Székely Land, Historical region in eastern Transylvania, Romania.
Székely Land is a historical region in eastern Transylvania that extends across Harghita, Covasna, and parts of Mureș counties, covering valleys and hills of the Eastern Carpathians. The landscape alternates between forested mountain slopes, green pastures, and small settlements with wooden houses and whitewashed churches.
From medieval times until 1876, the Székely people governed themselves through autonomous units called seats that had their own laws and assemblies. After that period, the Austro-Hungarian administration reorganized the territory into ordinary counties and ended self-governance.
Residents often wear hand-embroidered traditional clothing during religious celebrations and weddings, with each village using its own patterns and colors. Wooden gates carved with sun and moon motifs stand at the entrance to farmyards throughout the villages, meant to bring good fortune.
The main towns like Târgu Mureș, Miercurea Ciuc, and Sfântu Gheorghe offer lodging, cultural centers, and bus links to smaller villages. Roads through the mountains can have snow and ice in winter, so drive carefully or use public transport.
Many villages have old wooden gates inscribed with dates and the initials of builders, recording family stories across generations. Some farmsteads still preserve stone washing troughs from the 18th century built near springs, now used as planters for flowers.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
