Transylvania. The Saxon Fortified Churches

In the mid 12th century, the land stretching from east of the Tarnava Mare River, to the southeast edge of the territory under the sway of Arpad kings changed hands and became the possession of Saxons from the new communities of German colonists brought from Flanders, Saxony, and the Rhineland. In eight centuries, they built an original and lasting civilization.


In Transylvania, the history of citadel-churches is one with that of Saxon settlements, these fortified ensembles having become their defining symbol. Thus, according to its economic possibilities, each community strove to erect a citadel church as unassailable and imposing as possible, to delight and awe the eyes of strangers.