Biertan Fortified Church

The fort was built little by little between the 13th and 16th centuries, as the village grew. The Saxons, from Germany, settled in Transylvania around the twelfth century. The land was given by the King of Hungary, in exchange for defending the territory for the crown. In Biertan, a Saxon fortified church was constructed, as in the other towns of the region. The whole population could take refuge in the church in times of war. A wall was built first, then a second and third, ensuring the safety of the inhabitants. This fortress is part of UNESCO world heritage. There is a beautiful covered staircase that allowed people to go up to the church to attend mass without getting wet.