Take a sightseeing tour of Romanian fortified churches

Scattered among the lush hills of southern Transylvania are dozens of marvelous fortified Saxon churches. Prejmer (Tartlau), 7km east of Hărman has the most comprehensively fortified and perhaps the most spectacular of all the region’s churches – now on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Access is through a 30m-long vaulted gallery with a sliding portcullis in the middle. Built-in 1225, the cross-shaped church was taken over by the Cistercians in 1240 and enlarged in their Burgundian early Gothic style. The nave has late Gothic vaulting, and there’s a fine Passion altarpiece (1450–60). There is also a small museum, boasting fine examples of Saxon costumes. Take a sightseeing tour of Romanian fortified churches is one of the best things to do in Romania.

Known as some of the most spectacular fortified churches in Europe, these sites were built by the Saxons who came from Germany to Transylvania. These churches are testaments to the rich, cultural heritage of the Saxons that came over from Germany to settle in Transylvania. There are over 150 fortified churches in Romania, many of which were built between the 13th and 16th centuries. Visit the meticulously preserved church of Biertan or the rare 15th-century murals in the church of Harman. The picturesque fortified church of Viscri is also another popular tourist destination.