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Written by Maria from Its All Journey To Me
Romania is a splendidly various nation with many historic and pure treasures ready to be found. One of the simplest ways to get to know with Romania and its charms is by visiting among the UNESCO World Heritage Websites, that are scattered throughout the nation. Amongst them, Transylvania’s seven villages with fortified church buildings undoubtedly stand out for his or her fascinating historical past and architectural worth alike.
The gorgeous area of Transylvania is among the greatest locations to go to in Romania. Its beautiful countryside, picturesque cities, and distinctive structure render Transylvania one of the crucial fascinating locations in Europe.
A street journey throughout Transylvania is by far the optimum technique to discover the area. Nothing beats driving on a few of Europe’s most scenic roads and figuring out that you’re free to cease each time and wherever you need. Furthermore, driving is the best technique to go to each one in every of Transylvania’s 7 UNESCO villages with fortified church buildings.
What Are Transylvania’s Fortified Churches
No journey to Romania is full with out a journey to some, if not all, of the nation’s distinctive fortified church buildings. However what are these precisely?
Transylvania’s villages with fortified church buildings have been based by the Transylvanian Saxons. The latter have been German populations who settled within the space again within the 12th century. The colonists loved a particular standing and the communities they created thrived. Nonetheless, life within the Saxon villages of Transylvania wasn’t all the time straightforward. Or protected.
All the area was invaded repeatedly by Ottomans and Tatars. Subsequently, individuals needed to discover methods to guard themselves from these frequent invasions. Crucial cities had large-scale fortifications and spectacular fortresses, corresponding to Rasnov in Transylvania. However what in regards to the smaller villages?
Every Saxon village of Transylvania created sturdy fortifications across the settlement’s most important church. Located on the very coronary heart of the city and often on a hilltop, the latter was thus become the core of an elaborate defensive system, full with watchtowers and drawbridges. Folks additionally made certain they constructed massive storage rooms in order to maintain the group’s items protected throughout lengthy intervals of siege.
There was about 300 fortified church buildings prior to now. These days, nearly 150 well-preserved fortified church buildings nonetheless dot Transylvania’s countryside, amongst which the magnificent seven, which have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Standing in 1993.
UNESCO determined to incorporate Southern Transylvania’s seven villages with fortified church buildings in its checklist of World Heritage Websites as a result of they signify a settlement sample that has remained unchanged because the Center Ages. All 7 of those villages are dominated by their fortified church buildings, which have been constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries.
Transylvania’s 7 Villages with Fortified Churches
Viscri
In all probability the preferred of all Transylvania’s UNESCO villages with fortified church buildings is Viscri, a quaint, colourful village the place time appears to have stood nonetheless for hundreds of years on finish.
The fortified church of Viscri is maybe the prettiest one in your entire area. The Gothic-style church incorporates a marvelous chapel in addition to a small on-site museum which showcases the Saxon lifestyle. In the museum, objects corresponding to conventional clothes, furnishings, handmade instruments, and items of beautiful embroidery are on show.
The church additionally boasts magnificent views to the village and the encircling countryside from the highest of one in every of its watchtowers.
Viscri itself is among the most stunning villages in Romania. It’s one in every of a form vacation spot with an inescapably classic aura. There aren’t any paved streets, solely filth ones which can be lined with picturesque medieval cottages. Don’t be shocked should you see cows, geese and roosters wander across the quaint village. Viscri is all in regards to the easy and genuine lifestyle, in any case.
Be it both royalty or widespread individuals; no one can resist Viscri’s attraction. Not even the Prince of Wales himself who fell in love with the village and determined to purchase and restore an 18th century Saxon home in 2006 in an effort to advertise sustainable tourism in a spot which truly respects and honors the values of accountable journey.
Viscri, like all of the Saxon villages of Transylvania, could be very compact. Subsequently, you received’t want greater than a few hours to see just about every part there’s to see. That stated, Viscri is certainly price an extended keep so maybe you need to even take into account an in a single day keep at one in every of its conventional guesthouses. If that’s not doable, you will need to a minimum of strive some handmade meals at one of many village’s homelike eating places.
Church Visiting Hours: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and three p.m. – 6 p.m., Monday by way of Sunday
Church Entrance Charge: 5 Lei
How To Get To Viscri
Viscri is located nearly midway between Brasov and Sighisoara. It’s a 45-minute drive from the latter and a bit of greater than 1h from the previous. In order to achieve Viscri from both, it’s important to exit the primary street (E60) sooner or later, and that’s when the magic occurs. The street, albeit fairly broken and considerable in potholes, winds every method by way of essentially the most superb surroundings you might ever dream of.
When you’re not driving, issues can get a bit tough as you possibly can’t get to Viscri by way of public transport. You’ll be able to all the time rent a taxi or be a part of a guided tour with a switch from both Brasov or Sighisoara.
Biertan
The second most visited village with a fortified church in Transylvania is Biertan, a beautiful city constructed amid hills and vineyards.
Saint Mary’s Church is a medieval building constructed atop a hill proper in the course of Biertan. The 15th-century church is a superb instance of late Gothic structure. It options a formidable door that boasts an elaborate system of locks and padlocks, which is taken into account a marvel of engineering of its time.
Yet one more improbable factor to see on the fortified church of Biertan is the marital jail, which is exactly what its title suggests. Legend has it that each time a married couple in Biertan wished to divorce, they needed to undergo a particular check first. They have been locked inside a room throughout the partitions of the fortified church, and so they have been compelled to make use of one mattress, one chair, and one set of cutlery for 2 complete weeks.
