Fortified Curches from Transylvania - Locations

Brasov | Sibiu | Sighisoara

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Transylvania, with its name coming from Latin ultra silvam (beyond the forest), is one of the most interesting and surprising regions of Romania. Its German, Hungarian and Romanian cultural traditions play a great role in its cultural and ethnic diversity. The Transylvanian plateau is surrounded by mountain peaks and drained by sparkling rivers which makes it both a pleasant place for a relaxing holiday with a landscape pleasing to the eye and an exciting place for adventure-seeking travellers.

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BIERTAN / BIRTHAELM

The town of Biertan / Birthalm is one of the oldest settlements in Transylvania. It was first mentioned in 1283 in a document concerning the taxes demanded from the Catholic priests of Saxon settlements by the Superior Board (Capitle) of Alba-Iulia. As far back as the late 14th century, Biertan was mentioned as an oppidum (borough). In 1418 it receives the Ius gladii (the right to be a sword bearer) and the right to organize a weekly Saturday market in the main square. This latter custom has endured well after WW II. Competing for the title of judicial and administrative centre was also Mosna / Meschen. This is why the two townships were each stimulated to build impressive buildings which were to augment their glory. But as the two were matching up their strengths, Medias finally won the title. What it may have lost in administrative power, Biertan surely won in the spiritual one. For three hundred years, since the election of priest Lucas Ungerus as head of the evangelist community in Transylvania, on the 6th of May 1572, Biertan was the seat of the bishopric.

The Church

The church was built between 1486 and 1524 on the premises of an older church. It has three equally high naves and is the last edifice of this kind to be built in Transylvania. It is built in late gothic style with Renaissance elements and was rather limited in its design by the configuration of the ground it was built on.

The Fortification

The system of the fortified church consists of three precincts that successively enclose one another and communicate through gate-towers.

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

Council Square

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Photo Album - 15 EUR

Discover Terra Ultrasilvana, the land beyond the forests, a cultural landscape that remained essentially unchanged over the centuries. Explore the vivid picture of southern Transylvania in over 200 outstanding photographs. English / German, 128 pages, 21 X 28 cm

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In April and May you can witness the beginning of spring by admiring the blossomy fields and fruit trees, the fresh green of the grass, the flowery scents and the clear blue sky. This is an ideal time for experiencing the rebirth of nature and for taking fabulous pictures.

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These are some of the things you don't want to miss when you get here.

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You have to "taste" the local stuff for a real Transylvanian experience.

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The Fortified Churches are an unique and interesting fenomenon. They can be found in only a few places throughout Europe and there were more than 300 Fortified Saxon Churches in Transylvania.

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