the fortified churches of the transylvanian saxon

7/22/2019 The Fortified Churches of the Transylvanian Saxon

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Bisericile Fortificate ale Sa[ilor dinTransilvania

The Fortified Churches of theTransylvanian Saxons


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Descrierea CIP a Bibliotecii Na]ionale a RomnieiIOAN, AUGUSTINBiserici Fortificate ale Sa[ilor din Transilvania/ Augustin Ioan [i Hanna Derer;versiunea englez`: Constantin Lucian [i Ioana Luca;ed.: Arpad Harangozo. - Bucure[ti:

Noi Media Print, 2004ISBN: 973-7959-14-0

I. Derer, HannaII. Lucian Constantin (trad.)III. Luca, Ioana (trad.)IV. Harangozo, Arpad (ed.)


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Bisericile Fortificate ale Sa[ilor din Transilvania

The Fortified Churches of theTransylvanian Saxons


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4

DINCOLO, ACAS

Augustin IOAN

Bisericile sa[ilor din Transilvania ndeplinesc toate

criteriile prin care putem recunoa[te buna arhitectur`

pentru comunitatea de pretutindeni. Fenomenul pentru

c` sutele de biserici fortificate permit extragerea unor

tr`s`turi comune [i simptomatice poate fi folosit cu

prisosin]` didactic` spre a nv`]a [i a celebra buna

ntocmire a unei cet`]i [i, mai cu seam`, a spa]iului s`u

central, destinat cultului. n economia inevitabil strmt`

a unui asemenea text introductiv nu pot fi celebrate toate;

iat`-le ns` pe cele cu gradul de generalitate cel mai

semnificativ, n opinia unuia care le descoper` la fel de

fascinat, ca parte a propriei tradi]ii profesionale.

1. Sanctuarul este, prin chiar defini]ia lui de loc sfnt,

un loc al ascunderii. Acel dincolo pe care l verific` ([i l

edific`) spa]iul sacru, spa]iul lui Cel`lalt total diferit (R.Otto) nseamn`, printre altele, [i loc de ascundere

ocrotitor. Str`in`tate radical`, loc straniu, locul sacru

este n acela[i timp [i teritoriul ocrotirii. Dreptul la

sanctuar a fost [i este respectat nc` n ceea ce prive[te

l`ca[ul de cult, dup` cum nc`lcarea lui poate produce

efecte devastatoare. Prin urmare, n chiar defini]ia

l`ca[ului religios ntlnim ideea de ocrotire. Dublate de

fortifica]iile proprii, bisericile sa[ilor transilv`nenifunc]ioneaz` drept centru viu al comunit`]ii care se

ascunde pe teritoriul ei n caz de primejdie. Fortifica]ia

pare c` nu face altceva, n plan simbolic, dect s` traseze


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5

BEYOND. THAT IS, HOME

Augustin IOAN

The Saxon churches in Transylvania meet all the

criteria by means of which we can recognize good

community architecture everywhere. Accordingly, and

given that hundreds of fortified churches are still in

existence, we can easily identify significant features that

can be put to good didactic use: while celebrating the art

of citadel construction, they also teach it to us, together,

and more importantly, with that of erecting the central

worship space. In the limited space allotted to an

introductory text I cannot possibly do justice to all the

fascinating aspects of these churches; while still being

excited to discover them all as part of my own professional

tradition, below I will dwell only on those that I deem most

general.

1. The sanctuary is, by its very definition as of a holysite, a place of concealment. That beyond which the

sacred space confirms (and defines), the space of the

wholly other (R. Otto), also signifies a protecting place. As

radical strangeness, as a place of the strange, the sacred

place is at the same time the territory of protection. As far

as worship places are concerned, their right to provide

sanctuary was and still is respected, and violating it may

have tragic results. Consequently, the very definition of areligious abode implies the idea of protection.

Strengthened by fortifications, the churches of the

Transylvanian Saxons acted as the living center of their


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cu precizie, s` fac` vizibil` [i defensiv` limita spa]iului

sacru. Din acest punct de vedere, ele sunt amplasate n

vederea ocrotiri i limitei (Carpa]ii o fac vizibil` [i mai u[or

de ap`rat) dinaintea naint`rii musulmane.2.Avanpostul este dublu orientat:

a) n sus: plasate pe punctele cele mai nalte ale a[ez`rii,

vizibile deopotriv` pentru ochiul privind de sus, ct [i de

cel privind dinspre localitate spre centrul ei nalt, bisericafortificat` este un avanpost pe vertical`.

b) spre est: localizate pe locuri mndre (Alberti), care s`

ng`duie epifania (Aristotel), bisericile sunt de asemenea

plasate ca avanposturi ale cre[tin`t`]ii n raport cu

invaziile t`tare [i turce[ti. A fost ideea teutonilor, aceea de

a avansa [i p`stra prin arme limita estic` a cre[tin`t`]ii

r`s`ritene, pentru ca, ulterior, cet`]ile [i bisericile

fortificate ale germanilor, secuilor [i ale satelor romne[tibistri]ene s` preia aceast` func]ie de prim` linie

defensiv`.

3. Caracterul fractal al ansamblului. Fortifica]ia este

de altfel un criteriu de departajare a tipologiei bisericilor

s`se[ti: zidul perimetral este fortificat (cu unul sau mai

multe rnduri succesive), sau, deopotriv`, zid [i biseric`

sunt fortificate, articulate ntr-un sistem de ap`rare

plurimorf. Pe rnd, zid exterior (unul sau mai multe),

turnuri, drum de straj` n podul bisericii, turnul situat de

regul` pe pronaos, devin dispozitive care ng`duie

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communities, which could take shelter on their territory

in case of danger. Symbolically, these fortifications seem

to have had no other role but mark out precisely and

visibly the limits of the sacred space. From this point ofview, they may be said to have been erected with a view to

protecting the borderlands (which the Carpathians make

visible and easier to defend) in front of the Muslim

advance.

2. As outposts, they had a two-fold orientation, both

upwards and eastwards. Situated on the highest spot in the

settlement, equally visible for the eye looking up and for

that gazing from anywhere on the territory towards thecenter, the Transylvanian fortified churches can be said to

be an outpost on a vertical axis. On the other hand, located

on the fair ground (Alberti) that enables epiphany

(Aristotle), these churches also act as outposts of

Christianity in front of the Tartar and Turkish invasions. It

was first the Teutons who wanted to advance to and defend

the eastern border of Christianity; subsequently, it was the

fortified churches and citadels of the Germans andSzecklers and the Romanian villages in Bistrita that took

over this role of first defensive line.

3. The fractal character of the ensemble. Fortification

serves as a differentiating criterion in the typology of

Saxon churches: it is either the surrounding wall that is

fortified (with one or more successive layers) or, on the

contrary, it is the wall and the church that are fortified,

thus making up a multi-shaped defense system. In turn,the outer wall(s), the wall turrets, the guard zone in the

church attic, or the bell tower usually situated on the

narthex become defensive locations that permit developing

complex retreat strategies, as well as easy communication

between the various defensive positions. Even the gates,

with their highly sophisticated locking systems, are part

and parcel of the defensive system, illustrating on a small

scale the complexity of the ensemble.

On the other hand, this fractal-like feature also defines

life within the precincts when the whole community is


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strategii complexe de repliere [i comunicarea ntre

diferitele pozi]ii defensive. U[ile chiar cu extrem de

elaborate sisteme de ncuietori fac parte integrant` din

sistemul de ap`rare, repetnd n mic complexitateaansamblului. Pe de alt` parte, fractalitatea devine o

tr`s`tur` care define[te via]a n incint` n cazul replierii

a[ez`rii n`untrul ei. G. Oprescu o nume[te miniatura

vie]ii normale: n intervalele dintre atacuri, sau n

a[teptarea lui, fiecare membru al comunit`]ii [i

prelungea n incint` ([i la scar` redus`) via]a din afara ei:

Fiecare, n afara orelor de lupt`, [i continua, cum putea,

meseria.4. Coprezen]a define[te, n buna tradi]ie a

arhitecturii, modul n care aceste biserici [i zidurile lor

ap`r`toare au evoluat de-a lungul istoriei. n primul rnd,

este vorba despre o func]ionalitate a pluralit`]ii. Dar, mai

mult, este vorba despre o coprezen]` a modurilor

arhitecturale nsele. Din secolul al XIII-lea [i pn` n

cazuri extreme n secolul al XIX-lea, cnd fortificarea

putea fi considerat` de regalitate un primejdios mod de adobndi ([i de a afi[a) autonomia a[ez`rii, deopotriv`

fortifica]iile (atta timp ct ele au fost eficace din

perspectiva artei r`zboiului) [i bisericile, [i-au schimbat

chipul, fie prin ad`ugare succesiv` de straturi pe vertical`

sau pe orizontal`, fie, n secolele din urm`, prin

restaurare. Construirea nou` era adeseori urmarea

devast`rii [i distrugerii, dar nu mai pu]in semnul unui

statul comunitar nou sau al unei prosperit`]i rec[tigate.5.Arhaicitatea este o tr`s`tur` eviden]iat` de aproape

to]i cercet`torii fenomenului transilvan. ntrzierea de

decenii (sau chiar secular`) pe alocuri cu care arhitectura

acestor n majoritatea cazurilor hallenkirchen nu este

exclusiv produsul unei retard`ri n raport cu stilurile

occidentale eponime. De altfel, ntr-un concert polifonic

al straturilor succesive, a fi la zi cu ultimul stil

arhitectural din marile ora[e mittel-europene reprezint`

ultima dintre preocup`rile locuitorilor sa[i. Un anumit

autism arhitectural este cu siguran]` expresia

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forced to take shelter between its walls. G. Oprescu calls

this normal life in miniature: between attacks or while

preparing for an invasion, each member of the community

transferred inside, on a reduced scale, his or her lifeoutside. Oprescu writes: After battle, each inhabitant

continued his trade as best as he could.

