The Legend of the Giant's Fortress in Saschiz, Mureș

The Legend of the Giants in Saschiz

One of the most beautiful legends associated with the Transylvanian fortresses can be found in Saschiz, a village located in the south of Mureș County, documented since 1310. However, its legends are much older and, as I mentioned, some of the most delightful.

The Fortress of the Giants

A few kilometers north of the village lies a circular fortress estimated to have been built between 2500 BC and 1800 BC: the Fortress of the Giants. The fortress is situated in an area known to locals as Volsoc, and its dimensions are impressive, especially when considering the technology used during its construction.

• Archaeological research has uncovered fragments of pottery identified as being used in the civilization of those years, which have also been found in other prehistoric fortresses across Transylvania.

The Legend of the Giants

The Legend of the Giants is directly linked to the fortress of the same name in Saschiz. It is said that in the past, giants occupied the fortress and demanded that anyone passing by their "home" maintain silence. A group of locals who did not comply were taken captive along with their procession of oxen to frighten them. They were then released so that they could tell everyone about the danger posed by the giants.

Visiting Saschiz

If you find yourself in Saschiz, don’t hesitate to ask the locals about the legend of the giants. You will surely receive various versions, but be sure not to miss the medieval Saxon fortress built here in the 14th-15th century and the impressive Clock Tower.