Fortified Church Seliștat / Seligstadt

After the old church was destroyed, a new construction was erected between 1521 and 1524 and finds itself in a well-preserved state today, as well as the polygonal ring wall strengthened by towers in each corner. The southern tower was replaced in 1819 with today’s bell tower. The aisle-less church with polygonal chancel was provided with defence level and machicolation between the buttresses from this construction phase. The parapets of the 18th century three-side gallery inside the church are decorated with floral motives and paintings illustrating different fortified churches. The organ above the altar was installed in 1832 on the substructure of the original 1716 altar. One of the oldest inscriptions from Transylvania can be found behind this altar: 1524 is the year when the construction works of the church were completed. Place and Surroundings The small settlement Cloaşterf in eastern Transylvania gave birth to many legends. Near the village are the ruins of a castle known locally as “Monkey Castle”. One says that a valuable treasure was once hidden behind an invisible iron door on the castle hill. From time to time this door appears out of nowhere. But it can only be opened with Mandrake, a magic plant. In fact, once the remains of an urn and a golden coin with a Greek inscription of Alexander the Great were found here. The real treasure however remains undiscovered to this day. According to another local myth the girl who finds the first vine with two small leaves on its tip will be lead to the man of her dreams by this branch. The girl should break the branch and put in on her hat. The first young man she meets on the way home from the vineyard she may kiss, as he will be her future spouse. Activities EU-Project “18 Fortified Churches” Responsible: General Consistory of the Evanghelical Church A. C. in Romania Costs: 140,000 EUR Time frame: 2010-2014 The keys are with Family Chercheş phone: +40/265/711 674 or +40/744/271 907 address: Cloaşterf, nr. 99

The church of Șmig, consecrated to St. Mary, was built in the 14th century as a hall church and rebuilt at the end of the 15th century. After falling into dilapidation at the beginning of the first half of the 19th century, the building was repaired in 1859. In the course of this work, the wall paintings which were partially uncovered by restorers around 2010 and could be assigned to the 15th century, were whitewashed. A valuable, pre-Reformation winged altar with a sculpture of the Virgin Mary from the early 16th century was replaced at the end of the 19th century by a new one with a representation of Christ. The parish had the original altar transferred to the museum in Sighișoara, from where it was lent to the National Museum of Art in Bucharest in the 1950s, where it is still part of a permanent exhibition. Contact The keys are with Mr Daniel Paal Tel.: +40/269/254 355 Șmig nr. 59

The 13th Century basilica erected in a strategic position on top of a hill surrounded by the river Şaeş, evolved later into the famous fortified church of Apold. The ensemble survived turbulent times and stays even today almost entirely preserved, with fortification walls, defense towers and storage rooms. The three-aisles hall church originates from the 15th century, when the aisles of the former Romanesque basilica were heightened. The chancel and the nave were vaulted, and the walls of the side naves were replaced with octagonal pillars. A tower was built for the first time on the western side of the church and together with the nave and the chancel it was strengthened by adding defence levels between 1504 and 1507. From the fortification's size of the 15th and 16 century, the outer ring walls and three defensive towers have been preserved. The inner wall was demolished in the 19th century, but its path is easy to track on the exposed foundations. On the north side a storage building equipped with loopholes survived the centuries. The church boasts several treasures in its interior: the neoclassical organ altar from 1821, a Gothic tabernacle, the pulpit and wooden galleries built in 1760. Place and surroundings Since 2004, the Corona Association, in collaboration with a local partner, CasApold Association has been looking after the fortification and has carried out careful restoration works. Part of the preservation concept is to train the local people in traditional craft techniques and to involve them in the restoration process. One can get an impression of the changing duties of a castle guardian through times. A few hundred years ago he had to look out for enemies, ring the bells and heat the community room. Today his duties resemble more closely those of a project manager: he is an administrator, caretaker and a fundraiser; he sometimes prepares church services, looks after tourists and organizes concerts and other events. Key Keeper Association CasApold - AvantGuards member Mr. Sebastian Bethge Phone number:  +40722208495 