4. Co-presence defines, in the good tradition of

architecture, the way in which these churches and their

defensive walls have evolved in history. First, we notice

plural functionality. Moreover, we also notice the co-

presence of architectural modes. From the 13th century,

when fortifications could be seen by the rulers as adangerous attempt of a settlement or another to acquire

(and assert) its autonomy, up to (in extreme cases) the 19th

century, both fortifications (as long as they were effective

in war) and churches changed constantly their

appearance, either by the successive addition of vertical or

horizontal layers, or, in recent centuries, by restoration.

Rebuilding often followed devastation and destruction;

however, it also signified a new community status or

regained prosperity.

5. Archaism is a feature highlighted by almost all the

researchers of this Transylvanian phenomenon. The

decade-long (and sometimes even century-long) delay in

the architecture of these (mostly) hallenkirchen is not

exclusively due to lagging behind with reference to the


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eficacit`]ii necesare ntr-un astfel de program: ap`rarea

nu face cas` bun` cu extrovertirea decorativ`, cu

flamboaian]a mpodobirii. Aceasta este adeseori redus` la

detalii (arcatura de intrare, ancadramentul ferestrelor,nervurile tavanului) sau, cel mai adesea, la

somptuozitatea altarelor din lemn pictat.

Severitatea acestor biserici este probabil tr`s`tura

modern` cea mai izbitoare, morfologic [i decorativ

vorbind. Etnicul are aici o contribu]ie nendoielnic`, dar

nu e singura cheie de n]elegere a fenomenului.

Auster itatea unor biserici catolice devenite n timp

luterane se explic` astfel [i n cheie religioas`. Pictura a

fost fie neglijat` (succesivele refaceri au influen]at aici

hot`rrea de a mai continua sau nu tradi]ia anterioar`),

fie deliberat evacuat`. Bisericile sunt ns` [i imaginea

unei comunit`]i de clas` mijlocie, omogen` social, f`r`

vrfuri interesate de gesturi arhitecturale grandilocvente[i, f`r` ndoial`, f`r` o experien]` a plusvalorii estetice.

Investi]ia, vital`, era aceea n durabilitate, n acea

stabilitas vitruvian`, iar nu n prea pu]in ocrotitoarea

frumuse]e (venustas ). n plus, este vorba despre

arhaicitate esen]ial`, de o priz` la sit a templului care i-ar

fi pl`cut lui Heidegger, pentru c` i-ar fi ilustrat de minune

conceptul de pro-punere a p`mntului n oper` ntr-o

realizare, iat`, germanic`. A[ezarea pe curbele de nivel ale

n`l]imii sugereaz` eficien]` [i lipsa unor preconcepute

teze estetice. Adecvarea la mijloacele avute la ndemn`

8

eponymous Western styles. In fact, as witnessed by the

polyphonic concert of the successive layers of their

churches, being in tune with the latest architectural styles

in the great Central-European cities comes last among theconcerns of the Transylvanian Saxons. A certain

architectural autism is, assuredly, the expression of the

efficiency that is required by their building program:

defense does not go well with extrovert decoration or

flamboyance. These are often visible in details (entrance

arches, window framing, ceiling structures) or, more often

than not, in the sumptuousness of painted wood altars.

The austerity of these churches is probably themodern feature of these churches that is most striking

from the point of view of morphology and decoration. The

ethnic element has a definite contribution here, but it

does not represent the only key to understanding this

architectural phenomenon. The austerity of some

Lutheran (formerly Catholic) churches may be explained

also on a religious plane. Painting was either neglected

(and frequent reconstructions no doubt influenced thediscontinuation of the tradition), or deliberately banned.

These churches also reflect the self-image of a middle-

class, socially compact community, that lacked not only

personalities interested in making grandiloquent

architectural gestures but also the tradition of the

aesthetic plus value.

The vital investment was in durability, in that

stabi litas of Vitruvius, and not in venustas , orunprotective beauty. Moreover, we have here an essential

kind of archaism, a relationship of the worship place to its

site that Heidegger would have liked: it would have

perfectly illustrated his concept of pro-posing the ground

in a work, illustrating it by this very German example.

The location of the churches on high spots suggests

efficiency and the absence of preconceived aesthetic ideas.

Making do with the means ready at hand was not only

required by the existing material conditions, but also

deliberate: stone is imposing, resistant, and discourages


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este nu numai dictat` de condi]iile materiale, ci este [i

deliberat`: piatra este impun`toare, rezistent`,

descurajant` pentru cel ce o nfrunt`. n fine, este vorba

despre o arhaicitate ]innd de sacralitatea obiectului

central [i a incintei nse[i. Biserica trage dup` sine o

tradi]ie (pe care, de pild`, preeminen]a tipului bazilical cu

una sau trei nave o reclam`) care i ntrzie cu bun`

[tiin]`! orice tentativ` de aggiornamento. S` observ`m

numai c` mi[c`rile eretice [i apoi cele protestante (c`rora

bisericile-cetate luterane le apar]in) se ntemeiaz` n

numele ntoarcerii la origini, la principii fondatoare, la

arch. Cu alte cuvinte, preocup`rile arhitecturale alesa[ilor transilv`neni care au proiectat [i/sau construit

bisericile lor fortificate nu au fost nici o clip` luminate de

efemeritatea modei, ci de durata lung`, singura

p`str`toare. Este un comportament el nsu[i

funciarmente defensiv. Comunit`]ile asediate, aflate n

exil , fie acesta geografic, religios, etnic l adopt`

instinctiv prin replierea pe codurile tari (Cezar Radu).

Limba veche, obiceiurile vechi, revizitarea obsesiv` aarhitecturii ancestrale iat` c`ile prin care comunit`]ile

de felul celor ale sa[ilor din Transilvania, dar [i ale

oric`rei diaspore de oricnd, au n]eles s` supravie]uiasc`,

fie [i cu riscul ie[irii din timpul istoric.

Bisericile fortificate din Transilvania sunt un excelent

studiu de caz pentru toate principiile bunei arhitecturi

din totdeauna pe care le-am enumerat mai sus, dar [i a

multor altora. O literatur` de specialitate consistent`, pecare textul urm`tor, al conf. dr. arh. Hanna Derer o invoc`

[i o completeaz` ea ns`[i, poate fi folosit` pentru

aprofundarea pe mai departe a temei acesteia, fascinante.

Din nefericire, exist` parc` tendin]a nefericit` de a

monopoliza [tiin]a despre bisericile fortificate, n loc ca ea

s` fie pus` la dispozi]ia [i cuno[tin]a publicului celui mai

larg. Ceea ce pare s` lipseasc` iar acest volum al Editurii

NOI Media Print [i propune s` suplineasc` esteexisten]a unei c`r]i care s` trezeasc`, s` educe [i s`

ilustreze profesional, dar n acela[i timp cu savoare,

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those who confront it. Archaism is also connected to the

sacredness of the central object and the precinct.

Churches are bearers of a tradition (which is, for

instance, signaled by the preeminence of the basilica-type

with one or three narthexes) that deliberately delays any

attempt at aggiornamento. Let us notice here that

heretical movements and later Protestant reforms (which

include that of Luther) take as a basis the return to

origins, founding principles, orarch. In other words, the

architectural concerns of the Transylvanian Saxons who

designed and/or built their fortified churches were not for

a single moment influenced by the transience of fashionbut rather focused on lasting duration. This testifies to an

essentially defensive behavior. All besieged

communities which are in exile be it of a geographic,

religious, or ethnic nature adopt it instinctively by

going back to strong codes (Cezar Radu). The use of the

old idiom, the charm of the old customs, the obsessive

appeal to old architecture: these are the ways by means of

which communities such as that of the TransylvanianSaxons or those of any diaspora have used in order to

survive, even at the risk of going out of historical time.

The fortified churches of Transylvania are an

excellent case-study for the principles of good

architecture of any time that I we have listed above, as

well as for many others. An extensive bibliography which

the text of Associate Professor Hanna Derer Ph.D. reviews

below may be profitably used to probe deeper into thisfascinating topic. Unfortunately, an unhappy trend to

keep the topic of Saxon fortified churches in the field of

academia and away from the broad public seems to be

prevailing. What is sorely missingand what this volume

prepared by the NOI Media Print Publishing House

attempts to supplyis a book capable of stirring,

educating and illustrating in a professional and pleasant

way a wider (and perhaps more efficient) interest in theheritage treasure represented by the fortified churches of

Transylvanian Saxons.


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interesul mai amplu ([i mai eficace, poate) pentru

comorile de patrimoniu pe care le reprezint` bisericile

fortificate s`se[ti.

Deja, abandonarea satelor de sa[i transilvane este un

nou exil, de data aceasta de vector opus o trzie

ntoarcere acas` mai degrab` n imaginarul simbolic,

ct` vreme ea se petrece abandonnd casa [i biserica reale.

Or, acest exil a adus cu sine [i o inexorabil` parc`

decrepitudine a satelor [i bisericilor respective.

