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Malancrav village is particularily interesting.
It has:
- the highest proportion of remained Saxons in any village in Transylvania. 17o out of an original population (before the general exodus) of 900. There is a high proportion of Saxon children in the village.
- a resident Evangelical priest, Father Joachim Lorenz, a young and dynamic East German, who moved to Malancrav 9 years ago with his wife, Cristiana, and 8 year-old son David.
- very well preserved houses owing to its isolation down 13 km of untarmaced road
- 15th century frescoes in the church
- the oldest entire altarpiece still in original location, date c 1520, in Transylvania.
- a Hungarian princely Manor House, which the former owners, the Evangelical community, sold the trust in 2000 because it was unable to save the building, which was in danger. The Manor House is adjoined by an ancient orchard, which had been taken by the Communist state farm but which the trust has now bought.
Manor House
Archaeological research has been carried out in the grounds by the MET, as well as s structural research on the house. Historical documents have revealed records of great interest in Budapest.
The design stage for repairing and rebuilding the Manor House was completed in 2003 with the architect Jan Huelseman. Work started soon afterwards under the supervision of masterbuilder Ernst Linzing from Malancrav and Fritz Klutsch from the nearby village of Noul Sasesc. The house is being returned as near as possible to its 18th century layout and will become a house for scholars and visitors to stay. It will also be used by villagers for weddings or large meetings.
Orchard
Many traditional varieties of apple, pear, plum, and walnut trees are to be found in this 200 acre orchard. Some of the apples are ancient German and local varieties, including Renet de Leizberg, Renet de Bauman, Frumos de Boscop, Parman Auriu and Gustav Durabil. The pears are often planted with quince rootstock for durability. There are various plum varieties including Anna Spaeck.
The orchard was leased to the MET in 2001, and purchased in 2002. Fruit and juice was produced and sold in 2001. The British Embassy donated new juicing equipment, which was installed by the specialist Keith Goverd in the autumn of 2002. The apple shed and machinery are now fully operable. The organic apple juice is in sale throughout Romania.
M.E.T. Houses
Three houses in Malancrav are available for ecotourists from April until October. Please telephone 0044 207 603 1113.
Casa Predicatorului, owned by the Church, has had its roof repaired, and its facade and interior restored. This is now used as a youth hostel guest house by the church and the MET will also include it in its list of guesthouses.
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Village map
The preacher's house (l) and the MET's 'green house' (r)
Manor house before building started.
The Prince of Wales discussing grafting with our orchard workers in 2002.
 Malancrav orchard building where the apple juice is made
MET guesthouse in Malancrav
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