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Miercurea Ciuc Fast Facts
Name: Miercurea Ciuc - Csíkszereda
(pronunciation: Meeuh - ku - ree – a Chook)
Location: Transylvania (central Romania)
Nearest airports: Brasov and Sibiu
Area: 4.4 sq. miles (11.2 sq. kilometers)
Elevation: 2,172 ft. (662 meters)
Population: 42,000
First documented: 1558 AD (Csíkszereda)
Miercurea Ciuc (Csíkszereda in Hungarian or Szeklerburg in German)- the capital of Harghita county -
is one of the largest towns in the Székely Land
(the lands inhabited by the Székelys - Tinutul Secuiesc in Romanian) in eastern Transylvania.
A settlement existed in the area since the Iron Age.
Archaeological excavations have uncovered traces of a 1st century
Dacian fortification
(Cetatea Jigodin - Câmpul Morii).
Later Szekler villages developed there.
The origins of Miercurea Ciuc trace back to the early 1300s when
a small 'island' - about 1,000 ft. long - located in the middle of the swampy area
became the place of a well-organized marketplace.
Around the market, the town was formed and grew over the centuries.
Unlike in other regions, where the market was organized on Saturdays,
the market in Ciuc area was held on Wednesdays (Miercurea in Romanian) and the town was named Miercurea Ciuc
(which means that in the Ciuc area the market day was Wednesdays).
Town of Miercurea-Ciuc has always been a melting pot of different cultures and traditions, enriching its vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. History and modernity coexist harmoniously in Miercurea-Ciuc. Its cultural legacy is preserved through landmarks such as Mikó Castle and the baroque-style church of Csíksomlyó, an important site of pilgrimage. The Széklers form the large majority of the population of Miercurea Ciuc.
Over the centuries, the Széklers came to speak Hungarian. However they had a special status within the Hungarian-speaking population in Transylvania had a special writing system, with runes, which is still used today. This distinct population has its own customs, colorful costumes, traditions and even its own symbolism.
Its location in the Outer Eastern Carpathian Mountains / Olt river valley makes Miercurea Ciuc the 'coldest city' in Romania, with temperatures so low, during the winter, that it's also called the 'Little Siberia'. However, the long, snowy, and icy winters made the town a major centre for winter sports. Ice hockey and judo are two sporting disciplines in which the locals excel.
Thanks to its well preserved, centuries-old, traditions, great food and welcoming community, Miercurea-Ciuc stands out for its culture and closeness to nature and becomes more and more popular with visitors from allover the world.
Miercurea Ciuc Sights and Landmarks
Among the most important civilian buildings of Miercurea Ciuc are the Mikó fortress (1623), the Old Hospital (late 1700s), the Town Hall (1888), the Palace of Justice (1905), the Roman-Catholic High School (1911), the National Bank, Church of Saints Apostles Peter and Paul, the Greek-Catholic church, the Municipal Culture Centre (1963), “Vákár Lajos” ice rink, the “Nagy Imre” Gallery, the County Council building, Vigado building (1904 - secession style), the Old Girls' School, the Orthodox Church, the Franciscan Church, Petőfi Street.
Miko Castle
Castelul Mikó
Miko, fortified, castle is the oldest building in Miercurea-Ciuc.
This square-shapped (250 ft. x 230 ft.) edifice
- intended to be the residence of Chief Captain Hídvégi Mikó Ferenc (1585-1635) -
was built in Renaissance style in 1611,
after plans by Giacomo Resti, architect of prince Gábor Bethlen.
After the death of Mikó Ferenc the castle changed owners several times.
In the fall of 1661 a Turkish-Tatar army invaded Transylvania
and destroyed the settlement and Miko castle.
Five decades later, in 1714 Habsburg General Stephan Steinville,
comander of the (Austrian) imperial army stationed in Transylvania,
decided to rebuilt the citadel and transform it in a major defensive base
of the eastern border of the Habsburg Empire.
All four Italian-style bastions and fortifications were widened and strengthened.
In 1970, the Mikó Castle became the home of Székely Museum of Csík, an institution whose main purpose is
to research, process, preserve and present the cultural heritage of Ciuc Basin.
Feedom Square
Piata Libertatii is the new centre of Miercurea Ciuc.
This large square is the place where locals of all ages meet, socialize and watch people.
Around the square there are the headquarters of regional and local institutions:
the County Council, the Prefecture, the Faculty of Economic, Socio-Human and Engineering Sciences,
Miercurea Ciuc Cultural Centre, the Nagy István Art Highschool.
