Beginning
The premium traditional travel started inside the village. Traditional because the village has remained the only oasis that preserves and celebrates authenticity, living in harmony with the laws of nature and tradition. Premium in this case means neither modern, nor luxury or perfection, but the complete experience, culture, history, lessons, involvement, personal example, a wide range of virtues that are added to the traveler when he leaves such a place. We believe that the niche tourism in Romania was born in the Saxon villages, in all the guesthouses full of warmth and hospitality, in the green courtyards where old barns became dear places that gather people, stories, colors, tastes and laughter today. As every step, trend, change of perspective needs a promoter or ambassador, the premium traditional travel in Romania had Prince Charles as a pioneer. He, in love with the lands of a country that is not always aware of what it received, the virgin forests, the rare species of wild flowers, the untouched villages and the people who smile at you even if they do not understand, chose to restore in Viscri, at number 163, an old house, then transformed it into a guesthouse, a place that represented for us in fact, the beginning. Viscri phenomenon, the Saxon houses, the return to villages and authenticity, the restoration instead of modernization, saving the buildings, monuments, houses and mansions, these and many more are due to the Prince of Wales.The house at number 163 instantly attracted travelers, tourists, journalists, public figures, curious only to find why one of the most beloved royal faces of our times comes here several times a year. In fact, built in 1777, the house came into the possession of His Royal Highness in 1998, in order to encourage the preservation of Romania’s architectural, cultural and spiritual heritage. Viscri, a village abandoned almost entirely by Saxons who emigrated to Germany, became one of the most visited rural areas in Romania, with an exceeded capacity during summer and a parking place built outside the village, for dozens of buses.
WHAT TO DO
Inside His beautiful property, bathed in the green of grass, the blue of the sky and the shades of wood, the three rooms and the Prince of Wales apartment have been carefully restored by local craftsmen, with comfortable reading armchairs, refurbished with 60-year-old canvas, authentic furniture, refurbished trees, old-fashioned air and smell, hand-woven fabrics, Saxon wooden benches and… a radio from World War II.
Outside, in the typical Saxon courtyard, time is more tolerant than usual. A complete silence and a peaceful beauty along the property, separated by a tall gate and walls, far away from from the hustle and bustle of the village, daily rhythm of life, sometimes from the curious who try to understand through the cracks of the gate why the Prince of Wales chose Romania; and especially Viscri. In the yard there is a beautiful barn, restored and transformed into a living room, for relaxing, reading, storytelling, also used for the breakfast. We look around, smiling silently, actually understanding how lucky we are by the fact that we have kept, in some places, almost without knowing, parts of an untouched country.
WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO EAT
In Viscri the favorite destination for serving the best local dishes but also interpreted is Viscri 32, the cheerful barn full of beautiful people. Here, Saxon food combines wonderfully with current accents and ingredients, in the best soups, in baked cheese potatoes and in the most delicious pies and drinks made from organic ingredients. In their restaurant, each product comes from a nearby household, from Viscri or from neighboring villages.
And in this Transylvanian village simply walking on the old street can become a real experience: the old houses, people still curious to see your face, the quiet animals, the famous geese, the eternity, sunset, local shops, the beautiful fortified church and the small museum arranged in inside, they’re all there
The experience at the House of Prince of Wales is that of the Transylvanian Saxon way of life: authentic, hospitable, rich in details, culture and wood. But beyond that, we have much more to owe to the ambassador number 1 of untamed Romania. This text, our thoughts and emotions are for the Prince of Wales. We are grateful as a country, travelers, as people who grow up, understand, learn about the country in which they live more from His personal example, than they did in school, family or in life.Prince of Wales Guesthouse in Viscri, Viscri Village 163, Brașov County