Apoldu de Sus (Großpold): Fortified Church, Wine and Landler History

Apoldu de Sus between Landler history and wine

Apoldu de Sus, also known as Großpold, is the westernmost of the three Transylvanian Landler communities. In 1752, 168 Landler immigrants arrived in Apoldu de Sus. The village’s old Saxon houses are considered graceful and colorful.

Culture and history

The fortified Evangelical church in Apoldu de Sus is part of a protected ensemble. The protected Evangelical church was built in 1836; its tower was constructed in 1867. The church building is also dated to the period from 1835 to 1838, and the tower to the years 1867 to 1869. Fragments of the fortified enclosure are dated to the 13th to 16th centuries.

Archaeology

The archaeological site of Apoldu de Sus includes, at “între Apoalde”, a La Tène-period settlement attributed to the Geto-Dacian culture. The archaeological site at “Apold” includes settlement remains from the 9th to the 13th century. At “Curtea Velii”, an agricultural estate from the 2nd to the 3rd century AD is also part of this archaeological site.

The traditional museum in Apoldu de Sus is called “At My Neighbors’ in Großpold”, in Romanian “La vecinii mei din Apoldu de Sus”. It is located opposite house number 231 on Maria-Teresa Street, locally known as “ulița de dindărăt”.

Routes and wine

Apoldu de Sus is a stop on Route 2 of the circular route “Drumul sării – Țara Secașelor”. The circular route is recommended for cycling tourism and passes through Apoldu de Sus. The village is also a stop on the scenic “Drumul transhumanţei” route. The two routes therefore have different focuses: cycling tourism is at the forefront on “Drumul sării – Țara Secașelor”, while “Drumul transhumanţei” is characterized by its connection with the landscape. This makes it possible to distinguish between the stated route themes when planning your own trip.

Domeniul Apoldium produces, among others, the wines Landler, Fetească Albă, Pinot Gris, Riesling Italian, Sauvignon Blanc and Fetească Neagră. Fetească Neagră is available in rosé, red and barrique varieties.

Landscape and cuisine

A walk leads through a nearby forest back to the vineyards of Apoldu de Sus and offers views of the hills of Țara Secașelor toward Amnaș and Aciliu. As part of this walk, the participants were served beef goulash, polenta and homemade pickled side dishes at Domeniul Apoldium.

For a stay in Apoldu de Sus, hotel offers allow travel dates, room category and cancellation policies to be considered separately as different details. This keeps the accommodation decision tied to the specifically planned stay.

Events

The Saxon community of Apoldu de Sus actively participated in Vinotopia. Vinotopia took place in Apoldu de Sus for the fourth time on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

More local pages

Tilischen, Orlat, Rusciori, Valea Viilor, Mediasch, Mohu, Şelimbăr, Grossau

For the higher-level travel overview: Hermannstadt.