Whole Village Projects
Floresti
MET Guided Tours to the villages see: About the Area
The 14th century Church contains a plaque commemorating a member of the Transylvanian Bethlen family. It was deconsecrated and in a derelict state when the Trust came across it in 2001. The Lutheran Church elders gave the church to the MET on a long lease in exchange for restoration. After it was surveyed, the Trust saved the roof of the building, which was in danger of collapse. Work began using a German “journeyman” masterbuilder to manage a team of four men from the village to assist with roof repair. Work on the exterior and massive work on the interior is now completed. On 4th October 2008 the church was blessed by Bishop Klein. It is now open to the public.
Floresti Church was built in 1424 by Antonius and Markus Bethlen, local aristocrats. The tower, on the west side of the entrance once made of wood burnt down in 1788. The present tower dates from 1835 and has a roof with a pyramid form. The nave has a simple/single wood roof, the gothic choir has a vault with ribs. The stone walls are supported by many buttresses. The neo-gothic altar was from 1899, and the remains of the old one (1550) are the Sighisoara Museum.
Trust work in 2007 - 2008
Houses 32, 39, 44, 57, 58, 76, 77, 78, 79, 96 had repairs and facade paint work completed. On Floresti Orthodox church there was roof construction, outside replastering, a new wall, fence and gate made and steps and stone pavement built. Repairs and consolidation done to the Florsesti bridge. In the Saxon Lutheran church massive interior painting was complted as well as instillation of new windows. 50 new benches, a gallery and outside steps were made and installed. Finally in October, the reconsecration ceremony took place.
Trust work in 2006
8 restoration projects were completed during this year. In addition, a restored guest house is almost ready and will be available for guests next year. The restoration of the interior of the church is progressing well. HRH The Prince of Wales came on a private visit in May to see the Trust's work and to walk in the nearby hills.. He stayed two nights in Viscri with Caroline and Walther Fernolend acting as hosts.
In May the Trust held the first of a series of workshops for villagers on practical and theoretical training in conservation practice.
In June the Viscri museum was officially opened by Bishop Klein.
TRUST WORK IN 2005
This year, under the continuing supervision of Romulus and Lucica Harbada, a 13-man team has completed 11 projects. Of particular importance is the refurbishment of the Orthodox priest's house (raising hopes that a priest might come to live in the village) and the continuation of restoration of the Saxon church. An independent MET affiliate has been set up in this village.
TRUST WORK IN 2004 | 
Facade A before
Facade B before
Detail from facade A before
Detail from facade A after