After this time interval, in the event that they nonetheless wished to divorce, they have been free to take action. Nonetheless, in 400 years, just one couple is claimed to have gone by way of with the divorce ultimately. If that’s not exemplary {couples} remedy, I don’t know what’s.
Biertan was based in 1283, and it’s considered one of the crucial vital strongholds in Transylvania. Furthermore, the village used to have an extended winemaking custom which is sort of extinct in our days.
Strolling round, Biertan is totally fascinating. The village is house to picturesque, brightly coloured cottages, and its quaint slender alleys cross paths with small working streams on multiple event. Much like what occurs in Viscri, you’ll most definitely come across the occasional duck or hen throughout their carefree stroll round Biertan as nicely.
Church Visiting Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and a pair of p.m. – 7 p.m.
Church Entrance Charge: 10 Lei
How To Get To Biertan
Biertan lies 30km west of Sighisoara and 80km north of Sibiu, so it’s a straightforward drive from both. It’s not accessible by way of public transport. When you’re not driving, the easiest way to get to Biertan is with a guided tour from Sighisoara.
Prejmer
The fortified church of Prejmer is the biggest of its sort in southeastern Europe. All through its lengthy historical past, which spans 5 centuries, and on account of the truth that it was the easternmost Saxon village in Transylvania, Prejmer went beneath siege a minimum of 50 instances. But solely as soon as did it fall into enemy palms.
A go to to Prejmer affords the chance to wander round a wonderfully preserved defensive medieval building in addition to step inside one of many oldest Gothic church buildings in Romania. Final however not least, Prejmer might be the very best instance of how Saxons managed to attribute defensive features to their locations of worship which, in the end, spared their lives from enemy assaults.
Church Visiting Hours
- Could 1 to October 31: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- November 1 to April 30: Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – four p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. – four p.m.
Church Entrance Charge: 15 Lei
How To Get To Prejmer
Prejmer lies lower than 20km from Brasov, and it’s tremendous straightforward to achieve both by automotive or by prepare.
Calnic
Constructed within the 13th century, the fortified church of Calnic is one in every of Transylvania’s most imposing defensive constructions. Its most putting function is Siegfried Tower, a five-story excessive building that looms above the tiny village. Calnic is among the most off-the-beaten-path locations to go to in Romania. Other than wandering across the peaceable grounds of the fortified church, you can too go to an on-site medieval artwork museum whereas there.
Church Visiting Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Church Entrance Charge: 5 Lei, Digicam/ Photograph charge: 7 Lei
How To Get To Calnic
Calnic is a 40-minute drive from Sibiu or a 30-minute drive from Alba Iulia. Alternatively, you possibly can go to Calnic by becoming a member of a guided tour, which begins from Cluj Napoca.
Darjiu
Initially inbuilt Roman type within the 14th century, the primary church of Darjiu was later rebuilt within the Gothic type and fortified in the course of the 16th century. The church’s inside boasts spectacular frescoes, that are amongst Transylvania’s most exceptional items of medieval artwork.
Essentially the most fascinating factor in regards to the fortified church of Darjiu is that locals nonetheless use their storage rooms to maintain their grains and chilly cuts. A singular custom that has been round for hundreds of years nonetheless takes place there on a weekly foundation.
Each Wednesday, on the sound of the church bell, the gates of the fortress open in order that villagers can go inside and seize their weekly provides. Guests are most welcome to attend this ceremony of kinds. For a small charge (6€), they’ll even strive mouthwatering native delicacies.
How To Get To Darjiu
The one technique to get to Darjiu is by non-public technique of transport. The closest city is Sighisoara, which lies about 36km from Darjiu.
Saschiz
When you’ve been to Sighisoara, then the clock tower of the fortified church in Saschiz will certainly ring a bell. The form of the tower and the ornament of its roof with colourful tiles are nearly an identical to Sighisoara’s iconic clock tower. Other than its spectacular fortified church, Saschiz can be well-known for being an vital heart for the crafts of carpentry and wood-painting.
Saschiz is actually one in every of Transylvania’s best-kept secrets and techniques as not many vacationers add it to their itineraries. As such, it affords guests the uncommon alternative to expertise an genuine Saxon village like no different.
Church Visiting Hours
- Wednesday to Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: closed
How To Get To Saschiz
A mere 20km drive from Sighisoara, Saschiz is simply accessible by non-public technique of transport.
Valea Viilor
This huge fortified church is seen from an important distance because it dominates the Vineyards Valley the place it’s positioned. The church options Saxon ornament and furnishings whereas it’s also well-known for having a nicely in its heart, which proved life-saving for the villagers who sought shelter inside its partitions in instances of siege.
Church Visiting Hours
- Summer season: Monday – Sunday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and a pair of p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Chilly season: Please name to announce/schedule your go to.
Entrance Charge: 5 Lei
How To Get To Valea Viilor
You will get to Valea Viilor by non-public technique of transport. The closest city (14km) is Medias.
Now you already know every part there’s to find out about a few of Romania’s most valuable treasures. So, what are you ready for? Begin planning a improbable journey to discover Transylvania’s seven villages with fortified church buildings now!
So, now all it’s important to determine is which of the 7 UNESCO villages in Romania with fortified church buildings, you’ll see first.
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