Fortified Church Criț / Deutsch-Kreuz

The neo-classical hall church with chancel and western bell tower was built between 1810 and 1813, after the collapse of the initial construction, first mentioned in documents from 1270. But there is no information concerning the aspect of this former church. It is, though, supposed to have been represented in a drawing on one of the church’s pews, dated 1793. The interior hosts the altar with organ gallery, the pulpit and the font, which were made partially at the same time with the construction itself, but also in 1822.
Only the ring wall and four defensive towers are still preserved from the 15th century fortification system, while the fifth tower collapsed in 1925 and was never rebuilt. On the southern side, next to the former kennel, only the ruins of the old Saxon school still exist today.

Place and surroundings

The fortified church in the village of Criţ, where more than 400 years ago the first village school law in Transylvania was enacted, lies on a hill in the middle of the place. In the past this location demanded a castle guardian who was a cobbler or at least a skilled craftsman. The steep ascent to the church is arduous and paved with round cobblestones. Many women, on their way to Sunday service, broke their footwear, which were heeled with horseshoes. A cobbler was therefore needed for urgent repairs before entering the church.
The church and the mostly preserved historic village are surrounded by an idyllic hilly landscape, ideal for walks to neighboring villages and fortifications. Tourist accommodation is available in several lovely restored farmhouses.

EU-Project “18 Fortified Churches”
Responsible: General Consistory of the Evangelical Church A. C. in Romania
Costs: 270,000 EUR
Time frame: 2010-2014

Keys are with:
Mr. Dietmar Depner
phone: +40/740/597 493
In Summer open daily
Groups are kindly asked to make an appointment with Mr. Depner.

Hotel:
Meeting Center "Casa Kraus"
Adresse: House No. 25
10 double rooms
Restaurant, conference center for groups up to 50 persons
bike tours, horseback riding, hiking, truffle hunting, city tours, fortified churches, castles, etc. German-speaking support on site
Information and Booking: online
e-mail: rezervari@casa-kraus.ro
phone: (0040-743) 255553
Internet: www.casa-kraus.ro

Casa Schmidt
Adress: House No. 113
9 double rooms in 2 buildings
large courtyard
Information and Booking: as above

Guesthouse
Adress: House No. 217
1 double room, 1 singleroom
bathroom, kitchen, terrace, backery and spacious courtyard
Information and Booking: Mihai Eminescu Trust
phone: (0040-724) 000350
e-mail: booking@experiencetransylvania.ro
Internet: www.experiencetransylvania.ro