The village of Țapu

Introduction

A small and beautiful village – these are the conceptual coordinates of the Sibiu village of Țapu, which has a population of 650 inhabitants. Located in the commune of Micăsasa, the 13th century was particularly significant for this settlement. Thus, it is said, from generation to generation, that the village of Țapu was part of the properties of the abbey at Igriș, being referred to at that time as *Villa Abbatis* (or the Village of the Abbot).

Historical Context

And since religion played an extremely important and influential role, the village was a component of a church unit alongside three other settlements, with a deanery located in Cenade (in Sighișoara).

Geology and Architecture

Geologically speaking, the village of Țapu boasts true and highly natural salt springs. However, what attracts visitors is the Evangelical-Lutheran Church itself, with its characteristic style found in Transylvania during those centuries.

Architectural Features

• The predominant material is raw quarry stone, which is why the fortification still stands today, after so many hundreds of years – specifically, since the 15th century.
• The Gothic style remains the one that gives the true note, and with a view to maintaining an overall vision of the place, there was initially a desire to build a tower, similar to those in Axente Sever and even Agârbiciu.

Discussing more closely, the fortification has a height of 6 meters, being an imposing construction in the entire small Sibiu village of Țapu. Additionally, the tower has a walkway that provides a panoramic view, accessible via a pedestrian entrance that used to be protected by a drawbridge.

Community and Lifestyle

From all these details, we can rightly affirm that the locality of Țapu in the commune of Micăsasa follows the characteristic style of villages from those times – where there was undoubtedly a church, a school, and often an infirmary (or a small hospital that locals could turn to in case of need).

With a population of 650 inhabitants, it is very easy to observe that migration from the village is ongoing. Those who remain are the elderly, those who were born and suffered in these lands, wishing to continue their days in the same way.

Youth and Tourism

As for the youth, they have left and return gradually, but very rarely. Moreover, most of the people who stop by are tourists, adventurers in search of the new – who always feel more than welcome in these Transylvanian places, where people are more than eager to see new faces and new souls.

If you ever find yourself near Sibiu, be sure to take the time to visit the village of Țapu!