Curciu / Kirtsch The church in Curciu has remained almost unchanged since its construction in the beginning of the 15th century. The remarkable value of the three-aisle basilica with polygonal chancel lies in its outstanding stone masonry. In the chancel the well preserved mullioned windows with tracery can be admired as well as the typical Gothic windows in the tower. The sculptures ornamenting the portals, tower, windows, buttresses, as well as the capitals, keystones, sedilia and the door of the sacristy date back to around 1427. At the beginning of the 19th century the side aisles were heightened, thus obtaining a cross section of a hall church. At the same time both the main nave and the side aisles were covered with a flat, stuccoed ceiling. The tower’s defence level was demolished and replaced in 1913 by the present one, with zinc sheet covered spire. Today, the ring wall with the gate tower, initially used as entrance, as well as a Gothic chapel integrated in this wall, still stand as part of the fortified ensemble. The chapel inside the fortification has an ossuary, a room in which the bones of the deceased were kept in the past. The church of Curciu contains many beautiful architectural sculptures from the 15th Century,  typical for the Mediaş region  The richly decorated western façade shows a bird, a mask and a monster with a human head between the paws.  Place and surroundings Curciu is a special treasure among the Transylvanian villages. This romantic place is situated in the wine-growing region, northeast of Mediaş, between hills and forests. The place owes its lush green vegetation to the location between the two rivers Târnava Mare and Târnava Mică and has been nicknamed “Mesopotamia”. Keys are with: Mrs. Dana Crișan Tel: +40/269/257 361 or +40/742/077 290 

Agnita / Agnetheln The 13th century basilica, initially built without towers, was rebuilt and fortified two centuries later when the chancel was completed with a defence level on arches with loopholes. This level was to be removed in the 19th century. By heightening the aisles, the building became a hall church. The western potter’s tower is equipped with a parapet walk built in the timber frame technique. The ring wall was demolished, but the defence towers are preserved: the potter’s tower, the gate tower also called the cooper’s tower, the tailor’s tower, the smith’s tower and the cobbler’s tower. The techniques and details are impressive not only on the construction itself, but inside as well. The chancel boasts a well-preserved double winged altar from 1650, an artwork that echoes the pre-reformation Gothic winged altars. Place and surroundings It is said that Saint Agnes has founded the town, many remarkable sites witnessing her protective power throughout centuries. The town preserved to this day one of the oldest and most important customs of the Transylvanian Saxons, the Parade of the Lolas. In order to chase the wintertime and the evil spirits away, the celebration is held annually in January or February. Scary dressed Lolas march through town in manacles noise with whips and tires and do all sorts of hoaxes. Besides the ragged black outfit, the main adornment of each Lola is the “larva”, a dreadful mask applied on wire mesh. Moreover Agnita was in the last century the main train station on the route of the so-called “Mocăniţa”, which linked the town of Sibiu with Sighişoara. The last part was closed in 2001 and many efforts are done since to establish seasonal tourist traffic with the historic carriages. Tourism In the last century Agnita was known as an important railway station along the tracks of the so-called „Mocănița” which connected the cities of Sibiu and Sighişoara. Sadly, the last part of the tracks was shut down in 2001. In the meantime a group of active volunteers have come together as an NGO to restore the train-tracks and to revitalise them with historic railway engines during the tourist season. Many fun and interesting events take place around the Mocănița on a regular basis, especially during the summer months. They are not only targeted at enthusiasts of trains and steam engines but offer a unique and great experience for children and families. For more information and details: www.sibiuagnitarailway.com www.phototour.mocanita.ro www.mocanita.ro/mh/

From the first church built in the 14th century the western portal is preserved, as well as stones used to build the eastern pairs of pillars in the hall church from 15th century. The construction of the new church, whose size and architecture are testimony of the importance of the settlement, was accompanied by extensive measures to fortify the assembly: a defence level was added to the chancel, the northern and southern entrances were strengthened by towers provided with loop holes. A parapet walk on arches was built on the curtain wall, as well as several defence towers and an outer bailey, which is divided in two parts and protected by a small watchtower.  The interior of the church impresses due to its dimensions and excellent sculptures, as well as the Gothic lierne vault on pairs of stone pillars. Place and surroundings The fortified church in Moşna is counted as one of the biggest monuments of its kind in Târnava region and at the same time as one of the most beautiful in Transylvania. It impresses mostly due to its imposing appearance and the richness of its interior details. Once setting foot in the building, one leaves the profane existence behind and enters a sacred world, a world richly decorated with art, history and spirituality. The architectural details are unique and particularly valuable. The sacristy portal is decorated with a keel arch and a cloven finial. Above them lies the canopied statue of Christ and the archangel Gabriel is enthroned on the pulpit ceiling. With a height of approximately 10m and ornamented with carefully crafted late Gothic stone sculptures, the tabernacle also represents an exceptional attraction.  Next to sheltering these cultural treasures, Moşna was also the home of Stephan Ludwig Roth (1796-1849), famous Saxon priest, pedagogue and human rights campaigner. Hotel: Parsonage 16 people bathrooms, dining room, lounge, kitchen, playground, parking full or half board on request Information and Booking: Ladislau Ciocan phone: (0040-749) 680770 e-mail: ladislau.ciocan@turistintransilvania.com