Perenitatea lor presupunea continuitatea de genera]ii

defensoare [i p`str`toare. Conservarea institu]ionalizat` a

acestei tradi]ii, abandonat` doar n seama unui stat (sau

dou`), a unei funda]ii sau a alteia, nu este, din nefericire,

o solu]ie pe termen lung. Interesul turistic, de dorit pn`la un punct [i de valorificat, va fi dublat de grija pentru

p`strarea lor pe mai departe [i, de ce nu, de o dezirabil`

ntoarcere acas` a sa[ilor transilv`neni.

10

The forsaking of their villages by the Transylvanian

Saxons may be said to be a new exile, this time in a

different direction: this is a belated homecoming.

However, as it takes place by abandoning real homes and

real churches, it is a homecoming more at the level of a

symbolical imaginary. This new Saxon exile has also

triggered off what appears to be the inexorable decay of the

respective villages and churches. Their perenniality

required a continuity of generations seeking to defend and

preserve them. The institutionalized conservation of this

tradition, entrusted only to one or two states or one

foundation or another, does not represent, unfortunately,a long-term solution. The interest of tourists, desirable (to

a certain extent) and profitable, should be accompanied by

the continuous concern for the further preservation of

these constructions and maybe even by a much to be

wished for true homecoming of their creators, the Saxons

of Transylvania.


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11

BISERICILE FORTIFICATE ALE SAILOR DIN

TRANSILVANIA

Terra Ultrasilvana, Transilvania ]ara de dincolo de

p`duri poate fi considerat` una din cele mai sugestive

ilustr`ri ale conceptului de peisaj cultural. Una dintre

componentele esen]iale din acest punct de vedere este

constituit` din a[ez`rile rurale fondate de sa[i cu

aproximativ 800 de ani n urm`.

Numi]i ini]ial flandrenses , teutones [i ulterior

saxones, primii 2000-3000 de coloni[ti sosi]i la solicitarea

regelui maghiar Geza al II-lea s-au stabilit n secolul al

XII-lea pe valea rului Hrtibaciu. Sa[ii nu au constituit

singurul grup stabilit n Transilvania la cererea [i cu

sprijinul coroanei ungare. La nceputul secolului al XIII-

lea Ordinul Cistercian fondase deja o aba]ie, n timp ce

cavalerii teutoni edificau cet`]i pentru ap`rarea grani]eide sud-est a regatului de atunci. Dar prezen]a acestor dou`

comunit`]i a fost de scurt` durat`. Purt`torii sabiei,

cavalerii teutoni, au fost expulza]i de nsu[i regele

maghiar dup` numai 14 ani de la sosire. Reprezentan]ii

crucii, c`lug`rii cistercieni, r`mn pn` la reform`, dar

influen]a lor se diminueaz` considerabil nc` din secolul

al XV-lea. n consecin]`, singuri me[te[ugarii [i

agricultorii sa[i r`mn n Transilvania [i capacitateaacestora de asumare a noii lor patrii este att de dezvoltat`

nct ei asigur` [i continuitatea a[ez`rilor fondate de c`tre

Ordinul Cistercian [i de c`tre cavalerii teutoni.

THE FORTIFIED CHURCHES OF THE TRANSYLVANIAN

SAXONS

Transylvania, the Terra Ultrasilvana, or the land

beyond forests, may be said to be one of the best

illustrations of the concept of cultural landscape. As such,

one of its essential components is represented by the rural

settlements founded by the Saxons some eight hundred

years ago.

Calling themselves Flandrenses, Teutones, and finally

Saxones, the first 2000-3000 colonists accepted the

invitation made by the Hungarian King Geza II and settled

in the valley of the Hrtibaciu river in the 12 th century. The

Saxons were not the only group that settled in Transylvania

at the request and with the support of the Hungarian Crown.

As early as the 13th century, the Cistercian Order had already

founded an abbey there, and the Teutonic Knights had alsoerected fortresses for the defense of the south-eastern border

of the Hungarian kingdom. However, the presence of these

two communities was short-lived. The sword-bearing

Teutonic Knights were expelled from Transylvania by the

Hungarian King only fourteen years after their arrival; the

defenders of the Cross, the Cistercian monks, did not leave

until the Reform, but their influence diminished

considerably as early as the 15th

century. Thus it was only theSaxon craftsmen and farmers that came and stayed in

Transylvania; they identified so much with their new

homeland that they were able to secure the continuity of the

Hanna DERER


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12

Dezvoltarea comunit`]ii s`se[ti din Transilvania a fost

probabil accelerat` de c`tre scrisoarea de aur a libert`]ilor

sau Andreaneum emis` de regele maghiar Andrei al II-lea n

anul 1224, documentul cel mai complex, care confer` cele

mai extinse drepturi unor coloni[ti stabili]i n estul Europei.

La ob]inerea acestor drepturi [i libert`]i excep]ionale

[i-au adus contribu]ia [i reprezentan]ii micii nobilimi s`se[ti,

a[a numi]ii Grven. Ace[tia au fost elimina]i din structura

social` abia n secolul al XVI-lea [i re[edin]ele fortificate

construite de ace[tia au fost preluate la rndul lor de c`tre

comunit`]ile locale libere, supuse exclusiv [i direct coroanei

ungare.Condi]iile prielnice generate de Andreaneum [i efectele

sale nemijlocite au ncurajat probabil valul de colonizare

intern` de la jum`tatea secolului al XIII-lea. O alt` ipotez`

referitoare la acest fenomen se bazeaz` pe informa]iile de

natur` istoric` despre incursiunile t`tarilor, dintre care cele

mai devastatoare au avut loc n anii 1241-1242, respectiv

1285. n orice caz, prin colonizarea intern` comunitatea

s`seasc` [i extinde aria de existen]a nspre nord-vest, pe v`ilecelor dou` Trnave, majoritatea a[ez`rilor de aici fiind

atestate documentar de la nceputul secolului al XIV-lea.

Colonizarea intern` ofer` o explica]ie posibil` [i pentru

identitatea ]esutului din a[ez`rile aflate n cele dou` zone de

reziden]` a sa[ilor. Format din imobile de tipul Frnkischer

Gehft, ]esutul a[ez`rilor rurale s`se[ti se caracterizeaz` prin

parcele adnci a c`ror parte situat` spre spa]iul public de

circula]ie este destinat` locuin]ei principale [i anexeloracesteia pentru ca n partea posterioar` s` fie situate cl`dirile

cu func]iuni legate de practicarea agriculturii, gr`dina de

legume [i livada. Terenurile agricole propriu-zise sunt situate

n afara a[ez`rii. Cl`dirile situate n partea dinspre strad` a

parcelei sunt dispuse cu latura scurt` spre aceasta, n timp ce

edificiile din spate sunt deseori dispuse cu latura lung`

paralel` cu axul str`zii.

esutul a[ez`rii astfel structurat este dominat, ntr-un felsau altul de biseric`. Ini]ial, aceasta a fost o cl`dire de cult

uzual` care poart` caracteristicile etapei stilistice n care a fost

settlements founded by the Cistercians order and the

Teutonic Knights.

The development of the Saxon community of

Transylvania was most likely encouraged by the Golden Bill

of Liberties or the Andreaneum issued by the Hungarian

King Andrew II in 1224; this most complex document gave

extensive privileges to the colonists settled in eastern

Europe.

The Saxons enjoying these exceptional rights and

liberties was also made possible by the activity of the

representatives of the petty Saxon nobility, the so-called

Grven. However the Grven disappeared from the socialfabric in the 16th century, when the fortified dwellings built

by them were also taken over by the local free communities,

exclusively and directly subjected to the authority of the

Hungarian Crown.

The favorable conditions generated by the

Andreaneum, as well as its immediate effects, probably

contributed to an increase in internal colonization first

visible in the second half of the 13th

century. Another theoryseeking to explain this phenomenon focuses on existing

historical information about the Tartar invasions, the most

devastating of which took place in 1241-1242 and later in

1285. At any rate, by means of internal colonization the

Saxon community of Transylvania extended its area towards

north-west, to the valleys of the two Trnave rivers, most of

the settlements there being attested by documents at the

beginning of the 14th century.Internal colonization also provides a possible

explanation for the structure of the settlements present in

the two residence areas of the Saxons. Made up of dwellings

of theFrnkischer Gehft type, rural Saxon settlements are

characterized by large building lots, whose side adjacent to

the public circulation area was occupied by the master

house; the backside was occupied by farming-related

constructions, the vegetable garden and the orchard. Thefarming land proper was situated outside the settlement.

The buildings situated on the side adjacent to the street have


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13

edificat`. Probabil c` biserica era situat` n interiorul unui

areal sacru definit ca atare printr-un element de delimitare

simplu.

n anul 1395 are loc prima incursiune organizat` de

c`tre turci. Ace[tia vor continua s` devasteze zona sudic` a

Transilvaniei timp de aproape un secol. n fa]a acestui

pericol, ora[ele, constituite ca atare de la nceputul veacului

al XIV-lea, ncep s` cl`deasc` sisteme defensive urbane. Satele,

avnd posibilit`]i limitate, adopt` o alt`

solu]ie, bazat` pe construirea unui

punct fortificat capabil s` protejeze

via]a [i bunurile cele mai de pre] alecomunit`]ii.

