Fortified Church Hălchiu / Heldsdorf

The fortified church in Apoldu de Sus was erected after the demolition of the old Romanesque basilica preceding it. A church hall was built in 1836 and completed with a tower in 1867. The interior is a nice example of a neoclassical church, where the altar from 1751 and the organ from 1816 are still preserved, both of them originating from the old basilica. Only ruins of the old fortifications still remain. Nevertheless, one can notice the well-preserved structure of the traditional village, with narrow walk paths and typical farms on both sides of the main road. Place and surroundings Apoldu de Sus is one of the three so-called „ Landler villages“, where the deported Austrian Protestants settled in the 18th Century. As they arrived, they found a desolate, depopulated place, thus forming the majority of the population. Therefore the Landlers could preserve their language and traditional costumes. Starting with the 13th Century Apoldu de Sus grew into one of the most important Saxon settlements in the area. Even so, mid-17th Century the village was completely burned down and in the years to follow the population was decimated by famine, plague and war. In 1689 the local priest wrote a chronicle about the desperate situation of the inhabitants. The Landlers’ arrival century meant a considerable improvement of the economic circumstances of the place. Keys are with: Meitert family, in the parish house directly beside the fortified church Phone: +40269534 109 or +40787515 523 

In the early 14th Century an early Gothic basilica was built in the middle of the village. The aisles were removed and the arcades were bricked up in 1500, when the church was fortified. Above the chancel a defence tower was erected. The chancel’s polygonal closure was heightened with two defence levels and the buttresses were connected by arches, in order to build a machicoulis gallery behind them. The ensemble was strengthened by a surrounding wall in 1502, completed by a gate building and an adjoining bacon Chamber on the north-west side . The tower was heightened in 1827 and received its striking pyramidal roof. At the same time its defence systems together with the defence level of the chancel were removed . The typical western gable of the church was erected in the same time with the renewal of the roof in 1854. Inside the church the mainly 18th-century furniture is still preserved. Place and surroundings For centuries, music has added nobility to the wonderful fragrance of the gardens in Agârbiciu. The choristers, the organists, the school teachers, the priests and the pupils used to be responsible for the musical life of the Transylvanian Saxon villages. Beginning with the 16th Century, the brass bands appeared in the Southern and Central regions of Transylvania and their instrumentalists brought their contribution to the social harmony of rural life by the musical harmony they produced. Can there be anything more charming than Christmas carols sounding in perfect unison with the snow-covered landscape and the smell of homemade cakes? The brass band used to play in the tower of Agârbiciu not only on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but also at weddings, balls and on various other occasions. Historical dissonances, wars and Communism have caused the unfortunate end of this tradition. But even without music, the village and its fortified church and old houses harmoniously vibrate with the lively natural environment that surrounds them like the frame of a pastoral picture. Keys are with: Mrs. Ingeborg Petru +40758268730 and +40269855143 

The importance of the village of Aţel in the Middle Age results from its Gothic basilica which was built in several phases, boasting a transept, a sacristy, and a western tower. The impressive stone carvings on the pillars of the middle nave originate from the first building phase in 1380, while the rich decorated western portal might have been added in the second building phase at the beginning of the 15th century, when the fortification wall was built. In 1499 the third building phase was completed with the construction of the vaults above the naves, the heightening of the chancel and the building of the upper floors on the tower. Inside the church, beside the magnificent capitals of the pillars one can admire, the late Gothic sedilia and the finely crafted portal of the sacristy are very remarkable. The chancel boasts a pew with carvings and inlay work dating back to 1516. Place and surroundings Johannes Klatt, better known as Hansi, has been for many decades the castle guardian of Aţel. He rings the bells three times every day. His job is particularly hard if one of the villagers dies. The bells have to be rung for a full hour, which is strenuous work, while the bell ropes in the tower will pull Hansi up and down. If a storm is approaching he will rush to the tower and ring the bells until the threatening clouds have passed. In his way Hansi is protecting the village from many dangers.Once in a while he will climb the steep wooden stairs to the top of the tower, passing Gothic windows, which were bricked up many years ago when Aţel was still threatened by the so-called “runners” and “burners”. From the height of the defense platform he will let his eyes wander over the red and brown roofs of the village, then follow the bends of the road, which disappears between the vineyards to the north. No enemies are to be seen nowadays, only tourists from time to time. Photo was taken by Adrian Arsu, https://www.facebook.com/AdrianArsuFilms/ The keys are with: Mrs Susani Schöffend Tel.: +40/754/867 913 

