2
The Matrimonial Prison
Or the reconciliation room
Here you are, standing in front of the eastern bastion of this fortified complex, which holds the history of old Transylvania. You might wonder why this small building, with the appearance of a living room, is called a prison.
Find out, dear traveller, that within the Saxon communities, the family was considered an essential pillar of social life, and marital conflicts were taken seriously—even though the idea of a chamber like this might seem humorous.
Instead of allowing couples to separate, the community had an ingenious solution: a special reconciliation room, known as the "marital prison."
The "marital prison" came into play when a divorce request was brought before the bishop. In medieval times, divorce was seen as a shameful act, and the "marital prison" provided a gentler yet effective way of resolving conflicts. Instead of allowing people to separate, they were brought even closer, encouraging communication and overcoming misunderstandings. These practices reflect a way of life where the church and the community played a central role in bringing balance to the social life.
Thus, the two partners were required to spend time together in the same room. If you were to step inside, you would notice something peculiar. Your eyes would take in a single traditional Saxon bed, along with just one table and one chair. Before the two individuals lay solitary objects arranged like valuable jewels: a single plate, a single cup, and a single spoon, all waiting to be shared. They had no choice but to negotiate and interact, fostering closeness that would ultimately benefit their relationship.
Word has it that this form of cohabitation, sometimes lasting up to six weeks, often brought the peace and understanding that had been missing in the couple. It is said that in 300 years of use, only one divorce was recorded in the community of Biertan—an incredible example of medieval "couples therapy."
Another example can be found in the Fortified Church of Prejmer, in Brașov County. Here, the tradition of reconciling couples was also well known. Although no precise documents confirm the existence of a dedicated room, it seems that the practice was similar to that in Biertan: couples were encouraged to spend time together to resolve their disputes under the guidance of the community and the church.
In the village of Viscri, there are also accounts of similar reconciliation methods. Even though no special room has been identified, the Saxon community practiced mediation techniques, emphasizing the importance of maintaining family harmony.
The keepers of these traditions remain, to this day, a model for restoring harmony within a community.
At the end of this story, we understand and imagine how these centuries-old traditions reflect the importance that the community placed on family and relationships. Though the "marital prison" is no longer in use today, its message remains just as powerful: communication and mutual understanding – even in the simplest of household interactions – are the keys to a strong relationship.
Text by Alexandra Mihailciuc and Patricia Mihai, documented and written as part of the Heritage Lab workshop in 2024. Audio guide by Designers, Thinkers, Makers Association and Biertan Town Hall, in the Culture & Cultures. Connecting the dots project co-financed by the National Cultural Fund Administration.
Audio guide produced in 2024 via the Culture&Cultures. Connecting the dots project.
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