Biserica reprezenta singurul

edificiu de dimensiuni suficient de mari

pentru a ad`posti ntreaga popula]ie a

a[ez`rii rurale. n consecin]`, edificiul

de cult este modificat pentru a putea

func]iona ca ultima ([i unica) redut` n

cazul unui atac. n plus, bisericaprezenta un avantaj suplimentar n

raport cu modul n care se desf`[urau

incursiunile turcilor. Organiza]i n

grupuri mici [i extrem de mobile,

ace[tia atacau cu o rapiditate care f`cea

imposibil` retragerea s`tenilor ntr-un

loc fortificat situat la distan]` de

a[ezare. A[ezat` n centrul de greutateal satului, biserica constituia deci un

punct accesibil oricui ntr-un interval de timp redus.

Modalit`]ile folosite pentru fortificarea bisericilor au fost

diverse [i variate. Studiile dedicate acestui subiect nu au putut

identifica principii valabile pentru anumite zone sau anumite

perioade de interven]ie. n consecin]`, fiecare dintre cele peste

200 de biserici de sat care au existat [i din cele peste 150 care

s-au men]inut pn` n prezent constituie un unicat.O privire de ansamblu demonstreaz` ns` c`, practic, au

fost elaborate modalit`]i de fortificare pentru fiecare

their shorter side facing the street, while the constructions

at the back often have their long side parallel with the street

axis.

The settlement thus textured is, one way or another,

dominated by the church. Initially, this was an ordinary

worship place bearing the stylistic mark of the period in

which it was erected. The church was most likely situated

within a sacred space defined as such by simple marking

elements.

In 1395, the first Turkish

expedition took place. For almost a

century the Turks devastatedperiodically the southern area of

Transylvania. Confronted with

constant danger, the cities, organized

as such in the early 14th century, began

to create their own urban defense

systems. With their limited resources,

the villages had however to adopt a

different defense solution based on afortified spot capable of protecting

the life and the most precious assets of

the community.

The church was big enough to

give shelter to the entire population of

the respective settlement. As a result,

the worship place was altered so as to

be used as a final and unique defensein case of attack. Moreover, the church

offered an additional advantage in relation to the pattern of

Turkish invasions. Organized in small, extremely mobile

groups, the Turks attacked so quickly that it was impossible

for the villagers to withdraw to a fortified place situated at a

distance from the settlement. Standing at the very center of

the village, the church represented therefore a refuge that

anybody could reach in a short period of time.The techniques used for the fortification of the churches

were quite diverse. The studies dedicated to this topic were


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14

component` a bisericii. Astfel, turnul clopotni]`, situat n

mod tradi]ional n partea de vest a cl`dirii de cult, a fost

transformat n turn de ap`rare prev`zut cu guri de tragere [i

un drum de straj`. La rndul s`u, corul a fost uneori

supran`l]at n forma unui turn cu caracter defensiv. Alteori

fortificarea corului a fost dublat` de

construirea unui nivel de ap`rare peste

altar care deservea guri de tragere [i

guri de aruncare. Nu rareori bisericile

au fost prev`zute cu dou` turnuri

defensive fosta clopotni]` n vest [i un

turn nou cl`dit deasupra corului. nfine, exist` numeroase exemple n care

toate cele trei componente volumetrice

majore, turnul clopotni]`, partea de

nave [i absida altarului, au fost

transformate, deseori existnd peste

extradosul bol]ilor din partea median` a

bisericii un nivel unic [i amplu de

ap`rare.ncepnd din secolul al XV-lea,

bisericile astfel fortificate ncep s` fie

dotate [i cu incinte defensive propriu-

zise. n func]ie de posibilit`]i [i

necesit`]i [i n func]ie de nivelul atins

de armele folosite pe scar` larg`, au fost construite incinte

simple, duble sau triple, turnuri de diferite tipuri, bastioane,

[an]uri [i zwinger-e. mpreun` cu biserica fortificat` saunefortificat` aceste dot`ri formeaz` un sistem complex n

care [i g`sesc locul [i cl`diri cu alte func]iuni dect cele

religioase [i strict de ap`rare, n special depozitare de alimente

necesare n cazul unui asediu.

Evolu]ia ansamblurilor constituite de bisericile fortificate

a continuat pn` n secolul al XVI-lea. Existen]a lor a permis

supravie]uirea (n bune condi]ii) a comunit`]ii sa[ilor din

Transilvania, teritoriu rvnit [i deci transformat adesea ncmp de r`zboi. Nici ncorporarea sa n Imperiul Austriac n

anul 1699 nu a mbun`t`]it situa]ia. Documentele

not able to identify general principles valid for all areas or

periods. As a result, each of the 200 village churches ever

built (and each of the more than 150 that have lasted to this

day) may be said to be unique.

However, it may be safely stated that different

techniques were devised for the

fortification of every element of the

church. Thus the belfry, traditionally

situated in the western part of the

worship place, was turned into a

defense tower with openings and a

guard walk. As for the choir, this wasitself reshaped sometimes into a

defensive tower. In other cases, the

fortification of the choir was doubled

by erecting another defense level over

the altar, with ports and loopholes. It

was not uncommon for churches to be

provided with two defense towers the

belfry in the west and a newly erectedtower above the choir. Finally, there

are also numerous examples when all

the major volumes, i.e., the belfry, the

narthex and the altar apse, underwent

various transformations: thus there

often existed a single and quite vast defense level over the

extrados of the vaults in the middle part of the church.

As of the 15thcentury, the churches thus fortified began tobe equipped with defensive enclosures proper. As

circumstances permitted or required, and in relationship to

the sophistication of weaponry in use, simple, double, or triple

enclosures were erected, together with towers of different

types, bastions, moats, and zwingers. Together with the

church (fortified or not), these formed a complex system that

also included buildings that had no religious or defensive

functions, e.g. those meant for storing food in case of siege.The ensembles of fortified churches continued to evolve

until the 16th century. Their existence enabled the survival of


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15

demonstreaz` c` sa[ii au folosit cu succes bisericile fortificate

[i n r`zboaiele curu]e ncheiate abia n deceniul al treilea al

secolului al XVIII-lea.

De[i de atunci bisericile fortificate nu au mai trebuit s`

ndeplineasc` func]iuni defensive, ele au fost intre]inute n

continuare cu grij`. Recunosc`toare, comunit`]ile n cauz`, a

c`ror identitate fizic` se conservase [i datorit` bisericilor

fortificate, le-au atribuit acestora, chiar [i dac` neexplicit,

valoarea de identitate cultural`.

Situa]ia acestor ansambluri cu valoare de unicat n

patrimoniul european s-a nr`ut`]it abia dup` evenimentele

produse n Romnia n anul 1989. Majoritatea sa[ilor au

emigrat nc` de la nceputul anilor 90 n Germania, cauznd

moartea civiliza]iei [i a culturii lor vechi de peste 800 de ani

[i un patrimoniu arhitectural de excep]ie care sufer` n

absen]a unor utilizatori sau a unor utilizatori care seidentific` cu el.

Avnd n vedere calit`]ile bisericilor fortificate care

mbog`]esc diversitatea patrimoniului cultural situat pe

teritoriul Romniei nc` de la nceputul exodului men]ionat,

au fost ini]iate, [i se desf`[oar` n continuare, eforturi pentru

salvgardarea acestora.

Un prim pas l-au constituit desigur m`surile de natur`

juridic`. Clasarea ca monumente istorice a reprezent n acestsens numai primul pas n prezent [ase biserici fortificate ale

sa[ilor din Transilvania se afl` pe Lista UNESCO. Pentru dou`

the Saxon communities in Transylvania, a territory much

coveted and therefore often turned into a battlefield. Its

inclusion in the Austrian empire in 1699 did not change

much the situation. Documents attest to the fact that the

Transylvanian Saxons successfully used their fortified

churches during the anti-Habsburg wars concluded only in

the third decade of the 18 th century.

After those events the fortified churches were no longer

required to fulfill defensive purposes, but they were still

preserved with much care. The Saxon communities, whose

identity had also been preserved with the help of their

fortified churches, gratefully (albeit not manifestly so)treated them as a cultural identity markers.

The situation of these unique ensembles in the

European heritage worsened only the after the events of

1989 in Romania. Most of the Saxons emigrated to Germany

in the early 1990s, causing the demise of their more than

800-year-long civilization and culture, as well as that of their

exceptional architectural legacy, which resents the absence

of its users or at least of those users that identifiedthemselves with it.

Given the unique qualities of the fortified churches that

enrich so much the diversity of Romanias cultural heritage,

efforts for safeguarding them have been made since the

beginning of the above-mentioned Saxon exodus.

A first step was taken on a legal plane. Listing these

churches as historical monuments was only the first step: at

present six fortified churches of the Transylvanian Saxonsare on the UNESCO list. Programs meant to revive the

respective rural communities are being carried out for the

villages of Biertan/Birthm and Viscri/Deutsch-Weiskirch;

the programs are financed by the World Bank. The

Clnic/Kelling ensemble was taken over by the Romanian

Academy and made into a research center. Solutions are also

being sought for the conservation of the ensembles at

Prejmer/Tartlau, Sschiz/Keisd, and Valea Viilor /Wurmloch.In other cases funds were collected by the local

communities, while experts also contributed by


16/96

dintre acestea, Biertan (Birthlm) [i Viscri (Deutsch-

Weisskirch) se deruleaz` programe de revigorare a

comunit`]ilor rurale, programe finan]ate de c`tre Banca

Mondial`. Ansamblul din Clnic (Kelling) a fost preluat de

c`tre Academia Romn` [i transformat ntr-un centru de

cercetare. i desigur se caut` solu]ii pentru conservarea

ansamblurilor din Prejmer (Tartlau), Saschiz (Keisd) [i Valea

Viilor (Wurmloch).

n alte cazuri au fost adunate fonduri de c`tre

comunit`]ile locale [i speciali[tii contribuie sub form` de

voluntariat. antierul ncheiat de la Hozman (Holzmengen)

s-a desf`[urat [i cu ajutorul studen]ilor-arhitec]i dinBucure[ti.

