Cârța Cistercian Abbey
Cârța, Sibiu County · Transylvania
About Cârța Cistercian Abbey
The abbey at Cârța (Kerz in German) was founded in the early 13th century by Cistercian monks from Igriș and is regarded as the easternmost monastery of the order in Europe. It was the only Cistercian abbey in Transylvania and is the only one preserved, at least in part, on the territory of Romania. It stands on the bank of the Olt, in the middle of the village of Cârța, on the road between Sibiu and Făgăraș.
The first buildings were of timber, followed by a small stone chapel in the first years of the century. The large church was begun in the 1220s–1230s, interrupted by the Mongol invasion of 1241 and resumed around 1260 by a master trained in mature Gothic; by about 1300 the church and the east wing were largely finished. The abbey had no defensive walls, so it suffered in the wars of the 15th century. King Matthias Corvinus dissolved it in 1474 and its property passed to the provostry of Sibiu. Older books also give 1494, the year the transfer of the property was confirmed. Over time the choir became the village church, while the rest of the buildings fell into decay.
Today the Saxon Evangelical community uses the choir and the crossing for services, and the surrounding ruins are a listed historic monument. An EU-funded restoration took place between 2010 and 2014.
What you can see
The church nave no longer has a roof. What survives is the polygonal choir with Gothic rose windows and tall windows, the west façade with traces of a large rose window, the tall wall of the monastery wing with its rounded arcades, part of the cloister and a tower from 1495 that can be climbed. In the grass you can make out the outline of the old stone chapel and the foundations of other rooms. The grounds also hold a cemetery of German soldiers from the First World War.
Good to know
No opening hours are officially posted, and tourist listings give different versions; a phone call beforehand is the safest option. Do not confuse it with Cârța in Harghita County, nor with Cârțișoara, the neighbouring village where the Transfăgărășan begins.
Information verified on 12 October 2026.
- The Gothic choir with rose windows, turned into an Evangelical church and still used for services.
- The tall wall of the monastery wing, with rounded arcades and narrow windows, which shows how large the building was.
- The west façade with traces of the great rose window, built in the Early Gothic style.
- The 1495 tower, with views over the ruins, the village and the Făgăraș Mountains.
- The outlines in the grass of the stone chapel from the early 13th century.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Cârța is on the DN1 (E68), ~48 km from Sibiu, ~34 km from Făgăraș and ~105 km from Brașov. The ruins are in the centre of the village, on the main street next to the national road. Cârțișoara, where the road up to the Transfăgărășan starts, is a few kilometres further towards Făgăraș.
Public transport: intercity buses and minibuses run between Sibiu and Făgăraș and Cârța is on the route; from the stop it is a short walk to the village centre.
- Where to park
Leave the car on the village's main street near the entrance; there is no paid car park.
- Fees & discounts
Entry to the grounds is paid, a small fee, and tourist listings mention amounts of 5–10 lei, with reductions for children, students and pensioners. The current rate is posted at the entrance.
- Rules
The choir is a church in use, so dress modestly and keep quiet during services. You climb the ruins and the tower at your own risk, and the walls must not be climbed. Groups announce their visit in advance.
- Facilities
small Saxon museum in the former teacher's house · military cemetery in the grounds · guide in Romanian, German and English on request
Frequently asked questions about Cârța Cistercian Abbey
- How long does a visit to Cârța Cistercian Abbey take?
- A visit to Cârța Cistercian Abbey takes about ½ – 1 hours (ruins, church and the tower).
- Can you visit Cârța Cistercian Abbey with kids?
- Yes, Cârța Cistercian Abbey is suitable for children (narrow stairs in the tower).
- Where can I park at Cârța Cistercian Abbey?
- There is free parking at Cârța Cistercian Abbey (on the main street). Leave the car on the village's main street near the entrance; there is no paid car park.
- How do I get to Cârța Cistercian Abbey?
- Cârța Cistercian Abbey is located at Strada Principală, lângă DN1 (E68), Cârța, Sibiu County. By car: Cârța is on the DN1 (E68), ~48 km from Sibiu, ~34 km from Făgăraș and ~105 km from Brașov. The ruins are in the centre of the village, on the main street next to the national road. Cârțișoara, where the road up to the Transfăgărășan starts, is a few kilometres further towards Făgăraș. Public transport: intercity buses and minibuses run between Sibiu and Făgăraș and Cârța is on the route; from the stop it is a short walk to the village centre.
- When is the best time to visit Cârța Cistercian Abbey?
- The best season for Cârța Cistercian Abbey: April – October (outdoors, nicest in summer).
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