The main line of the State railways ascends the valley of the Nagy-Kukullo, and traverses that part of Transylvania inhabited by Saxons It is a country of ancient culture and great prosperity, especially in comparison with the regions peopled by Romanians. The Saxons were brought here, from the Lower Rhine, the Maas and the Mosel, by King Geza II, in 1143, in order to civilize the country, and found a number of towns.

They therefore received special privileges and their towns flourished rapidly: they retained their German law, and obtained absolute religious and administrative independence. They were allowed to carry on business with full freedom, and to acquire property, whereas no foreigner might settle in their district. Their diligence, perseverance and skill, assured them great prosperity; they built beautiful houses, founded well-organised towns and villages, at the same time retaining their simple customs, their language, and their German culture.

Their privileges, like those of the Szekelys, were naturally abolished in later years; but they enjoy equal rights with all other inhabitants of the Kingdom, and are not hindered in the preservation of their language and customs. Thus the Magyar spirit is not opposed to their development; on the contrary, the great mass of Romanians, spreading rapidly on all sides, threatens to absorb the Saxon element.

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Adapted from Illustrated Description of Hungary and its Capital