Trebuie men]ionat c` toate aceste eforturi concrete se

sprijin` pe o documentare complet`, efectuat` timp de [apte

ani printr-un program germano-romn la care din nou

Institutul de Arhitectur` [i Urbanism din Bucure[ti a avut

onoarea [i pl`cerea de a participa.

Interesul strnit de campaniile de cartare, inventariere [i

relevare este unul de lung` durat` [i se concretizeaz` prinlucr`ri de diplom` pentru nv`]`mntul superior sau

postuniversitar, care ncearc` s` identifice poten]ialul

func]ional al ansamblurilor private de utilizare contemporan`

sau ncearc` s` conceap` modalit`]i optime de conservare,

restaurare [i punere n valoare.

volunteering their services. The work at the

Hozman/Holzmengen site was carried out with the

assistance of the students in architecture in Bucharest.

It should be pointed out that all these efforts rely on the

information gathered and organized for seven years as part

of a joint German-Romanian program, in which the

Institute of Architecture and City Planning in Bucharest had

the honor and pleasure to participate.

The interest aroused by the mapping, inventory and land

surveying campaigns appears to be of long standing and has

as a result many graduate or post-graduate papers that

attempt to identify the functional potential of the ensemblesfor contemporary use or try to devise the best ways to

preserve and restore them and highlight their value.


17/96

This Gothic church was built around 1409, on the foundation of theformer Roman basilica. The fortress walls were pulled down by 1870.

In the Boot-makers tower, situated in the south-western side, home-

made bacon is still hung on the crossbeams, like in the medievaldays.

Agnita / Agnetheln

Biseric` n stil gotic, construit` n jurul anului 1409, pe temelia uneifoste bazilici romanice. Zidurile cet`]ii au fost demolate pn` n anul

1870. n turnul cizmarilor, aflat la sud-vest, se p`streaz` [i ast`zi

sl`nina ag`]at` de tavanele din brne.


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18

Un [ir de guri pentru aruncarea smoalei topite au fost

f`cute n peretele corului supran`l]at.

A number of narrow apertures through which molten

tar could be dropped on invaders were made in thewall of the overhead choir.

Agarbaciu / Arbegen

Biserica a fost construit` n secolul al XIV-lea [i

fortificat` n secolul al XVI-lea. Ultimele modific`ri au

fost f`cute n secolul al XIX-lea.

The church was erected in the 14 th century and it was

fortified in the 16th century. The last alterations weremade in the 19th century.

Alma Vii / Almen

Biseric`-hal`, construit` n secolele XV-XVIII. n secolulal XIX-lea s-au f`cut modific`ri n interiorul ei.

The hall-shaped church was built between the 15 th and

18th centuries. In the 19th century, many changes were

made inside.


19/96

19


20/96

Apold / Trappold

Biseric` nconjurat` de dou` ziduri de incint`, puternicfortificate. A fost construit` pn` la finele secolului al

XV-lea. Turnul de deasupra intr`rii, denumit al colii

Vechi, se nvecineaz` cu Turnul Ov`zului.

The church is surrounded by two well fortified

enclosure walls and was built before the end of the 15 th

century. The tower above the entrance is known as the

Tower of the Old School and stands close to the Oat

Tower.


21/96

Mobilierul din lemn, pictat cu motivedecorative [i alegorii biblice ntr-un

stil tipic picturii s`se[ti.

With its decorative motifs and Biblical

allegories, the furniture is painted inthe typical style of Saxon paintings.

Altarul, executat n stilul Ludovic al XVI-lea.

The Louis XVI altar.

Tabernacolul, o bijuterie lucrat` n piatr`.

The tabernacle, a true jewel cut in stone.


22/96

Portalul de vest n stil gotic. Arcadele suntdecorate cu motive vegetale. Arhitectura [i

sculptura sunt realizate n mare m`sur` de

artistul Andreas Lapicida din Sibiu.

The western Gothic portal. The archways

are decorated with vegetal motifs. The

architecture and sculpture are mostly the

work of master Andreas Lapicida of Sibiu.

22

A]el / Hetzeldorf

Vedere general` a bisericii fortificate [i alocalit`]ii. Biseric` gotic`, ridicat` n

secolul al XIV-lea [i fortificat` n secolul al

XV-lea.

General view of the fortified church and

the village. The Gothic church was erected

in the 14th century and fortified in the 15th

century.

Altarul bisericii din Atel are o structur`poligonal`.

The altar of the Atel church is polygonal in shape.


23/96

Axente Sever / Frauendorf

Biseric` atestat` documentar din anul1305. Imagine de interior: altarul

neobaroc.

The church was first attested indocument from 1305. Inside view: the

Neo-Baroque altar.

Vedere aerian` asupra bisericii fortificate [i a mprejurimilor. Este de remarcato particularitate ce i confer` caracterul atipic: turnul masiv construit pe nav`,

o raritate arhitectonic`.

Aerial view of the fortified church and its surroundings. Attention should be

drawn to an unique feature of the church wich gives its unusual aspect themassive tower rising above the nave, a very rare architectural feature.


24/96

Bazna / Baassen

Biseric` gotic` cu p`r]iromanice de secol XIII.

Zidurile de mprejmuire

construite n secolele XV [iXVI.

Gothic church with Roman

elements dating from the

13th century. The enclosure

walls were built in the 15th

and 16th centuries.

Sta]iunea de tratamentBazna, vilegiaturi[ti

nceputul secolului al XX-

lea.

The Bazna Resort.

Holidaymakers, early 20th

century.


25/96

Biertan / Birthlm

n localitatea Biertan (jud. Sibiu), atestat`

documentar nc` din anul 1283, se afl` una dintre cele

mai puternice cet`]i ]`r`ne[ti din Transilvania. ntregul

ansamblu fortificat, cuprinznd trei incinte nt`rite cu[ase turnuri [i trei bastioane de ap`rare, domin` a[ezarea,

fiind amplasat pe o colin` situat` la vreo 25 m deasupra

acesteia. Construit` ntre anii 1490-1522, cetatea a suferit

unele transform`ri n secolul al XVII-lea. Prima incint`era prev`zut` cu un zid de aproape 12 m, 7 turnuri (dintre

care patru au fost distruse n 1704 n urma asediului

curu]ilor) [i bastioane, unele, ca cel de vest, f`cnd

leg`tura cu a doua incint` (acestea nefiind concentrice).U[a de intrare a bisericii, construit` n 1515, are un

sistem ingenios de nchidere pentru 13 ncuietori, ac]ionatsimultan cu ajutorul unei singure chei. n interiorul

bisericii se g`se[te un superb altar poliptic (compus din 28

de panouri), cu sculpturi policrome executate n lemn(1515-1524), incontestabil cea mai pre]ioas` lucrare de

acest gen din ]ara noastr`. Se p`streaz` stranele originale,

decorate din 1514 cu intarsii realizate de Johannes

Reychmuth. Amvonul bisericii, din piatr`, atribuitme[terului Ulrich din Bra[ov, este decorat cu reliefuri

inspirate din ciclul patimilor Mntuitorului. Este renumit

lapidariul bisericii unde sunt strnse lespezi de mormnt,

unele lucrate de cunoscutul sculptor ardelean EliasNicolai (secolul al XVII-lea).


26/96

Biertan / Birthlm

One of the strongest peasant fortresses inTransylvania is situated in the village of Biertan, in

the Sibiu county. This fortified complex was first

attested in a document in 1283. The ensemble, whichis made up of three enclosures strengthened by sixtowers and three defense bastions, dominates the

village standing on a 25-meter-high hillock. Built

between 1490 and 1592, the fortress underwent some

alterations in the 17th century. The first enclosure hada 12-meter-high wall, 7 towers (4 of which were

destroyed in 1704 during the siege of the anti-

Habsburg fighters), and bastions. Some of these, for

instance the western one, connected the outer

enclosure with the second one.The church door, built in 1515, has a ingenious

locking system with 13 locks operated simultaneously

with a single key. Inside the church there stands a

splendid polyptych altar (made up of 28 panels), withpolychrome sculptures in wood (1515-1524). This is

undoubtedly the most valuable piece of its kind in

Romania. The original pews, decorated with inlaid

patterns in 1514 by master Johannes Reychmuth,

have been preserved. The stone pulpit attributed tomaster Ulrich of Brasov is decorated with reliefs

inspired by the Passions of Christ. The lapidary of thechurch is also famous for its tombstones, some of

which were carved by the well-known 17 th centuryTransylvanian sculptor Elias Nicolai.


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28/96

Boian / Bonnesdorf

Biseric` de tip hal` din secolul alXV-lea. Construit` n stil gotic, a

fost fortificat` [i supranal]at`

ulterior.

The hall-shaped church dates

from the 15th century. Initially a

Gothic church, it was

subsequently fortified and

heightened.


29/96

Br`deni / Henndorf

Biseric` evanghelic` de tip hal`

din secolul al XV-lea.

The hall-shaped Evangelicalchurch dates from the 15th century.


30/96

30

Bradu / Gierelsau

Biseric` evanghelic` fortificat`,atestat` documentar n anul

1315.

This fortified Evangelical churchwas first documented in 1315.


