Mărginimea Sibiului

Mărginimea Sibiului is a unique ethnographic area in Romania situated west of Sibiu, limited in the southern part by Sadu valley and north by Saliste valley including 18 villages: Boita, Sadu, Rau Sadului, Talmaciu, Talmacel, Rasinari, Poplaca, Gura Raului, Orlat, Fantanele, Sibiel, Vale, Saliste, Gales, Tilisca, Rod, Poiana Sibiului and Jina. The geopolitical position of the area, situated on the southern border of Transylvania with Tara Româneasca and nearby Sibiu, a very strong crafts and commercial center, offered to Marginimea Sibiului several characteristic traits. The villages developed a mixed economical life, based on agriculture, raising animals and traditional crafts, with a particular accent on sheep raising. The greater part of the villages in this area preserved strong spiritual and ethno-folkloric traditions. Although modern constructions progressively replaced the old and traditional ones, the atmosphere in Marginimea Sibiului remained unaltered.
The festive costumes of a rare elegance, embroidered in black and white, are proudly worn during the holidays and the crafts inherited from generation to generation are still practiced nowadays with great success. Starting a long time ago, these populations of sheep raisers have always been and still are masters in the processing of wool and leather.
While visiting these lands, one has the opportunity to find old churches, museums (the museum in Sibiel, where the largest collection of glass stained icons in Europe is displayed;
The Village Museum in Răşinari, displaying usual ceramic items, painted furniture, household and craftsmanship objects; the museum in Galeş, with an impressive collection of folkloric costumes and the Orthodox Parish Museum comprising old religious objects and books), memorial houses and traditional peasant constructions. With time, Mărginimea Sibiului became an important highlight of the Romanian rural tourism, numerous lodging houses appearing here and offering the necessary comfort for an unforgettable stay.
The typically peasant atmosphere, the intact preservation of traditions and customs, the hospitality of the locals make these lands even more appealing.