Hosman / Holzmengen From the first basilica built in the 13th century the western portal is preserved – a most valuable testimony of the Romanesque architectural sculpture in Transylvania – as well as the pillars and arcades that once used to separate the central nave and the aisles. Looking carefully above the western portal, one may observe an immured sculpture representing two figures. Some argue that it is a depiction of the Baptism of Jesus, while others say it represents Adam and Eve. The observer is thus invited to solve this mystery by himself. Around the year 1500 the bell tower was heightened and provided with a wooden battlement walk on consoles and the church’s side aisles were demolished. The two defence walls of the assembly, which were built during the 15th century, are connected by the gate tower and still exhibit remains of the former battlement walk and embrasures, vestiges of a rough past. Place and surroundings Amidst the picturesque valley of Hârtibaciu river lays the village of Hosman. The fortified church in the center of the settlement is one of the most photographed sunjects in Transylvania. In clear weather the church has as background the spectacular view of the often snow-caped mountains Făgăraşi, which formed once the boundary of the Austrian and respectively Hungarian sphere of influence. As part of the southern Carpathian, the mountains reach heights over 2.500m. Today Hosman is one of the starting points of the Brukenthal cultural trails, by which one can explore the surroundings in trips up to nine days. On site the Association “Hosman Durabil” (Sustainable Hosman) supports the development of the settlement. Focus of work is the preservation of the cultural and built heritage and improvement of the living conditions. As part of their work, the old mill was refurbished to host cultural events. Here one can take a guided tour and buy bread, which is backed following traditional recipes and methods. The European Youth Meeting Center Fortified Church in Hosman (CEPIT Hosman) organizes interethnic and ecumenical youth events and it is committed to the preservation of the medieval assembly of the fortified church. Activities The fortified church of Hosman underwent a thorough renovation in the end of the 90’s. Since then about 20 years have passed and the important maintenance and care of the building went through different phases. In the beginning of the 2000’s family Cotaru (Hosman Durabil) took great care of the fortification. They not only made sure it was accessible but also actively repaired things when necessary, for example they restored the tower clock. As of 2010 different measures were taken by the Association “Jugendburg Holzmengen”, the District Consistory of Sibiu and other initiatives. The Association “Jugendburg Holzmengen” has been caring for the parish house for many years. Anually they organize the meanwhile legendary "Holzstock Festival" (in the summer) and the "Hosman Christmas Market" in December. In order to support the parish and both of the active associations on site we have included Hosman into our roof program for monument preservation. Keys are with: Mrs. Maria Nicula Tel: +40/746/131 088 Hotel: "European Youth Center Hosman" 3 rooms offer 25 beds office, lounge, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, beautiful barn in the yard large garden is suitable for camping and campfires Groups helping with repair work on the personage are always welcome. Information and Booking: Ruth István phone: (0040-769) 668634 e-mail: jzholzmengen@gmail.com Internet: www.holzmengen.ro Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jugendburgh/