31/96

31

Bune[ti / Bodendorf

Biseric` evanghelic` fortificat`.

Fortified Evangelical church.


32/96

Bruiu / Braller

Biseric` atestat` documentar din anul 1307. Este o bazilic` romanic` dinsecolul al XIII-lea, transformat` n secolul al XV-lea, cnd i s-au ad`ugat

elemente gotice.

This church was first documented in 1307. It is a 13 th century Roman basilica,which was altered in the 15 th century, when new Gothic elements were added.


33/96

Altarul bisericii, n stil renascentist

trziu, probabil realizat la sfr[itul

secolului al XV-lea, nceputulsecolului al XVI-lea.

The church altar, in the late

Renaissance style, was probablycreated in late 15th and early 16th

centuries.


34/96

Chirpar / Kirschberg

Biseric` evanghelic` construit` n secolul alXII-lea, a fost ini]ial o bazilic` romanic`. Pe

latura de vest are un turn-clopotni]` cu ceas.

Construc]ia ini]ial` este din piatr`; toatemodific`rile ulterioare sunt u[or de observat,fiind executate din c`r`mid`.

The Evangelical church erected in the 12th

century was initially a Roman basilica. On its

western side there stands a clock-tower. Theinitial construction was made of stone; as

such, all subsequent modifications, made in

brick, may be easily noticed.


35/96

Cinc[or / Klein-Schenk

Biseric` de tip hal`, construit` [i fortificat`n secolul al XV-lea. Corul [i altarul bisericii.

The hall-shaped church was built and

fortified in the 15th century.The choir and the altar of the church.


36/96

36

Cincu / Gross-Schenk

Piatr` funerar`.

Tombstone.

Biseric` romanic` transformat` n

secolul al XV-lea n stil gotic. Unadintre cele mai mari biserici

fortificate din Transilvania.

The Roman church was remade in

the Gothic style in the 15 th

century. It is one of the largest

fortified churches in Transylvania.

Altarul cu o pictur` renascentist`

realizat` la 1721 de pictorul

Vincentius din Sibiu, ocapodoper` ce reprezint` scena

revela]iei Sfntului Apostol Toma

(Toma necredinciosul).

The altar has a Renaissancemasterpiece, the 1721 work of

painter Vincentius of Sibiu: it

represent the Revelation of St.

Thomas (Doubting Thomas).


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37

Cisn`die / Heltau

Biseric` din secolul al XII-lea, ini]ial bazilic` romanic`, fortificat` [itransformat` n stil gotic dup` devastatoarea incursiune turceasc` din 1493

n scaunul Sibiului. Planul bisericii are trei nave, cor [i absid`, navele

laterale terminndu-se n absidiole. Pe latura de vest a fost n`l]at un masivturn-clopotni]` (cu patru niveluri), ncorporat navei, deasupra coruluip`trat cnd absida semicircular` a fost modificat` poligonal, apoi cte un

turn de flancare deasupra celor dou` portaluri laterale. Acestea au fost

supraetajate la 1500, odat` cu n`l]area (7 m) acoperi[ului turnului central.

Clopotni]ei i s-au ad`ugat cele patru turnuri de col] n anul 1591. nsecolele XV-XVI au fost construite cele trei ziduri de incint` nt`rite cu 7

turnuri de ap`rare. Din pricina acestor adaosuri biserica a devenit o mas`

compact`, maiestuoas`, cu putere m`rit` de rezisten]`, turcii nereu[ind s-o

cucereasc` n 1658.

n biseric` se p`streaz` fragmente de picturi murale de sfr[it de secolXV. Predela altarului poliptic reprezentnd Apari]ia lui Iisus (Vincentius -

1525) mpreun` cu alte obiecte de cult ce au apar]inut acestui l`ca[ se

g`sesc la muzeul Brukenthal din Sibiu. Deasupra intr`rii sudice a bisericii

se afl` un frumos portal de gresie.


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Cisn`die / Heltau

The 12th century church wasinitially a Roman basilica that was

fortified and altered in the Gothic style

after the devastating Turkish invasionof 1493 in the Sibiu area. The churchhas three naves, a choir and an apse,

and the lateral naves end in absidioles.

A massive four-level belfry was erected

on the Western side and incorporatedinto the nave above the square choir,

when the semicircular apse was

reshaped into a polygon. Then flanking

turrets were added over each of the two

lateral portals. These were elevated in

1500, when the roof of the centraltower was also heightened by 7 meters.

In 1521, the four little corner turrets

completed the belfry. In the 15th and16th centuries, the 3 enclosure walls

strengthened by 7 defense towers were

erected. All these additions made the

church into a compact, majestic mass,

increasing its ability to withstandattacks. The Turks were unable to

conquer it in 1658.The church shelters fragments of

late 15th century murals. The predella ofthe polyptych altar showing The

Appearance of Jesus (Vicentius, 1525)

as well as other cult objects that

belonged to this worship place are now

on display in the Bruckental Museumin Sibiu.

A beautiful sandstone portal

stands above the southern entrance ofthe church.


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Curtea interioar`

The inner courtyard

39

Cisn`dioara / Michelsberg


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40

Cisn`dioara / Michelsberg

La biserica evanghelic` cu hramul Sfntul Mihailse face referire ntr-un document din 20 noiembrie1223,

prin care aceasta era donat` m`n`stirii cisterciene de la

Carta, fiind incontestabil cea mai veche biseric`romanic` din Romnia. Aceasta se ridic` pe o colin`nalt`, de aproximativ 100 m, cu flancurile abrupte,

nconjurat` de fortifica]ii ce alc`tuiesc o incint`

circular`, cu un turn nt`rit deasupra intr`rii (o parte

dintre ziduri se mai p`streaz` [i ast`zi), fiind una dintrecele mai vechi cet`]i ]`r`ne[ti din Transilvania.

Dispozi]ia planimetric` a bisericii (bazilica scurt`,

cu trei nave acoperite doar de [arpant`) [i decora]ia

portalului sculptat (1260) indic` influen]a arhitecturii

renane. Spre r`s`rit, biserica are un corp p`trat, boltit

n cruce [i o absid` semicircular`, navele laterale cuogive terminndu-se n cte o absidiol`. Partea cea mai

interesant` a bisericii o constituie portalul romanic (pe

latura de vest) datat cu dou`-trei decenii mai trziudect ntreg edificiul. Pe aceasta latur` au fost prev`zute

[i dou` turnuri, r`mase ns` neterminate. ntreaga

cl`dire a fost realizat` din piatr` brut`.

The Evangelic church dedicated to St. Michael is

first referred to in a document from the 20th

ofNovember, 1223, which mentions its donation to the

Cistercian monastery at Carta. This makes itundoubtedly the oldest Roman church in Romania. It

stands on a 100-meter-tall hill with abrupt sides and is

surrounded by fortifications that make up a circular

enclosure which has a fortified turret above theentrance. Some of the walls have been preserved to this

day. This is one of the oldest peasant fortresses in

Transylvania.

The plan of the church (a small basilica with three

naves covered only by a framework) and the decorationof the carved portal (dating from 1260) bespeak the

influence of Rhineland architecture. To the East the

church has a square cross vaulted body with a

semicircular apse, the lateral naves with diagonalvaulting ribs ending in absidioles. The most interesting

part of the church is the Roman portal (on the western

side), which is two or three decades later than the rest

of the edifice. Two turrets were also to be erected on

this side, but they were never completed. The whole

building was erected in stone.

S`soaice n zi de s`rb`toare


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S`soaice n zi de s`rb`toare.

Saxon women at a holiday.

Portalul romanic de vest.

The western Roman portal.

Cloasterf / Klosdorf


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Fotografie de epoc`, de la nceputulsecolului al XX-lea.

Early 20th century photograph.

Biseric` de tip hal`, terminat` n

anul 1523. Fortifica]iile dateaz` dinaceea[i perioad`. Biserica se g`se[te

pe strada principal` a satului.

The hall-shaped church was finished

in 1523. The fortifications date fromthe same period. The church lies in

the main street of the village.

Cop[a Mare / Gross-Kopisch


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Imagine de arhiv`

Archive image

Biseric` fortificat` din secolul al XIV-lea. Este interesant jocul [arpantelor,

unele prelungite peste navele

excentrice. Intrarea se face printr-unturn fortificat, cu ceas.

The fortified church dates from the

14th century. One notices the

frameworks, some of which extendover the eccentric naves. The access

to the church is made through a

fortified clock tower.


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Cristian / Neustadt

Biserica evanghelic` actual` se ridic` peste o veche

bazilic` romanic` de secol XIII, din care s-au maip`strat fragmente incluse n noua biseric` n stil

gotic din secolul al XV-lea. Fortifica]ia s-a f`cut

n secolul al XVI-lea, cu dou` rnduri de ziduri

nt`rite cu turnuri.

The present day Evangelical church rises over an

old 13th century Roman basilica, fragments of

which were included in the new 15 th century

Gothic church. The church was fortified in the16th century, when two outer enclosures

strengthened with towers were added.


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45

Darlos / Durles

Biserica evanghelic` din Darlos, n stilul gotic trziu. n

ziduri p`streaz` fragmente de reliefuri din stele funerareromane. A fost ridicat` n secolul al XV-lea.

The Evangelical church of Darlos is built in the late

Gothic style. Reliefs from Roman funerary steles have

been preserved in the walls. The church was erected inthe 15th century.

Portalul de vest n stil gotic.

The western portal in the Gothic style.

