The 700-year-old ‘Saxon-settled’ region of Transylvania – that counts more than 440 communities – suffered greatly from the rapid exodus of 90 per cent of its 1,000,000 residents during the prior three decades. Efforts by various NGO’s and public institutions including UNESCO has helped rescue houses and churches in these communities. In Viscri (above), HRH Prince Charles has encouraged restoration efforts as have other individuals and organizations.