Biertan / Birthälm Biertan gained its importance as a marketplace in competition with Mediaş and Moşna during the Middle Ages and was the seat of the bishop of the Evangelic Church from 1572 to 1867 . Therefore three mighty ring walls, two outer baileys and several defence towers protected the ensemble. The towerless three-nave hall church, almost completely preserved was built in 1500 on the foundations of a previous Romanesque building. The chancel had two defence levels, but the wooden one was demolished in 1803. The interior, covered by lierne vaults with ribbing shelters great treasures such as the stone pulpit from 1523, decorated with relief scenes or the late Gothic winged altar with 28 panel paintings and a delicate truss frame. The late Gothic sacristy door is a testimony of great craftsmanship. Richly decorated with inlay work, the door has a lock that was presented at the World Fair in Paris in 1889, a complicated system that centrally locks at 13 points simultaneously in order to safely keep the church treasure in the sacristy. Place and surroundings Especially in the 17th and 18th centuries the community leaders in Biertan (German name Birthälm) fought a harsh fight against moral decline. They tried to stop increasing misconducts with strict rules and severe penalties. For example, it was prohibited to drink in bad company, or to linger around at the inn for too long. If “premarital immoral incidents” occurred between couples, the wedding ceremony itself was conducted in an especially degrading manner. These and many others stories can be discovered by visitors to the Biertan fortified church. The so-called “Marriage prison” for divorcing couples survived until today, but only as a building. It is located in the precincts of the Biertan castle, which is one of the most impressive and largest fortified churches in Transylvania. The church dates back to the early 16th Century and is surrounded by three fortification walls and nine defensive towers. Once a year the meeting of the Saxons – the largest gathering of Germans still living in Transylvania and those who emigrated – takes place here. The keys are with: Parish Office Biertan Tel.: +40/269/842 660 and Mrs Erna Weinrich Tel.: +40/749/231 199 A bookshop is available Hotel: in the castle total capacity: 23 people dining and common room, full or half board is offered Information and booking: in the guesthouse "Sleeping Beauty" Adress: Str. George Coșbuc 25 or Pfarrer Ulf Ziegler phone: (0040-745) 246485 e-mail: udfz333@gmail.com The Ev. Youth Center in the preacher's hosue Adress: Piața 1 Decembrie 1918 No. 3 21 beds in 4 rooms (youth hostel) bathroom, kitchen community room for meetings with up to 50 participants Information and booking: as under "Guest House" Rectory 3 guest rooms with 3 wet rooms (9 places in total) parish house hall is suitable for seminars Information and booking: as under "Guest House" The guest house of the Mihai Eminescu Foundation Adress: Str. N. Bălcescu No. 2 4 double rooms, 3 bathrooms lounge, kitchen, terrace, parking in the yard Information and booking: Mihai Eminescu Trust phone: (0040-724) 000350 e-mail: booking@experiencetransylvania.ro Internet: www.experiencetransylvania.ro

On the eastern hill above the village an early Gothic basilica with tower was first erected. Around 1510 the church was fortified, thus the old chancel was demolished and replaced by a high chancel with polygonal closure strengthened by a defence level built in stone. Due to its height of almost 11 meters and its defence systems the chancel protected the ensemble against the slope. A wooden defence level was built on the tower. The chancel still preserves its stellar vault and the fine tracery on the windows originating from the construction time of the church, but the nave was rebuilt in 1795 in Baroque style. On the northern side of the chancel stands the two-leveled sacristy dated 1519. On its second level a chapel was set up. Especially valuable are the Renaissance portal of the sacristy and the Neoclassical altar. Place and surroundings The place was most probably established end of the 13th Century. Already at the beginning of the 14th Century the settlers have erected a stone church, whose foundations are still preserved nowadays, despite numerous renovations and enlargements. But the houses in the village were originally built with less durable materials. The wood from the surrounding forests was in the early days the most important building material. Cracks between the logs were clogged with moss and clay, while the roofs were covered with straw resulting after the wheat harvest. The windows were closed with extensive animal bladders, allowing only a faint light to pass, which could barely spread the darkness of the rooms. Starting with the 18-19th Century it became common to build houses out of bricks. During that time the typical Transylvanian farms were erected and they still guard aligned the paths of the village. Activities In 2011, the former Coordination Office for Fortified Churches, in cooperation with the district consistory Mediaș, carried out emergency repairs on the roof of the church, which were mainly financed by donations from the hometown community of Saxons. Since August 2016 Sabine Reither has been committed to the church. In cooperation with the Fortified Churches Foundation and the district consitory Mediaș, she is working on organisation of repairs to the building. In 2020 she founded the German association Pro Groß Kopisch e.V. in order to better coordinate futurte projects and administer donations for the fortified church. In 2018 the roof of the nave was climbed and moved. In the process, 10,000 old bricks were exchanged for traditionally manufactured plain tiles. Only the 300 ridge tiles needed had to be purchased. 54m beams and 3.700m roof battens were renewed. The junction between the bell tower and the nave was particularly difficult, as it was here that the greatest damage existed. All rain gutters, downpipes and gutters were replaced or newly installed. The sum of 15.500 Euro needed for the repair could be paid from donations. Further work is planned for 2019. The keys are with: Mr Sebastian Ghiuri phone: +40/733/262 089