Alma Vii / Almen In the sixteenth century fortifications were built around the Saxon church in Alma Vii so that it would never be conquered. The Saxons who lived here surrounded it with towers, firing posts and holes for throwing pitch on top of invaders.  A wall boasting four defensive towers oriented towards the four cardinal points surround the church. The first floor of the bell tower was habitable, equipped with a smoke funnel. The second floor has small bays on every corner, each having three embrasures, a construction detail that can be found in Thuringia, Germany. Very interesting to visit is the gate tower, a massive structure on 5 levels, three of them equipped with defensive systems and a parapet walk on the highest level. Place and surroundings The origin and the meaning of the village name cannot be completely identified. However, it is assumed to originate in the old German word “almo”, which means elm or to derive from the Hungarian word for apple. In favour of the last one militates the usage of the meadows around and in Alma Vii for growing fruit trees. Uphill in the middle of the village stands the mighty, never conquered fortified church. It is said that Alma, the wife of the fortress’s guardian, is the one who first saw the threat of the Tartar army approaching and, to buy time for the villagers to escape, she put some rags on and soiled her face with jam and soot, thus terrifying the pagan attackers.The village has funny stories as well: one day a young woman who also worked in Mediaş finds all her master’s geese lying breathless in the yard. She figures out that the only thing left to do is to pluck their feathers for later use, so she does it and then throws the naked bodies on the riverside. Unbelievably, the next day the featherless and indignant geese march haughtily, causing great rumour among the villagers. It was only later that the housemasters understood that the geese had eaten the sour cherries from the liqueur and became so drunk that they were believed to be dead. In order to avoid the goose bumps, each goose was dressed with a specially made gown, which certainly offered a pretty spectacular image. Village Projects The mighty fortified churches is enthroned above the small village characterized by its long tradition in agriculture, livestock breeding and craftsmanship. Since 2009 the Mihai Eminescu Trust (MET) has been active in Alma Vii and has successfully accomplished a number of projects regarding the restoration of the fortification and general rural development. Together with international partners the MET is now running the “Centre for interpretation of traditional culture Alma Vii”. Further information about the project and MET can be obtained here: www.almavii.ro www.mihaieminescutrust.ro The keys are with: Mrs Simona Iacob phone: +40/269/862 552 and directly in the fortification phone: +40/269/862 501 Hotel: Guest House no. 103 1 small apartment (double room, bathroom), 1 large apartment (2 double rooms, 2 bathrooms), kitchen, courtyard with terrace In the Old School 2 four-bed rooms (youth hostel style) Information and booking: Mihai Eminescu Trust phone: (0040-724) 000350 e-mail: booking@experiencetransylvania.ro Internet: www.experiencetransylvania.ro

Cristian / Großau The second largest community from the Sibiu Chair (former administrative unit) brought important changes to the initial Romanesque church: in the 14th century a polygonal chancel flanked by two side chapels was added and the master-builder Andreas Lapicida coordinated the rising of the side aisles and the substitution of the central nave’s arcades by piers. A late Gothic vault was unfurled over the central nave. The Romanesque western tower was heightened through the annexation of a defence floor, which was later on replaced by the present tower roof. The double defense wall encloses a small outer ward, which was completed on the northern side with a forecourt around 1550. The impressive inner furnishing dates back to the 18th century and is dominated by the richly decorated Baroque altar from 1729. Cristian is one of the first three villages to be repopulated starting with 1756, after the plague had decimated the residents, through the colonization of protestants – Landlers – forcefully sent in from the Catholic Vienna. Place and surroundings Cristian developed mid-12th Century not only as one of the first Saxon settlements in Transylvania, but it was also established in the same time as many historical towns in middle England. The place flourished beautifully in Sibiu’s vicinity and became soon one of the largest communities in the region. A harsh event is said to have occurred here mid- 17th Century: a large ottoman army marching from Sibiu towards Alba Iulia was persuaded by a local noble to spare the fortified church in Cristian. However, when a villager under Bacchus influence suddenly started shooting at the passing troops, these attacked back. Nevertheless, the army could not occupy the church tower defended by the villagers, so wood and straw have been brought and the building was torched. The people choked to death and the entire village was burned to ashes. Even today Cristian and its fortified church are besieged every year by air raids: a great number of stork pairs have built their nests here and nurse around 80 chicks each year. Tourism The parish house inside the fortified object offers accommodation in a unique ambience.  Appointments: with Maria Mărășescu, tel: +40/269/146 061 or through the Parish Office Turnișor +40/269/228 865, gemeindebuero@kirche.neppendorf.de). Keys are with: Maria Mărășescu phone: +40/751/146 061 Gasthaus: in the fortification and the parish house 7 rooms with 27 beds kitchen, bathrooms, parking in the yard, also for campers The parish barn is suitable for weddings, family and class reunions (up to 250 people) Information and Booking: Maria Marasescu phone: (0040-269) 579350 or (0040-751) 146061 Neppendorf Parish Office phone: (0040-269) 228865 e-mail: gemeindeneppendorf@gmail.com Pension Kaspar adress: XI Gasse, No. 20 4 single rooms, 7 double rooms, 2 apartements of 2 rooms each all rooms with private bathroom, common breakfast room, parking in the yard Information and Booking: Kaspar phone: (0049-7131) 380239

