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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SURA MARE / GROSSSCHEUERN

The church

The old church which was dedicated to the Virgin Mary was badly damaged by the Turks. It was exemplary of an old type of 13th century basilica and can be seen in the small apses on the eastern ends of the collateral naves. These are somewhat similar to the ones in other churches in the region of Sibiu, including Cisnădie, Cisnădioara, and especially Guşteriţa. The unusually long main nave of the church had a bell tower on its western end with a vaulted portico. The central nave had a flat ceiling and the choir, which was continued with an apse, had a cross-ribbed vault.

The wall passage of the belfry was dismantled in 1854 when the risks of an invasion had diminished considerably. In its place, a new floor was added to the tower.

The fortification

The only elements left of the mantle walls that once surrounded the precinct are two wall fragments and a defensive tower.

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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Documentary movie - 15 EUR

Johann Schaas, curator of the Saxon church in Richiş (Germ. Reichesdorf, Reichersdorf, Hungarian Riomfalva) shares his beautiful memories using the Saxon dialect, about Transylvanian places that he loved and refused to leave, although it was against the historical constellation of the time. Documentary movie, 52 minutes. Subtitles: Romanian, English, German, French, Italian, Hungarian.

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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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