Alţâna was in fact a free commune on the land called Fundus Regius that was a part of the Seat of Nocrich. This is proven in 1349, when the greav Syffridus of Alten takes part in the gathering of the Seven Seats. The settlement is first attested in 1291 when two members of the powerful greav family, Gerlach and Stefan, purchase a property.

The church



In the 13th century a Romanesque basilica was built, with no tower. At one point the basilica was turned into a church with three equally high naves. The fact that the House of the Seven Seats is said to have spent 6 golden coins for 6 bags of lime for works at Alţâna indicates that the transformation took place the year following the issue of the document. It is speculated that the choir, now rather long, had previously had a more square-like plan. A carved relief, now built in the southern wall of the choir, represents Jesus with a cross-nimbus and a blessing gesture. This piece of decoration may have originally been the keystone of the choir. The latter is illuminated by narrow, pointed arch windows with colourful stained glass. The eastern wall with a window is all that is left of the old north-wall vestry. A new one was built on the southern wall, in line with the corresponding collateral nave. Over its entrance a Romanesque archivolt has been preserved.

The fortification



The stronghold consisted of two curtain wall that surround the church. It is not known for sure when they were built, but their circular aspect indicates sometime in the 15th century.

You can find more information about this church and many others on this CD dedicated to the fortified churches in Transylvania.