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UNESCO Fortified Churches
Seven are lucky, but they are all valuable
I invite you, dear traveler, to join me on a journey of 344 km and a few hundred words about the 7 fortified churches, adding just a pinch of salt and pepper to an already captivating foundation.
We will spontaneously explore visitor impressions, trying to highlight the most unique aspects of each one—what impresses and what lingers long after the visit. I invite you to savor these UNESCO capsules.
The fortified church in Biertan is considered the flagship of a list of seven world heritage sites. The other classified fortified churches are located in Calnic near Sebeș, Valea Viilor not far from Biertan, Saschiz, Viscri, Dârjiu—forming a close triangle of citadels—and the spectacular fortress at Prejmer near Brașov.
Among these, the fortress at Câlnic stands out for its intimate charm. Situated on the valley floor, not a hill, it has a low stone chapel, a generous-sized keep, and a residence, all forming an almost monastic or domestic atmosphere. Here, you can also find a once-celebrated wine cellar. Climb the tower and gaze upon the hills of Transylvania. Give yourself the perspective of a medieval watchman. How do you think the village looked back then?
The fortified church at Valea Viilor, somewhat newer than those at Biertan or Câlnic, boasts an impressive church with a typically Gothic ribbed ceiling similar to Biertan’s. Notable here is the baroque polychrome altar, a true highlight. Wander through the narrow corridors of the fortification. Explore the secret role of each room. Discover how the inhabitants stored their supplies and precious belongings to withstand a siege.
Saschiz is surrounded by legends. Tales of a secret tunnel in the hill and of giants inhabiting a nearby hill where prehistoric settlements have been unearthed. Fearing the wrath of these giants, locals collected round stones from the hills, paving roads with them. Thus, the “floaster” pathways, named after the German “Pflaster,” were born. Visit Saschiz and meet a collection of birds. Beautiful, clever, and curious sgraffito birds that dwell on blue ceramic cups and plates. Where did all these birds come from?
Viscri’s church and fortifications are perhaps the most densely built, with a romantic aspect due to numerous high towers and bastions with wooden parapets and tile roofs. Popularized by the presence of King Charles III of the United Kingdom, Viscri's UNESCO site includes one of the few 13th-century Romanesque hall churches. Search for the legend of Viscri, where it is said that a cross hidden beneath the altar protects the church from evil.
Dârjiu houses the only Szekler fortified church on the list. Here, you’ll find a mural dating back to 1419, which stands out for both its age and artistic quality. It’s especially remarkable as few churches in this group still retain their murals—many may still be hidden, awaiting rediscovery after being covered during the Protestant Reformation. Look at the rare frescoes that reveal the legend of Saint Ladislaus, the protector of the place.
In Prejmer, you’ll discover an extensive fortification featuring densely packed living quarters built into the interior of the surrounding wall, connected by wooden stairs. This fortress boasts towering 12-meter-high walls encircled by a water moat, possibly the most powerful and best-preserved fortified church in Eastern Europe. Its history is linked to the Cistercian Order and the Teutonic Knights. Explore the strategic defense points. Research how, during sieges, the villagers defended the church using arrows and fire.
Through stories you enter the gates to the past of Transylvania. Enjoy it and think about the fact that every stone has its purpose. Each stop adds a precious piece to the fresco of Transylvania: sieges, celebrations, and moments from everyday life hundreds of years ago. Pieces of costume, details, and current customs. Tableware, tiles, and an entire world that will surprise you.
Text by Andrei Tache and Alexandra Mihailciuc, documented and written as part of the 2024 Heritage Lab workshop. The audio guide is a project by the Designers, Thinkers, Makers Association and the 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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