The Legend of Nocrich

Nocrich: A Village of Tradition and Mystery

Somewhere about 32 km from Sibiu, on the road to Agnita, in the Hârtibaciu Valley, lies Nocrich. Or Leschkirsh. Or Ujegyha. Or even Nogrech... In the heart of true tradition that is preserved, the locals add an air of mystery and history through their very presence. Here, from the hands of skilled craftsmen, clay pots are still being made, and the houses smell of fresh, natural, warm bread.

Historical Significance

We are not sure exactly when it was built, but what is certain is that it is first documented in official records in 1263. The specific date, along with the few years before it, is irrelevant to the legend – in these lands, you can be sure that both locals and the great officials of the area enjoyed the same view.

The Village and Its Legend

Nocrich is a small village built around the church in the center, which makes it very surprising and shrouded in mystery. A legend intensifies this mystery, telling that once, in the past, a number of Romanian families lived here and went about their daily lives. Nothing wrong with that, but soon these families were driven away by "men on horseback, wearing boots and black hats," who settled here and officially founded the settlement.

The Church of Nocrich

Focusing our attention in the center of Nocrich, we find the fabulous construction whose exterior may not attract much – however, if you look up, the roof will surely make you want to discover what’s inside. What you see here dates back to the 13th century, a true Romanesque church where you will feel as safe as in the past.

I say this because a little later, in the 15th century, the surrounding walls and two defensive towers were built to protect the church and the entire region from attacks. It wasn't until 1800 that the church in Nocrich faced a siege – it was burned to the ground. Immediately after the incident, between 1803 and 1806, the church was rebuilt and fortified at the cost of 8,950 florins.

Notable Personalities

Among the notable personalities who first saw the light of day in Nocrich is the governor of Transylvania, Samuel von Brukenthal, whose contribution to the rebuilding of the burned church amounted to 1,000 florins. A significant sum, indeed, but a true help that ensured that with his death (exactly in the year the construction of the new church began), the pew of the entire Brukenthal family would be preserved in the church under the watchful eyes of those who would wish for those moments to come from their hearts and return at least for a second before them.