Interior spiral staircase, with an antique spinning distaff displayed on a pedestal

The building's story

A Saxon school built in 1842, reborn

From the village classroom, to abandonment, to today's Casa La Saal — the building's story, in words and in photos, starting right in the entrance hall.

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Origins

The Saxon "Schelk Seat", 13th–14th centuries

If you'd like to visit one of the most beautiful hill regions of Transylvania — the settlement that became a "Saxon Seat" (Schelk Stuhl) in the 13th–14th centuries, alongside the Sibiu Seat and the Mediaș Seat — we invite you to follow in the footsteps of the Saxons of northern Sibiu, at Casa La Saal in Șeica Mare.

According to local research reflected in the study "Șeica Mare – History and Legend," the building was erected in 1842 as the dedicated schoolhouse for the village's Saxon community. The large rooms on the ground and upper floors were used for teaching and literacy lessons, while the rooms at the back served as the official residence for the village schoolteacher — the "school with built-in teacher's quarters" model, standard for the era in Transylvanian villages.

Old sepia postcard from 1907, showing Șeica Mare and the church tower
A postcard from 1907, showing the building that is today Casa La Saal
Another old sepia postcard from the same period, showing the village square of Șeica Mare
From the same period — the tip of the building's roof can be seen, right in front of the church

From abandonment to rebirth

After 1902, when the new school opened nearby, the 1842 building gradually lost its primary educational role — though it continued to serve as a Saxon school until 1990. The exodus of the Saxon community and the lack of major repairs led to its complete abandonment, and the building fell into an advanced state of disrepair.

Deteriorated facade, fallen plaster, exposed brick Deteriorated foundation, fallen bricks and rubble Deteriorated roof corner, chimney overgrown with vegetation Wall with exposed brick and a barred window Partially collapsed roof Interior with collapsed roof, seen through a broken window Collapsed wooden beams inside Full facade of the deteriorated building, with entrance archway Rear facade, overgrown with vegetation General view of the building before renovation

Reborn today

Lacking the funds needed for a large-scale repair, the Evangelical Church, the owner at the time, sold the building to private individuals who, through a painstaking process of repair and restoration, transformed it into what is today Casa La Saal — an open invitation to a quality cultural and relaxation experience.

Restored yellow facade, with brown shutters, in daylight The house facade at night, with the illuminated La Saal sign Guest relaxing in the courtyard hot tub, with the church tower in the background Wooden hot tub with steam, the fortified church tower over the fence Wooden deck with hot tub, the fortified church tower in the background Wooden deck with hot tub, gilded metal chimney, wooded hill Built-in brick grill with peppers and eggplants roasting Built-in brick grill set up with vegetables for roasting

Saxon architecture, carefully preserved

Typical of Saxon buildings, which aimed to offer privacy and discretion: massive walls, spiral staircases, tall arcaded hallways, and a walled courtyard. A secluded setting... without being isolated. The spinning distaff and other objects specific to hand-weaving, displayed in the hallway, are a reminder of the years when the building served as a residence for the notable figures of the time.

Interior spiral staircase, with an antique spinning distaff displayed on a pedestal Spiral staircase, lit wall sconce, spinning distaff decor Arched corridor with tiled floor, leading to the wooden entrance door Corridor with stairs, decorative dried hot peppers on the wall Decorative alcove in the hallway, black iron railing

Here you can gather unforgettable memories. We look forward to welcoming you!

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