the Travel Enthusiast
- 19 Apr
Adam in Amazing Places | NO COMMENTSThe 7 Villages with Fortified Churches in Romania You Need to See
Rasnov facing the beautiful Carpathians ©Eugen Marculescu/flickr
These churches are some of the finest examples of Transylvanian architecture. Because of the region’s rich cultural heritage, these destinations would make easily an exciting trip for everyone. These seven villages and fortified churches were founded by the Transylvanian Saxons. Each of these villages have their own distinguished architecture and represents the style from the 13th to 16th century, particularly Romanesque and Gothic elements.
Initially all churches were Catholic until the Reformation arrived. After the Reformation six Churches became Lutheran and one become Unitarian. These destinations can be easily visited properly within 2 or 3 days if you want to visit them so much. Big Transylvanian cities such as Alba Iulia, Sibiu, Brasov and Targu Mures are also worth a visit and are relatively close to these destinations.
The best way to reach Romania is by getting a flight to cities such as Bucharest, Cluj Napoca or Timisoara and rent a car to visit these place for a good experience.
7. Prejmer
Prejmer with its old and venerable white walls ©SBA73/flickr
This 15th century fortified Lutheran church is known for its beauty and long history. It is near Brasov, one of Romania’s most beautiful and well organized cities.
6. Valea Viilor
The renowned and senior Valea Viilor ©Daniel Tellman/flickr
Like most fortified churches, it has Gothic elements and was built around the 15th-16th century. It is close to towns such as Copsa Mica and Medias.
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travel search by Travelgrove (get this widget)5. Câlnic
Calnic with its old yet powerful fortifications ©mihai novac/flickr
Although it is a citadel rather than a church, it still has beautiful chapel that is protected by the fort, a place full of history. It is the oldest fortification among the seven villages dating back to to the 13th century. Calnic is relatively close to Sibiu, another very beautiful town with a well preserved city center, and also close to Sebes.
4. Dârjiu
Darjiu that shows history ©Stefan M/flickr
While the rest of the fortified churches are Lutheran, this one is Unitarian. The 15th-16th century fortified church is close to Odorheiu Secuies. If you spend some time in the region, you should check out this village with rich cultural heritage.
3. Viscri
The mighty and powerful Viscri ©P. G./flickr
It has a fine Romanesque chapel and the best example of a fortified wall. This fortified church was established in the 16th century. Viscri is close to the town of Rupea.
2. Saschiz
The grandiouse Saschiz as its finest ©George Nutulescu/flickr
A fascinating structure featuring both Romanesque and Gothic elements, this is the only church that looks like a bastion in my opinion. It was built between the late 15th and early 16th century. It also has a beautiful tower from which you may have an impressive view. It is 20 km (12 miles) from Sighisoara, another fascinating heritage site of Romania.
If you’re hanging in Sighisoara, you should spare your time to visit this fortified church. Sighisoara is another beautiful Medieval town that is recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its exceptional architecture and town center.
1. Biertan
The charming and beautiful Biertan ©Himbeerdoni/flickr
This is the most beautiful fortified church in Transylvania. Biertan, being relatively close to Sighisoara, it has the most impressive Gothic church out of all the 7 villages. Situated on a low hill and built in the 16th century, it is surrounded by two lines of walls. The village is also very close to a town called Medias which also has Saxon background with impressive little town center.
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