The history of a capital that became a village: Cârțișoara, the former capital of Făgăraș Land.

The Historical Significance of Făgăraș Land

Few know that the Făgăraș Land, a region of major importance in the history of Transylvania, did not have its administrative center in Făgăraș from the very beginning. History shows that the capital of this region was actually in Cârța Românească, the present-day locality of Cârțișoara.

Cârțișoara: The Early Administrative Center

Situated at the foot of the Făgăraș Mountains on the right bank of the stream of the same name, Cârțișoara is first documented in 1223, in a document from the former Hungarian King Andrew II, which refers to events that took place in the years 1205-1206.

During this period, it seems that Cârțișoara was indeed the administrative center of Făgăraș Land. In other words, the importance of the locality at that time was as significant as that of Brașov and Sfântu Gheorghe.

Decline of Importance

However, soon the importance of this locality declined after the decision was made to move the administrative and religious center to Făgăraș.

• In just 100 years, Cârțișoara became an ordinary village.
• Its importance in the administrative landscape was almost null.
• Moreover, in the 16th century, it was even split and divided between two families of Hungarian nobles.

The village only regained its unity in 1964.