Odorheiu Secuiesc (Székelyudvarhely in Hungarian, Oderhellen in German) is the second largest town of Harghita county, Transylvania, Romania.The population is 36.948 according to 2002 census. 95.7% of the inhabitants speak Hungarian, although the official language is Romanian.
Although it is situated at the cross junction of several important roads, when considering the railway transportation, Odorheiu Secuiesc is at the end line of one railway route. Odorhei represents the economical and cultural focal point of the western third part of Harghita county, keeping many attractions hidden from the eyes of visitors.
The 660 years old town is located at the eastern end of the Transylvania region, on the valley of the river called Tarnava Mare, 52 km from Miercurea Ciuc, 100 km from Targu Mures (on 13A road), 200 km from Cluj (on E60 road), 100 km from Brasov (137B, 131B, 132B and E60 roads), 52 km from Sighisoara.
Although it is very old (more than 600 years), there are no very old architectural monuments. The only structure left is the Jezus (Iisos) medieval chapel built in the 13th century. The most important monuments of the town are 200 to 300 years old. Budvar and "Székelytámadt" (Csonkavár) fortress are older, but they have been altered or reconstructed.
It was recorded in the Official Registry of Monuments in 1992 as architectural monument. The chapel is situated at the southern gates of the town, at the base of the "Szálvátor" (Köszörűkő) hill, on the valley of the Great Brook, on the territory of a former village called "Gyárosfalva", close some springs that have healing properties. It is a small church surrounded by fortified wall. The exact date when it was constructed is not known. Most researches done by the history of art date the construction in the 13th century, although archaeologist Mariana Beldie states that the church was erected in the second half of the 16th century.
"Székely Támadt" Fortress
It is found on Cetatii street, approximately 200 metres from north-west corner of Piata Libertatii.
The medieval fortress was one of the main features of the old town as well as an important architectural element of the structure of the modern town. When facing the fortress gates, one can see to the right the "Fóris" stronghold and behind it there is the "Hajdú" stronghold. To the left, there is "Bánffy" stronghold and behind it, at the northern end of the court, the "Telegdy" stronghold. The fortress was built in several stages (1490-92, 1561-65) in Renaissance style.
Tompa László Memorial House
In close proximity of the fortress, at no 10 on Tompa László Street, you can visit an exhibition presenting the life of the poet Tompa László (1883-1964). The great poet lived in this house between 1920 and 1964.
Franciscan Church and Monastery
The church and monastery combine elements characteristic to the period of transition between baroque and classic. It was built between 1728-1779. The church with two towers has baroque and classic features. The entry gate between the two towers has renaissance features. The church has 36 metres in length, 17 metres width and 14 metres in height. The east tower has two bells.
Protestant College
The first floor of the college was built between 1771 and 1772, in baroque style, that was altered with its reconstructions. The second floor was built between 1885 and 1886 in classic style. The specific feel of colleges is kept in the inside court with arcades, hosting in its centre the statue of professor "Backamadarasi Kis Gergely".
“Benedek Elek” Pedagogical School
It was built between 1910 and 1912 south of the old college by the architect Magyar Vilmos. This building hosts the Science Library of Haáz Rezső Museum.
Protestant Church
It was built in the town centre (between Piata Libertatii and Piata Márton Áron) between 1780and 1781, splitting in half the old Piata: Piata de Jos (in the past called Piata Batthyány, the today Piata Libertatii) and Piaţa de Sus (in the past called Piata Deák, today Piata Márton Áron). The builder of the church was Baczkamadarasi Kis Gergely (1737-1787), the reknowned professor-rector of the Protestant College. The new church was built on the remains of St. Ana Chapel.
Town Hall
It was built between 1895 and 1896 in eclectic style, based on designs of Stehlo Ottó. It was recorded in the Official Registry of Monuments in 1992 as architectural monument.
Roman Catholic Gymnasium
It serves now as boarding place for the students of Tamási Áron High School. It was built in the neoclassical style between1890 and 1892 on south-east corner of Piata de Sus.
Roman Catholic Church
This is a masterpiece of the church builders at the end of 18th century. It harmoniously combines late baroque and classical baroque styles. It was built between 1787 and 1793 in the time of Vicar Kadicsfalvi Török Ferenc (1731-1804). The designer and builder was Schmidt Pál from Targu Mures. The building is 38 m in length and 18 m in width.
The building of Roman Catholic Parish
Presumed date of building: beginning of 17th century.
The Catholic Gymnasium, Tamási Áron High School
It was built between 1909 and 1910 in eclectic and secessionist style, based on designs of Pápai Sándor. It was recorded in the Official Registry of Monuments in 1992 as architectural monument.
Orthodox Church
The small Orthodox Church was built in 1920 in neobizantine style.
Greek Catholic Church
"Schimbarea la faţă" Church is located on Kossuth Street and it was built at the end of 17th century by a wealthy local of Greek Catholic faith.
Budvár
"Budvár" (635 m) hill has served as a place for human settlements during the neolithic period. Remains from the Iron Age were also found there. The ruins of a 10th century fortress are also found on this hill. It was recorded in the Official Registry of Monuments in 1992 as architectural monument.
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