The commune of Bunești lies in southeastern Transylvania on the Târnava Plateau, at an elevation of 496 metres. It is situated at the foot of the watershed between the Olt River basin to the southwest and the Great Târnava basin to the southeast. European route E60 runs through the commune, connecting Brașov with Târgu Mureș. The Târnava Plateau and the E60 between Brașov and Târgu Mureș locate the commune within the region.

Landscape and Protected Areas

The commune of Bunești includes 9,580.33 hectares of the Podișul Hârtibaciului Natura 2000 site. In addition, 13,870 hectares of the Sighișoara–Târnava Mare Natura 2000 site lie within its territory. These two areas give the landscape particular significance in understanding the region. When planning your trip, it is worth weighing this landscape perspective alongside the historic buildings and activities available in the area.

Fortified Churches with Distinct Building Histories

The Evangelical fortified church in Bunești was built in the 14th century and fortified in the 16th century. The keys are held by the Wagner family, Bunești No. 14; check locally before your visit, as contact details may change.

The fortified church in Roadeș also brings together several building phases. It was probably built in the 14th century as a hall church with a polygonal choir and bell tower, and fortified in the 15th century. A defensive wall with a zwinger and four defensive towers surrounded the church; three of the towers have survived to this day. This allows the historic complex to be understood both through its presumed early form and through elements of its fortifications.

The ensemble of the fortified Evangelical church in Meșendorf is an early Gothic hall church with a tower on the west façade. The church dates from the 14th century, and its fortifications from the late 15th century. Projecting square towers and a covered battlement walkway define the complex; a zwinger with loopholes was added in the 16th century. Compared with the documented building phases of Bunești and Roadeș, Meșendorf thus reveals further details of fortification architecture.

Cycling Routes and Activities in the Area

The cycling network in the Târnava Mare area connects Viscri, Bunești, Criț and Meșendorf and has been extended to more than 100 kilometres. As route maintenance conditions may change, check the current state of the route before setting off. The places mentioned provide reference points for your cycling trip in the Târnava Mare area.

Horse rides are offered in Viscri and the surrounding villages. Visitors to Viscri are instructed to leave their car in the village car park and continue on foot. These are different ways to experience the area: an activity offered on horseback and practical guidance for visiting the village. In Viscri, the blacksmith makes traditional tools, horseshoes, grilles, decorative objects and household items for a traditional home.

A Possible Occasion in August

Haferland Week takes place every year in August. The programme includes Criț, Roadeș, Meșendorf, Bunești and Viscri; the participating places may vary from one edition to another. If the event determines the timing of your trip, check the dates and programme for the year you plan to attend.

Discover more destinations:

Criț, Apata, Homorod, Moieciu, Vulcan, Lisa

Return to the main travel overview: Brasov.