In place of the 14th century initial construction, a new church was built in the 15th century. Around 1500, during the fortification phase, the ensemble received its present appearance. The chancel was rebuilt as a tower featuring three brick defence levels and 1,5 m thick walls. The forth level projects over the lower part and is supported by the arches between the buttresses. It has a battlement platform built in the timber frame technique. A defence level was constructed above the main nave and the northern and southern entrances were provided with defence systems. The bell tower is impressive through its numerous and manifold defence systems. The church was surrounded by a curtain wall with battlement walk on brick arches, two bastions and a tower, as well as a gate tower provided with a portcullis.  Inside the church a pew from 1528 was built during the transition phase between Gothic and Renaissance. The paintings of the altar were executed 1779 by Stephan Folbarth from Sighişoara. Place and surroundings The village’s Saxon name derives from the Middle German dialect, being composed of the words “Urm” (snake) and “Loh” (forest), thus meaning “The Snakes Forest”. The reason for such a bizarre name remains a mystery, but it is certain that the locality can take pride in one of the mightiest and most impressive fortified churches in Transylvania. Due to the great architectonic value and its almost entirely preserved defence system, the building was listed in 1999 as UNESCO World Heritage. The image of this petrified treasure is so astonishing, that the visitor can’t help wondering about the skills of the people who built it. The art historian G. Oprescu admires the love of liberty and the artistry of the creators of the Transylvanian fortified churches: “ Because these monuments weren’t constructed by kings, noblemen or experts, but by “simple” peasants, whose titanic efforts assured not only their own survival during those dark ages, but even more, it guaranteed the timeless life of their culture”. The keys are with: The keys are with Mr. Michael Weber phone: +40/745/519 173 

Viscri / Deutsch-Weißkirch The fortified church in Viscri still stands as a striking example of Transylvanian defensive architecture. On the foundations of the former Romanesque basilica, built by the first Székely settlers a new chancel was erected after dismantling the apse. In 1500 the church was fortified. Therefore the hall was prolonged and connected with the western, until then freestanding, dungeon, which most probably belonged to an early extinct noble family. The tower was heightened with one level with room for bells and parapet walk and another defensive level with loopholes for arches was built in the roof. The defence level of the chancel was demolished in 1743. The 7 m high ring wall was built in early 16th century and during the 17th century was strengthened by fortified houses, defensive towers and parapet walk. In the more peaceful times following 1743 grains storage rooms for the inhabitants replaced the parapet walk. The interior of the church still preserves the paneled ceiling from 1743 and the sober furnishing. Place and surroundings In Viscri one can find a particularly well-preserved and complete ensemble of regional typical rural architecture, an authentic image of the early 19th Century. Due to its great cultural and historical value, the village together with the fortified church were listed in 1999 as UNESCO World Heritage site. The exodus of the Transylvanian Saxons in the early 1990’s had a heavy impact on the built heritage. Village Projects Starting with the year 2000 the Mihai Eminescu Trust (MET), a British foundation, has been developing ideas and concepts to preserve the traditional image of the place with the involvement of the local community. From thereon it was possible in recent years to repair many farmhouses by using traditional techniques and to open new economic opportunities by developing and promoting the cultural tourism. The Prince of Whales’s Foundation Romania has restored an old Saxon house in Viscri and in 2016 opened an educational center on the property. 12 courses in traditional craftsmanship are to take place annually as well as other seminars and workshops. The premises allows for accommodation as well as seminar rooms and spaces. Key are with: Mrs. Gerhild Gross phone: +40/742/069477 Hotel: House No. 63 2 double rooms bathroom, terrace, kitchen House No. 129 1 double room, 1 single room House No. 18 2 double rooms, 1 single room bathroom, kitchen, common room Information and Booking: Mihai Eminescu Trust phone: (0040-724) 000350 e-mail: booking@experiencetransylvania.ro Internet: www.experiencetransylvania.ro