A statue ensemble portrays Bishop Márton Áron (1896-1980).
The Franciscan Monastery
Bazilica Sfânta Maria - Șumuleu Ciuc
Franciscan monks settled in Miercurea-Ciuc in the first half of the 14th century.
In 1448 their monastery was inaugurated.
They supported culture, founded a printing house, a library of thousands of volumes.
Construction of a new Baroque church, designed by architect Konstantin Schmidt, began in 1804;
the project was completed in 1834.
The most valuable treasure of the church is the gold-plated statue of St. Mary carrying in her arms the Child Jesus.
It was carved in lime wood at the beginning of the 16th century (1510-1515) in Renaissance style.
This 7.5 feet high statue is believed to be the tallest statue of the Holy Virgin in the world.
The statue is considered miraculous and, in the spirit of the ancient veneration of the Holy Virgin in this region
stands at the center of an impressive pilgrimage, during the Roman Catholic Pentecost.
In 1948, Pope Pius XII conferred on the church the status of “Basilica minor”.
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Miercurea Ciuc Museums
The Szekler Museum of Ciuc
Muzeul Secuiesc al Ciucului
Address: Piata Cetatii 2
Telephone: (+4) 0266 372.024
Located in the Mikó Fortress, the Museum of Miecurea Ciuc displays
the collections of Old Szekler Museum and the Catholic Gymnasium.
There are five permanent exhibitions and more than ten temporary exhibitions are organized every year.
The inner courtyard of the fortress is thew main venue for cultural programs and events such as the “Old Music Festival”.
Muzeul Oltului şi Mureşului Superior
Address: Str. Petőfi Sándor 23
Telephone: (+4) 0266 317.726
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Performing Arts
Csíki Játékszín Theatre
Teatrul Csíki Játékszín
Address: Bd. Timisoarei 6
Telephone: (+4) 0748 168.506
A true magnet for talent and stage vocation,
Csíki Játékszín Theatre has won the hearts of theater lovers.
Its repertoire includes both its own productions and those of guest theatre companies.
Harghita Szekler Theatre
Teatrul Coreografic Secuiesc Harghita
Bd. Timişoarei 6
Tel.: (+4_ 0724 309.524
Harghita County Cultural Centre
Casa de Cultură a Sindicatelior Miercurea Ciuc
Address: Piața Libertății 16
Telephone: (+4) 0266 311.295
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Tourist attractions not far from Miercurea Ciuc
It is attributed to Jesuit monk Antonio Possevino della Compagnia di Gesù.
Csíki Sör brewery welcomes visitors interested to learn about - and try - the local, artisan, beers and potatoty chips Csíki Csipsz produced from locally grown potatoes.
Town of Odorheiu Secuiesc
Access: car, bus
Odorheiu Secuiesc is a clean, quaint town located 32 miles west of Miercurea Ciuc.
A stroll through the town center gives visitors the opportunity to discover baroque and classicist
structures, buil in the 19th-century.
Very close to the center lay the ruins of Székelytámadt fortress ('The Szekler Attacks') with its four bastions,
erected to avenge a rebellion of the Saxons, hence the name.
Other buildings worth a visit are the 13th-century Heart of Jesus Chapel
and Villa Haberstumpf (German Eclectic style), the home of the city museum (Muzeul orășenesc Haáz Rezső).
A folk art collection - over 4,000 items - and a Science Library (76,000-volumes)
are the highlights of town of Odorheiu Secuiesc small but very interesting museum.
2,600 of the volumes in the library were printed abroad, before 1700.
The authentic tastes of Odorheiu Secuiesc and the surrounding villages
can be easily be experienced on the last Saturday of every month,
when the traditional products market at Márton Áron Square (or Patkó - name used by the locals) takes place.
