halmeag and surroundings

HALMEAG AND SURROUNDINGS

Halmeag is located in the county Brasov which was part of Hungary till the Treaty of Trianon in 1919. Then a great deal of Hungary, Transylvania, was given to the new state of Romania. The Hungarian name of the village is Halmâgy. The population was Hungarian but now, due to Ceaucescu's ethnical politic, the population is Hungarian, Romanian and Gipsy in equal parts. The village has about 600 inhabitants. In the past it was a prosperous farming community. Now, most of the people are pensionado's and unemployed daylabourers and some smallscale farmers. Because of the poor economic situation youngsters leave the country to try to make a living elsewhere, mostly in Italy and Spain.

In the centre of the village stands a 13th-century fortified church, with a beautifully handpainted interior. The vicar is most pleased to tell you in English or German all about his church.

The country also knew a great minority of Germans, the Saxons. There are over 200 Saxon villages, characterised by grand houses with large frontgardens. The Saxons were brought here in the 12th-century by the Hungarian King to defend the country against the Turks. During the Ceacescu-government they were 'sold back' to Germany and also afterwards many of them returned to their roots. Now their houses are empty looked after by neighbours or occupied by Gipsies.

The surroundings are unspoiled meadows, forests, hills and streams. From the hills you have a beautiful view on the Carpathian Mountains. It borders the river Olt, which offers plenty of fishing opportunities. It is lovely swimming and sunbathing on the riverbanks and its little strands.



HALMEAG AND SURROUNDINGS Halmeag is located in the county Brasov which was part of Hungary till the Treaty of Trianon in 1919. Then a great deal of Hungary, Transylvania, was given to the new state of Romania. The Hungarian name of the village is Halmâgy. The population was Hungarian but now, due to Ceaucescu's ethnical politic, the population is Hungarian, Romanian and Gipsy in equal parts. The village has about 600 inhabitants. In the past it was a prosperous farming community. Now, most of the people are pensionado's and unemployed daylabourers and some smallscale farmers. Because of the poor economic situation youngsters leave the country to try to make a living elsewhere, mostly in Italy and Spain. In the centre of the village stands a 13th-century fortified church, with a beautifully handpainted interior. The vicar is most pleased to tell you in English or German all about his church. The country also knew a great minority of Germans, the Saxons. There are over 200 Saxon villages, characterised by grand houses with large frontgardens. The Saxons were brought here in the 12th-century by the Hungarian King to defend the country against the Turks. During the Ceacescu-government they were 'sold back' to Germany and also afterwards many of them returned to their roots. Now their houses are empty looked after by neighbours or occupied by Gipsies. The surroundings are unspoiled meadows, forests, hills and streams. From the hills you have a beautiful view on the Carpathian Mountains. It borders the river Olt, which offers plenty of fishing opportunities. It is lovely swimming and sunbathing on the riverbanks and its little strands.