The late Gothic aisle-less church was built between 1493 and 1525 replacing a Romanesque basilica. It was provided with a defence level sustained by high buttresses and extended over the nave and the chancel, which is only a little less narrow than the nave. The lierne vault of the nave was reconstructed in 1878.  The interior furnishing is mainly Baroque, except the Gothic pew in the chancel, which is richly decorated with carvings. On the exterior walls fragments of writings were preserved. From the initial defence wall only the northern tower is still preserved. In 1677 it was provided with a distinctive spire, similar to the clock tower of Sighişoara. Place and surroundings UNESCO could not overlook the historical value of this village, therefore in 1999 Saschiz was awarded its well-deserved place on the list of the world’s heritage. The fame of the place was created not only by the imposing fortified church, but also by the peasant fortress built in the 14th Century.  Unlike most fortified constructions of this type, this one was not placed in the middle of the village, but at a distance of about 2 km, so that not only the inhabitants of Saschiz but also those of the neighbouring villages could find shelter inside its walls. The once solid fortified walls now hardly withstand the leaden-hued burden of time, and yet their ostensible lack of vigour is compensated by the medieval charm of the legends that accompany them.  It is said that the fortress had belonged to a virgin who, lacking heirs, donated it to the villagers after her death. The threatening hill in the southwestern part of the village is said to hide not only unknown treasures, but also their guardian, the spirit of a giant wearing a noose instead of coat of arms, who once in a year disturbs the silence of the night with ghostly sounds. The keys are with: Mrs Katharina Ziegler Tel.: +40/744/179 039 and Mr Johann Schaaser Tel.: +40/740/325 796 

The Romanesque basilica built in the 14th century with three nave, polygonal chancel and west tower served as Maria’s sanctuary until the Reformation. From the fortification system built in the 15th/16th centuries only the defence level on the tower and the ruins of the fortification wall are still preserved. The defence levels above the nave and chancel were destroyed in a fire and dismantled in the 19th century. Today the church shows untypical non-plastered stone wall, as result of the restoration of 1913 that followed the tradition of the 19th century. In addition to the significant frescoes, the church shows many excellent carvings, as the tracery of the windows, the western portal and other sculptural details. The interior of the church shelters one of the oldest Gothic winged altar, having the Mother of God as the central motif, and a late Gothic pew with carvings, coming from the workshop of Johann Reychmut. Place and surroundings Not only the fortified church of Mălâncrav is unique, but the village also has an unusual history for Transylvania. But first things first: The church is home to the largest continuous wall paintings in Transylvania. They originate in the 14th Century and – unlike most other wall paintings from that era – were not destroyed during the Reformation, but have survived to this day. The stunning images represent a so-called “Bible of the Poor” and show the holy story. Unlike most other Saxon villages, Mălâncrav did not belong to the so-called free royal land, but the residents were serfs of the Hungarian noble families Apafi and Bethlen. Only in the 19th Century the serfdom was abolished.Today one can enjoy the rural idyll between Saxon farms and wooded hills in Mălâncrav. Prince Charles visits this place regularly to find tranquillity. The keys are with: Usually the church can be visited between 10 am and 6 pm. The Linzing family has the key House no. 307 phone +40/269/448 696 or +40/775/142 285 Hotel: Guest Houses of the Mihai Eminescu Foundation House No. 276 9 Persons Houses No. 280 6 Persons Houses No. 297 6 Persons Houses No. 335 5 Persons Houses No. 102 4 Persons Apafi manor house "Kastell" 9 Persons Information and Booking: at the Foundation phone: (0040-724) 000350 e-mail: booking@experiencetransylvania.ro Internet: www.experiencetransylvania.ro Information about other accomodation possibilities from pastor Angelika Beer adress: Ev. Pfarramt, 557117 Mălâncrav, Nr. 86 phone: (0040-269) 448641 or (0040-733) 081228 e-mail: malmkrog@evang.ro.