Town of Tusnad, Sfânta Ana Volcanogenic Lake and Mohoş Peat Bog
Băile Tușnad -- Lacul Sfanta Ana -- Tinovul Mohos
Where: 34 miles south of Miercurea Ciuc,
70 miles round-trip
City of Brasov
Where: 65 miles south of Miercurea Ciuc
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Day Trips from Miercurea Ciuc
City of Brasov
Where: 65 miles south of Miercurea Ciuc
Access: car, bus, train
City of Brasov info
Sighisoara Medieval Citadel
Where: 64 miles west of Miercurea Ciuc
Access: car, bus, train
Sighisoara info
Town of Targu Mures
Where: 90 miles west of Miercurea Ciuc
Access: car, bus, train
Town of Targu Mures info
Praid Salt Mine and Sovata spa-town
Where: 62 miles northwest of Miercurea Ciuc
Access: car, bus, train
Sovata info
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MIERCUREA CIUC TRIP PLANING INFO
Transportation
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Air Travel to Miercurea CiucNearest International airports to Miercurea Ciuc:
Brasov (GHV) - 66 miles south
Targu Mures (TGM) - 98 miles west
Sibiu (SBZ) - 130 miles west
Bucharest (OTP) - 155 miles south
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Miercurea Ciuc inter-city BusMiercurea Ciuc Bus Station
Autogara Csiki Trans - Miercurea Ciuc
Address: Strada Brașovului 3
Telephone: (+4) 0372 155.955
Direct, daily, service to/ from: Brasov, Covasna, Piatra Neamt, Sfântu-Gheorghe, Sovata, Targu Mures, Targu Neamt, Târgu Secuiesc, Tusnad.
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Travel to Miercurea Ciuc by train
Miercurea Ciuc Train Station
Gara Miercurea Ciuc
Address: Strada Brașovului 1
Tel: (+4) 0266 0266 315.102
| City of departure | Travel Time to Miercurea Ciuc |
|---|---|
| Bucharest | 4h 35min |
| Bacau | 4h 55min |
| Brasov | 1h 40min |
| Sfantu Gheorghe | 1h 05min |
| Targu Mures | 4h 10min |
| Budapest (Hungary) | 13h 55min |
| ... | Schedules and Reservations |
To check train and bus schedules for domestic routes please visit
RomaniaTourism Domestic Transportation section
Note: For departures from /to Bucharest please select Bucuresti Nord.
For a list of international trains to/from Romania please visit
RomaniaTourism International Transportation section
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Reaching Miercurea Ciuc by carThe fastest route from Bucharest to Miercurea Ciuc is via DN1 / E578:
Bucuresti – Brasov – Sfantu Gheorghe – Miercurea Ciuc
| Road Distance from/to Miercurea Ciuc: | |
|---|---|
| City | Distance |
| Bucharest | 175 miles |
| Arad | 310 miles |
| Baia Mare | 205 miles |
| Brasov | 64 miles |
| Budapest (Hungary) | 410 miles |
| Cluj-Napoca | 160 miles |
| Constanta | 295 miles |
| Iasi | 160 miles |
| Sibiu | 120 miles |
| Sighisoara | 60 miles |
| Suceava | 145 miles |
| Targu Mures | 90 miles |
| Timisoara | 290 miles |
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Miercurea Ciuc Public Transportation
Csíki Trans - Miercurea Ciuc public transportation company -
operates eight local bus routes, with 92 stops.
Bus # 1 connects the inter-city bus station with the south of the city (Cartierul Natur)
Bus # 2: inter-city bus station -- Jigodin Bai (mineral water baths)
Bus # 3: inter-city bus station -- Town Centre - Cioboteni (eastern part of the town)
Bus # 7: inter-city bus station -- Harghita Bai (west of Miercurea Ciuc,
mineral waters rich in carbon dioxide and iron, recommended for cardiovascular disease and chronic inflammation.)
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| Miercurea Ciuc Taxi Companies | |
|---|---|
| Name | Phone # |
| Millenium Taxi | 0266 952 |
| City Taxi | 0266 954 |
| Radio Taxi | 0740 652.426 |
| Escodi Taxi | 0752 361.334 |
| Taxi Miercurea Ciuc | 0743 958.819 |
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Miercurea Ciuc Car Rental CompaniesMiercurea Ciuc car rental rates.
Csiki Auto
Tel: (+4) 0734 303.333
Activ Car
Tel: (+4) 0745 790.547
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Miercurea Ciuc Hotels
Accommodations in/near Miercurea Ciuc include:
| Hotel Name | Class | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Fenyo | three-star / midscale | town centre |
| Korona | boutique | town centre |
| Merkur | two-star / budget | 0.4 miles west of town centre |
| Csiki Hotel | two-star / budget | town centre |
| Gambrinus | three-star / midscale | 0.9 miles south of town centre |
| Timian Chalet | three-star / midscale | 4.5 miles west of town centre |
| Pensiunea Lobogo | three-star / midscale | Baile Homorod - 20 miles west of Miercurea Ciuc |
| Balvanyos Resort | four-star / upscale | Odorheiu Secuiesc - 32 miles south of Miercurea Ciuc |
| Septimia Wellness Spa | three-star / midscale | Odorheiu Secuiesc - 32 miles west of Miercurea Ciuc |
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Miercurea Ciuc Major Events
Early Music Festival
Festivalul de Muzica Veche
Every July, the music of the earlier ages is heard in different areas of Miercurea Ciuc.
