is no surprise that legends surround this venerable tree. Indeed, under its "watchful eyes," Transylvania was born, the *"land beyond the forests,"* where fortresses and fortified churches were built, wars were fought, and countries and nations were divided.

It is said, for example, that under the shade of this nine-century-old tree, numerous rulers would plan the affairs of the land, taking advantage of the cool shade of the oak.

Visiting the Oak

To reach the 900-year-old oak in Mercheașa, all you need to do is ask anyone in the village for directions. You will walk along a country road for about 1.8 kilometers to the northeast of the village and arrive at a meadow of ancient oaks.

Don’t hesitate to take note of the other trees, among them is one that is over 500 years old.