Fortified churches in Transylvania

Today we propose you a trip into the heart of Transylvania. One of the gems of the land beyond the forests are the fortified churches built by the German origin settlers during 13 and 14th centuries.

The Hungarian rule of the Transylvania in the Middle Ages invited settlers for Germany and Flanders to set here and create towns and villages who were to rise the number of inhabitants and value to the hilly region.

BIERTAN

In Prejmer the local community built some of the most interesting of the fortified churches in this part of Europe. In 1200 the Hungarian king allow the Teutonic knights to built fortifications inside Transylvania. Here at Prejmer they start building the church which was later on continue by the locals in Gothic style. 

A particularity of this fortification is given by the fact that each family owned it´s own room within the walls. The local families and the guilds were in charge with maintaining the fortification in good shape and defend it during sieges. The rooms had the house number and where suppose to host grains and meat all year long. On every new season the food reserve was freshened. Being not far from Brasov, Prejmer is a nice destination for those passing by or overnight in the area, the National Road 10 is the one who overpass the Carpathians from Brasov to Buzau.

PREJMER

Getting more inside the region we reach Biertan. During more than 300 years here was the archbishopric center of the Germans in Transylvania. This made that the fortified church to be extended and extremely well guarded by a 3 inner yards. Here, from above the last row of walls you can have a magnificent view over the valley. The small village seems like a model in which you can take a look inside the locals yards and see how are organized. Its close location only 30 km next to Sighisoara makes Biertan a must stop in your way between Sibiu and Sighisoara on national road 14. Here at Biertan you can find a fantastic door with an ingenious lock with 23 latches awarded with gold medal at Paris World Exhibition in 1900. Another interesting thing to see in here is a small room used by the locals in order to close the matrimonial conflicts. 

The recipe was simple: one bed, one chair, one plate, one cup and one spoon. The couple who intended to separate after days or weeks of forces cohabitation finish by remaining together for the rest of their life. The success rate is impressive: 3 divorces in 800 years.

VALEA VIILOR

Not far away, at Valea Viilor you can find another masterpiece of the German locals. In here the village gathered together and built in 14th century a well fortified Evangelical church. Here you have the chance to meet an old lady keeper who is happy to give you the keys of the defending tower. From up there a nice view opens to the village. The area around the village was famous for its vineyards, from here the village name: Vineyards Valley. Only 6 km from Copsa Mica on local road the village worth a stop.

Those are some of the most interesting places to see in Transylvania, an area full of surprises both for the foreigners and for Romanians. The fall in the hilly region in the middle of Romania offers you wonderful scenery. Come and see for yourself!

INSIDE PREJMER

Sursa: 
http://www.sibiu-turism.ro/Ce-vizitam-Cultura-si-patrimoniu-Patrimoniu-religios-Biserici-fortificate-Biserica-fortificata-de-la-Valea-Viilor.aspx
http://www.dottie.ro/cetatea-fortificata-prejmer/