This week-long festival, dedicated to medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music,
gathers artists from all over the world.
The event - an initiative of Barozda & Kájoni Ensembles -
comemorates 16th century Franciscan scholar, Kájoni János/ Johannes Caioni,
who promoted the ideals of universal, cultural and human values.
Csíki Jazz - International Jazz Festival Miercurea-Ciuc
Festivalul de Jazz - Miercurea Ciuc
At the end of July, jazz lovers meet in the imposing courtyard of Mikó Castle to
watch anbd listen to world-famous jazz music stars and local bands
peerforming different styles of jazz.
Csíkszereda Running Festival
Competitia de Alergare - Miercurea Ciuc
Over 1,000 professional and amateur runners,
from all over Romania as well as from Hungary, Poland and Germany
compete in marathon, half-marathon, 6.5 miles, 3 miles run, relay and trail run.
A smaller, family-friendly, competition also takes place in the city center.
Film Festival Filmszereda
Festivalul Cinematografic al Tinutului Secuiesc
The latest Hungarian and Romanian cinema creations, along with numerous internationally successful films
are being presented at the Miercurea Ciuc International Film Festival.
Open-air screenings of classic motion pictures as well as music concerts are offered at Majláth Gusztáv Károly Square in Miercurea Ciuc.
When: last week of September.
Szeklerland - Szeklers County - cycling Tour
Turul Ciclist al Tinutului Secuiesc
The Szeklers County cycling race was initiated by Eduard Novák (Men's Track Individual Pursuit paralympic medal winner) and Róbert Rádulya.
Within a few years, the small regional sports event got international recognition
and became an international, multi-stage, road cycling race - the first UCI 2.2 category cycling competition in Romania.
More Romania events.
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Tourist Info
Miercurea Ciuc Tourist Information Centre
Centrul de Informare Turistica - Miercurea Ciuc
Address: Piața Cetății 2
Telephone: (+4) 0266
E-mail
VisitHarghita.com
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Miercurea Ciuc Local Authorities
Miercurea Ciuc / Harghita County ArchivesDirectia Judeteana Harghita a Arhivelor Nationale
Address: Bulevardul Frăției 6
Miercurea Ciuc, postal code 530112
Telephone: (+4) 0266 312.598
E-mail
Hours
Miercurea Ciuc City Hall
Primăria Municipiului Miercurea Ciuc
Address: Piața Cetății 1
Telephone: (+4) 0266 315.120
Miercurea Ciuc Consumer Protection Agency
Comisariatul Județean pentru Protecția Consumatorilor Harghita
Address: Piaţa Libertăţii 5
Telephone: (+4) 021 95 51 x 66
E-mail
Miercurea Ciuc Main Post Office
Posta Miercurea Ciuc
Address: Str. Kossuth Lajos 3
Tel: (+4) 0791 055.833
Post offices display a postal horn symbol and the word Posta.
Telephoning Miercurea Ciuc from Abroad:
International Access Code + 4 (country code) + 0266 or 0366 (area code) + six-digit telephone number
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Miercurea Ciuc Health Care and Emergency
General Emergency Telephone number: 112
Ambulance (Ambulanta), Police (Politia), Fire Department (Pompieri)
Pharmacies (Farmacie) open 24 hours a day in Miercurea Ciuc include:
Miercurea Ciuc Hospitals
Harghita County Emergency Hospital
Spitalul Județean de Urgență Miercurea Ciuc
Address: Strada Doctor Dénes László 2
Telephone: 0742 214.951
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Miercurea Ciuc Maps
Town of Miercurea Ciuc interactive Street Map (Harta Interactiva Miercurea Ciuc)
Romania Physical Map (Romania - Harta Fizica)
Romania Main Roads and Tourist Attractions Map ( Romania - Harta Atractii Turistice)
Romania Road Map (Romania - Harta Drumurilor si Soselelor)
Romania Railways Map (Romania - Harta Cailor Ferate)