Dealu Frumos / Schnberg


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Biseric`-cetate, a c`rei construc]ie a nceput din sec alXIII-lea (bazilic` romanic`), transformat` n biseric` de

tip hal`, n stil gotic, n secolul al XV-lea, prev`zut` apoi

cu turnuri de ap`rare la col]uri (cca. 1522).

The construction of the citadel church was initiated in

the 13th century, when the Roman basilica was erected.

This was made into a hall-shaped Gothic church in the

15th century. Defence towers were subsequently erected

on the corners. (c. 1522).

Portalul bisericii cu o u[` a

c`rei feronerie este inspirat`

din vechile motivegermanice.

The portal of the church

and a door whose metalwork

is of old German inspiration.


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Biseric`, detaliu de interior: inscrip]ie ctitorial` baroc` n

predel`, imagine biblic`: Iisus pe cruce. n lunete, imaginea lui

Michaelis Kleinii [i alte notabilit`]i ale vremii. Datat`: 23 iunie

1721.

A detail from the inside of the church, with the Baroqueinscription in the predella and a Biblical image showing Jesus

on the Cross. In the groins, one notices the portraits of

Michaelis Kleinii and other notables of the time. The date is the23rd of June, 1721.

Orga bisericii, decorat` n stil baroc.

The church organ decorated in the Baroque style.

Ghimbav / Weidenbach


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48

Biseric` gotic` de tip hal` (secolele XIV-XV), ref`cut` n anul 1775.

The hall-shaped Gothic church (14th -15th century) was rebuilt in 1775.


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Altarul neoclasic (sfr[it de secolXVIII) din marmur`. n centru, un

altorelief pictat reprezentndu-l pe

Iisus nving`tor.

The marble Neoclassical altar (late

18th century). In the centre, a high

relief represents Jesus, the Victor.

H~rman / Honigberg


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Vedere aerian` asupra ansambluluifortificat. Ast`zi au mai r`mas [ase

turnuri din cele [apte semnalate de

Emil Sigerus (1854-1947). Era

nconjurat` cu [an]uri de ap` pestecare erau coborte pun]i mobile.

Aerial view of the fortified complex.Six of the seven towers mentioned by

Emil Sigerus (1854-1947) have been

preserved. Moats with drawbridges

once surrounded the fortress.

Planul cet`]ii


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51

Planul cet`]ii

The plan of the fortress

The Roman style church (12801290) was erected by

the Cistercian monks and subsequently remade in the

G thi t l B t 1500 d 1520 it d d b

Biserica n stil romanic (1280-1290), construit` de

c`lug`rii cistercieni, a fost ref`cut` ulterior n stil gotic. n

j l bi i ii t it (1500 1520) t i ` t t


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52

Gothic style. Between 1500 and 1520, it was surrounded bya strong peasant fortress, made up of an enclosure with

oval-shaped, 5-meter-thick and 12-meter-high walls. The

enclosure was surrounded by deep moats and defended by

six bastions. Along the walls, the locals built sheltersmeant to protect them in times of peril.

Several Roman capitals have been preserved inside

the church and some consoles sculpted with grotesque

heads have been preserved in the sacristy. The church alsohouses a funerary chapel with Gothic-like murals (1460-

1470) showing scenes from the Last Judgment. After the

1593 fire, the church was restored and received its present

aspect.

jurul bisericii s-a construit (1500-1520) o puternic` cetate]`r`neasc`, alc`tuit` dintr-o incint` cu ziduri de form`

oval` (5 m grosime [i 12 m n`l]ime), nconjurate cu

[an]uri adnci, str`juite de [ase bastioane. De-a lungul

zidurilor, au fost construite nc`peri etajate, menite s`g`zduiasc` popula]ia n caz de primejdie.

n interiorul bisericii s-au p`strat cteva capiteluri

romanice, iar n sacristie cteva console, sculptate cu

capete grote[ti. Tot aici exist` o capel` funerar` cu picturimurale de factur` gotic` (1460-1470), avnd ca tem`

Judecata de Apoi. Dup` incendiul din 1593, biserica a fost

supus` unor ample refaceri, dobndind aspectul actual.


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53

Turnul bisericii, de[i impresionant, nu juca unrol de ap`rare.

Although impressive, the bell tower did not

play a defensive role.


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De jur mprejurul bisericii, localnicii [i-au construit nc`peri n care

combatan]ii [i protejau familiile [i avutul n caz de atac.

Around the church, the locals erected shelters meant to protect their

families and belongings when the fortress came under attack.

Portalul gotic al bisericii

The Gothic portal of the church

Altarul neoclasic

The Neoclassical altar


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56

Homorod / Hamruden

Biseric` fortificat`

The fortified church

Altarul [i orga bisericii

The altar and the organ of the church

Imagine de la nceputul secolului al

XX-lea, cu turnul de est [i localnici.

Early 20th century image showing the


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Early 20th century image showing the

eastern tower and local people.

Fragment de fresc` n stil romanic,

aflat` n corul bisericii.

Fragments of the Roman frescoes

preserved in the church choir.


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Ho[man / Holzmengen

Biserica romanic` (secolul alXIII lea) modificat` n secolul al


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XIII-lea), modificat` n secolul al

XV-lea [i fortificat` pe la 1500.

Roman church (13th

century),altered in the 15th century and

fortified around 1500.

Detaliu original din portalulromanic.

Detailed view of the original

Roman portal.

Iacobeni / Jacobsdorf

Biseric` evanghelic`, o bazilic`-hal` realizat` n stilul goticului


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60

Fotografie de epoc` (nceput de

secol XX).


hal` realizat` n stilul goticului

trziu (secolul al XV-lea).

Fortificat` n jurul anului 1500.

The Evangelical church is a

hall-shaped basilica in the late

Gothic style (15th century).

It was fortified around 1500.

Ighi[u Nou / Eibesdorf

Biseric`-hal`, de secol XIV,realizat` n stil gotic. Turnul de


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Fotografie de epoc` (nceput de

secol XX).


g

vest ce are aceea[i n`l]ime cu

biserica, reprezint` specificul

acestei construc]ii.

14th century Gothic hall-shaped

church. The western tower

stands at the same height as the

church, giving this constructionits unique character.

Malancrav / Malmkrog

Cel mai valoros ansamblu de pictur` mural` gotic`se p`streaz` n biserica din Malancrav. Este realizat


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Fereastr` de piatr` n stil gotic.

Stone window in the Gothic style.

n anul 1405.

The most valuable Gothic mural paintings arepreserved in the Malancrav church. They date from

1405.


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Biserica este construit` n a doua parte a

secolului al XIV-lea.

The church was built in the second half

of the 14th century.

Marpod

Biseric` evanghelic` ridicat` n secoleleXVII-XIX, vedere general`. Zidurile

` i i l l XV


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nt`rite sunt construite n secolele XV-

XVI.

General view of the Evangelical church

erected between the 17th and the 19th

centuries. The fortified walls were built in

the 15th and 16th centuries.

Merghindeal / Mergeln

Biseric` romanic` realizat` la sfr[itul secolului alXIII-lea (cca. 1280). Cele dou` turnuri a[ezate la est [i

vest confer` edificiului o simetrie lateral` foarte


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Altarul bisericii

The altar of the church

vest, confer` edificiului o simetrie lateral` foarte

pregnant`, mai pu]in obi[nuit` la construc]iile

religioase. Fortifica]iile au fost ad`ugate ulterior (nsecolele XV-XVI).

The Roman church was erected at the end of the 13 th

century (c.1280). The two towers situated on the

eastern and western side give the edifice a very stronglateral symmetry, which is less common in the case of

religious buildings. The fortifications were added at a

later date (15th-16th centuries).

Mesendorf / Meschendorf

Biseric` gotic` de tip hal`. La vestse remarc` turnul cu ceas. Zidurile

fortificate au fost construite n


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fortificate au fost construite n

secolele XV-XVI.

Gothic, hall-shaped church. One

notices the clock tower on the

western side. The fortified walls

were built during the 15th and 16th

centuries.

Vedere de ansamblu asupra localit`]ii.

General view of the area.

Mo[na / Menschen

Biseric` zidit` ntre anii 1480-1486 n stil gotic. Este

nconjurat` de o puternic`


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nconjurat` de o puternic`

centur` de ziduri, nt`rit` cu

turnuri de ap`rare (secolul alXVI-lea).

The church was erected

between 1480-1486 in the

Gothic style. It is surrounded bymassive walls strengthened with

defence towers (16th century).

Movile / Hundertbcheln

Bazilic` romanic` de secol XIV, transformat`ulterior [i fortificat` n secolul al XV-lea.


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68

A Roman basilica dating from the 14th century

and was subsequently transformed and fortifiedin the 15th century.

Netus / Heithausen

Biseric` fortificat` din secolul al XV-lea (cca. 1448).

The fortified church dates from the 15th century (c. 1448).


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69

Nocrich / Leschkirch

Zidurile de ap`rare dateaz` dinseclolele XVI-XVII. Biserica este

mai recent` (1802) [i a fost


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construit` pe locul celei de secol

XIV.

The defence walls date from the

16th and 17th centuries.

The church is of a more recent

date (1802) and was built on thesite of an older church dating from

14th century.

Fotografie de epoc`, reprezentnd primirea

clopotelor cu tot fastul, la data de 24 aprilie 1926.

Early photograph showing the welcoming of the bells

on the 24th of April, 1926.

Amvonul bisericii cu basoreliefuri [i ornamenta]iivegetale aurite, avnd influen]e jugendstill.

