Siklód

Siklód (in Romanian, Siclod) is a picturesque Székely village in Harghita County, part of the commune of Etéd. It is located south of the Nyikó Valley, on a remote elevation over 800 metres above sea level. Thanks to this exceptional location, the village offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and mountain ridges – it is no wonder it is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the area. Its first written mention dates back to 1567, and for centuries it was inhabited almost exclusively by Hungarian-speaking, Székely Reformed residents. Historically, it belonged to the Marosszék region, and in the latter half of the 19th century, it was annexed to Csík County. The village's built heritage is particularly valuable: the Reformed church, built in the 18th century, reflects local traditions with its wooden tower and folk Baroque style. The traditional peasant houses and carved Székely gates are enduring elements of the old village landscape. One of Siklód's greatest assets is that it has preserved its traditional settlement structure, close-knit community, vernacular architecture, and even its dialect. Since the 1990s, the village's population has significantly declined, but former residents and new owners committed to cultural heritage have done much to preserve the buildings and the character of the village. From a tourism perspective, Siklód is becoming increasingly popular among those seeking a quiet, authentic Székely rural environment. Several renovated peasant houses now operate as guesthouses, offering understated comfort combined with a traditional atmosphere. The area is ideal for hiking, nature walks, and cultural discovery tours among Székely villages.