Biertan
an UNESCO world heritage monument from Transylvania
Biertan village is a typical example of Saxon medieval architecture: the streets, the houses and near the central square the guardian. Right there, on the top of the hill, the fortified church takes care of the village. A village that still preserves a sizable Saxon community.
Three rings of picturesque walls surround the majestic fortified church. The red-beige citadel is one of the strongest in Transylvania and a UNESCO World Heritage monument.
The church was built between 1492 and 1516 in the late Gothic style with Renaissance influences. It was the last built in this style. The inner wall supports five ramparts and a wonderful arched pathway connects the two innermost walls. The first fortification was raised in the same time as the church. But the constructions continued with the second, then the third wall of fortifications during the next centuries.
- by train
The nearest railstation is Dumbraveni. But only "Personal" trains stop here. It takes you about 30-35 minutes from Sighisoara or Medias (the opposite direction).
Here you start a little bit of adventure cause you need a hitchhike. If you are lucky you can go directly to Biertan. If no&hellip till in Sarosu pe Tarnave. Then another hitchhike. But my advice is you shouldn't stay. You have 10 km of walk. So, go your way. If something pass (doesn't matter it's a car, a truck or a cart) just raise your hand. Otherwise trust your feed.
A better solution? Take the train till in Medias and continue by bus.
- by bus
Near Medias rail station you can easily find the bus station. They have regular buses to and from Biertan - by car
- DN 14 (national road): Sighisoara - Danes - Saros pe Tarnave (30 km)
DJ141B (asphalted county road): Saros pe Tarnave - Biertan (10 km) - DN 14: Medias - Bratei - Saros pe Tarnave (25 km)
DJ141B: Saros pe Tarnave - Biertan (10 km)
- DN 14 (national road): Sighisoara - Danes - Saros pe Tarnave (30 km)
- The church was an Episcopal Seat, being the resident home of Lutheran Bishops for almost three centuries
- There is a tower in the southern side called The Catholics' Tower. A chapel for those people who preserved their catholic religion after the Reform is still to be found there.
- The northern portal has a bolt with no less than 19 locks. Local artisans built it in 1515. A complicated and ingenious system.
- In the eastern bulwark there's a lock-up room. The married couples who fought were locked there. They received only one plate, one tablespoon, one fork, one cup and a single bad. Usually they were coming out in peace after detention.
- In the south-east there is the Lards' Tower where people used to keep their stores.
- The three precincts are connected with a covered stair (100 m long). At the upper stair you'll see a big stone. It was represented a punishment place for those who didn't respect the social laws. On the Sunday mornings they had to seat on that stone. So, the whole community coming to the church was able to see them.
- If you happen to be in the neighborhood on the first Saturday after 15 September, don't miss the Sachsentreffen, the celebration of the Saxons from all over the world.
Read more about fortified churches and Saxon villages of Transylvania.
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