The pulpit of the church is decorated with


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The pulpit of the church is decorated with

bas-reliefs and golden vegetal ornamentationsinfluenced by the Jungenstill style.

Prejmer / Tartlau

Vedere aerian` asupra bisericii [i cet`]ii. Cetatea era nconjurat` de[an]uri cu ap`, por]i de fier [i poduri batante. Construc]ia din

secolul al XIV-lea, este una dintre cele mai impresionante din

Transilvania


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72

Transilvania.

Aerial view of the church and the fortress. The fortress was

surrounded by moats, iron gates and drawbridges. The 14 th century

construction is one of the most impressive in Transylvania.

Planul cet`]ii



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73

Prejmer / Tartlau

n interiorul cet`]ii existaulocuin]e-fagure, servind drept

ad`post familiilor n timpul

asediilor.


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Inside the fortress there were bee-

hive dwellings used by families

when the fortress came under

siege.

Detaliu din zidul exterior,

prev`zut cu firide [i arcade ce au

c`p`tat func]ie decorativ`.

Detailed view of the outside wall;in time, the niches and archways

retained only a decorative role.

Corul [i altarul bisericii, cu o pictur` datnd

din jurul anului 1450, probabil realizat` de un

maestru vienez (Erhardus?).Altar n stil gotic, reprezentnd scena

R`stignirii.

The church choir and altar. The altar features apainting from around 1450, probably the work

of a Viennese master (Erhardus?).

The Gothic altar depicts the scene of the

Crucifixion.

Detaliu de mobilier de interior: strane ornamentate cu

motive florale.

Detailed view of interior furniture: pews decorated with

floral motifs.


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75

Sa[i [i s`soaice n costume de s`rb`toare. Fotografie de la

nceputul sec al XX-lea.

Saxon men and women wearing traditional garb. Early 20 th

century photograph.

Richis / Reichesdorf

Portalul de vest al bisericii. Construit` na doua jum`tate a secolului al XIV-lea,

este o bazilic` gotic` cu trei nave.

Lucr`rile executate n piatr` sunt

Orga cu ornamenta]ii baroce a fostadus` n anul 1788.

The organ, decorated with Baroque

elements was set up in 1788


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76

remarcabile.

The western portal of the church. Built

in the second half of the 14 th century, the

church is a Gothic basilica with three

naves. The stonework is remarkable.

elements, was set up in 1788.

Altarul n stil baroc, realizat n 1775.

The Baroque altar dates from 1775.

Roades / Radeln

Cetate ]`r`neasc` din secolele XIII-XVI, fotografie deepoc` (n jurul anului 1900).

The peasant fortress dates from the 13th-16th

centuries; early 20th century photograph (c 1900)


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centuries; early 20 century photograph (c. 1900).

Imaginea actual` a bisericii evanghelice. Se remarc`

aspectul arhaic, u[or greoi, datorat propor]iilor

edificiului.

The church as it stands nowadays. One notices itsarchaic, slightly bulky aspect, due to the proportions

of the edifice.


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78

Ro[ia / Rothberg

Bazilic` romanic`, construit` n primajum`tate a secolului al XIII-lea;

interiorul incintei.

The Roman Basilica was built in the

first half of the 13th century view ofthe inside enclosure.

Saschiz / Keisd

Planul cet`]ii



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79

Vedere aerian` asupra cet`]ii ]`r`ne[ti [i a mprejurimilor.

Aerial view of the peasant fortress and its surroundings.

Biseric` fortificat` (1493-1496, construit` pe vremea invaziilor

turce[ti), azi evanghelic`, este str`juit` de un turn izolat la circa 10

m de fa]ada nordic`, ridicat n 1832, avnd [i el func]ie de ap`rare,asem`n`tor n partea sa superioar` Turnului cu Ceas din Sighi[oara.

Construc]ia actual` a bisericii este amplasat` pe ruinele unei

biserici romanice din care s-au p`strat cteva piese sculptate,


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capiteluri [i console, ce servesc ast`zi drept suporturi pentru vaselede flori de pe altar. Sanctuarul nsu[i a fost transformat n

fort`rea]`, cl`direa c`p`tnd aspectul unui bloc masiv, trufa[, cu un

acoperi[ dintr-o singur` bucat`, f`r` nici o deosebire ntre nav` [i

cor, cu adev`rata p`dure de brne la interior pentru a-l puteasus]ine [i f`r` turn la apus. Att turnul ct [i biserica au fost

afectate n urma cutremurelor (1977, 1986, 1990).

The fortified church was built between 1493 and 1496 at the

time of the Turkish invasions. The present day Evangelical church is

guarded by an isolated tower, standing at about 10 meters awayfrom the northern faade. It was erected in 1832 for defense

purposes. In its upper part it resembles the clock tower of

Sighisoara.

The present building stands on the ruins of a Roman church,


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from which only a few sculpted pieces were preserved (capitals and

consoles): these serve today as flower holders on the altar. The

sanctuary itself was turned into a fortress, the building having the

aspect of a massive, proud block: it has a one-piece roof, whichcovers uninterruptedly the nave and the choir and is supported by a

great number of beams, making a western tower unnecessary.

Both the tower and the church were damaged in the earthquakes of

1977, 1986, and 1990.

eica Mare / Gross-Schelken

Ini]ial bazilic` romanic` de secol XIII, biserica afost transformat` ntr-una de stil gotic n secolul al

XV-lea, o dat` cu ridicarea fortifica]iilor.

Initially a Roman basilica built in the 13th century,

h h h h d i h G hi l i h


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82

the church was reshaped in the Gothic style in the15th century, when the fortifications were also

added.

Slimnic / Stolzenburg

Vedere aerian` asupra cet`]ii. Localitatea esteatestat` documentar n anul 1282, odat` cu cetatea.

Biserica este construit` n secolul al XIV-lea [i

ref`cut` n 1792.

A i l i th f t Th ill g i tt t d


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Aerial view over the fortress. The village is attestedat the same time as the church, in 1282. The

church was built in the 14 th century and rebuilt in

1792.

Exteriorul corului bisericii.

The church choir viewed from the outside.


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84

Soala / Schaal

Biseric` fortificat`, construit`n secolul al XV-lea.

The fortified church was builtin the 15th century.

Detaliu de incint` [imprejurimi.

A detailed view of theenclosure and itssurroundings.

Somartin / Martinsberg

Biserica fortificat`. Vedere general`.

Fortified church. General View.


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Stej`ri[u / Propsdorf

Cetate ]`r`neasc` cu biseric` n stil gotic de secol XIV.

Peasant fortress with a 14th century Gothic church.


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ura Mic` / Klein Scheuern

Bazilic` romanic` de secol XIII,

refacut` [i fortificat` n anul 1506.

A 13th century Roman basilica, rebuilt

and fortified in 1506.

Altarul bisericii n stil baroc ]`ranesc

s`sesc.

The church altar is made in the Saxonpeasant Baroque style.

Valchid / Waldhtten

Biserica fortificat`, construit` nanul 1390 n stil gotic. Are

turnuri la fiecare col], cel cu ceas

fiind cel mai deosebit. Cetatea a

fost devastat` n timpulr`zboiului civil din anul 1605,


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88

odat` cu localitatea. Altarul [i

orga au fost ref`cute ntre 1809

[i 1811.

The fortified church was built in

1390 in the Gothic style. There

are towers in each corner; the

clock tower is the mostremarkable. The fortress and the

town were destroyed during theCivil War in 1605. Both were

rebuilt. The altar and the organ

date from 1809-1811.

Viscri / Deutsch-Weisskirch

Biseric` evanghelic`, ini]ial o bazilic` romanic`, transformat` ulterior ntr-o biseric`-sal`(cu altar semicircular) de dimensiuni mici. Impune prin zidurile sale, att ale sanctuarului,

ct [i cele ale primei incinte, cu un turn gigantic de la apus ([ase etaje) construit n 1494.

Zidul primei incinte, bine p`strat, are patru turnuri, dintre care unul deasupra intr`rii [i dou`

bastioane apropiate unul de celalalt. ntre acestea se putea comunica printr-un drum acoperit

f`r` a te expune pericolelor pe timpul luptei.


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n interiorul bisericii se p`streaz` un capitel cu ciubuc care, mpreun` cu arcul triumfal,

provin din biserica romanic`, justificnd datarea acesteia la nceputul secolului al XIII-lea.

Viscri / Deutsch-Weisskirch

The present Evangelical church was initially a Roman basilica that was subsequentlyremade into a small-size hall-shaped church with a semicircular altar. Most remarkable are its

walls, both those of the worship place and those of the first enclosure: they include a huge 6

level western tower built in 1494. The walls of the first enclosure are well preserved and

include 4 towers, one of which stands over the entrance. Two bastions stand close to each

other, and communication between them was possible by means of a covered walk thatid d h lt d i g b ttl


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provided shelter during battles.

Inside the church, a capital has been preserved. Just as the triumphal arch, it was part of

the Roman basilica. This can be dated to the early 13 th century.


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Intrarea la Sfnta Liturghie.

Entering the church for the Holy Mass.


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Vulcan / Wolkendorf

Biserica evanghelic` din Vulcan a fost

ini]ial o bazilic` romanic` din secolulal XIII-lea.

The Evangelical church of Vulcan was

initially a 13th

century Roman basilica.


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Imagine din interiorul incintei.

View from the inside.


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Din vechea bazilic` au mai r`mas doar

ferestrele [i bolta de la intrare, restul fiindm