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History of Biertan
A legendary village
If you’ve reached this station, you've likely already learned many details about the fortified church. Now, let’s journey back to the distant and fascinating history of Biertan—or Birthelm, as the Saxons would call it. Did you know that traces of Neolithic settlement have been discovered in this area? Nearby, the region of Sighișoara is renowned for archaeological finds linked to the Cucuteni-Ariușd culture, known for its painted pottery. These discoveries reveal that this region has been inhabited for thousands of years, long before the arrival of the Saxons.
Now, let’s leap to the 12th century, when the Saxons began settling in Transylvania. They were brought here by King Géza II of Hungary around 1141-1162 to defend the kingdom against the Tatars and Ottomans. Although many documents were lost in the Tatar invasion of 1241, we know these settlers came from German regions west of the Rhine, especially from the Luxembourg area. They transformed Biertan into one of medieval Transylvania’s most important centers. In 1224, King Andrew II of Hungary reaffirmed their privileges through the Diploma Andreanum, which laid the foundation for Saxon legal organization.
The Diploma Andreanum granted German settlers significant rights and privileges, including the right to possess royal lands, known in Latin as fundus regius, as well as tax exemptions throughout the kingdom and free access to valuable natural resources, such as salt.
Biertan’s first documented mention dates back to 1283, when it was already a serious contender for administrative center status within the Two Seats. The Seats were administrative-territorial units with substantial autonomy, having their own judicial and administrative systems. All these privileges and the status of Seat enabled the local Saxons to develop their culture and traditions over the centuries.
Let’s now look at Biertan’s development in the Middle Ages. By 1397, Biertan was already a well-fortified settlement, with houses arranged in an organized manner around the central square. For hundreds of years, Biertan grew into a diverse community. The village was divided into ethnic neighborhoods: Saxons lived in the main valley, Romanians to the northeast, and Roma communities were grouped by occupation on the outskirts of the main streets. By the 15th century, the local population reached 5,000, making Biertan one of the region’s most prosperous centers. Agriculture, crafts, and trade boosted its prestige, and Biertan continued to develop economically.
It’s clear that today’s main attraction—and the element that brought UNESCO protection to the site—is the St. Mary’s Church. Construction of this church began in 1486, at a time when the Saxon community was thriving. Situated on a hill overlooking the village, the church was designed not only as a place of worship but also as a defensive bastion against external threats. In 1540, the church transitioned from Catholicism to Lutheranism following the Protestant Reformation, yet the architecture of the church remained preserved.
In 1572, Biertan became the episcopal seat for the Transylvanian Saxons, a role that would last over 300 years. The episcopacy brought resources and influence, transforming Biertan into a pilgrimage site and a center for religious education. Like many other communities, Biertan’s history experienced periods of prosperity and decline. In 1867, when the Saxon episcopacy moved to Sibiu, Biertan began to lose its central importance. The 20th century brought new challenges and changes, leading to the eventual near-complete depopulation of the Saxons from the area.
Today, a visit to Biertan offers a true glimpse into this blend of past and present. The fortified church has been so well preserved that one can almost imagine life here hundreds of years ago. The massive fortifications, with their three rings of walls and towers, stand as a testament to a time when defense was paramount. But beyond its walls, Biertan continues to be a living community, honoring its traditions and respecting its history.
Text by Diana Stîrlea, documented and written as part of the 2024 Heritage Lab workshop. Audio guide created by the Designers, Thinkers, Makers Association and the Biertan Town Hall, within the project Culture & Cultures. Connecting the dots, co-funded by the Administration of the National Cultural Fund.
Tur audio realizat în cadrul proiectului Culture&Cultures. Connecting the dots în anul 2024.
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Proiectul nu reprezintă în mod necesar poziția Administrației Fondului Cultural Național. AFCN nu este responsabilă de conținutul proiectului sau de modul în care rezultatele proiectului pot fi folosite. Acestea sunt în întregime responsabilitatea beneficiarului finanțării.
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