UNESCO: Biertan Fortified Church of Transylvania

The UNESCO-protected Biertan fortified church of Transylvania has been on the World Heritage Sites list since 1999. The beautiful village lies approximately halfway between Sighisoara and Medias and can be accessed through a fairly well-paved road (141 B from Saros pe Tarnave). The road leading to the village offers scenic views of green rolling hills and the typical Romanian countryside. Once you approach it, you’ll immediately see the fortification standing majestically above the village.

Once in the village, we found that the path towards the fortification was pretty well-marked. We parked the car in the parking lot and headed towards the entrance. While at other churches you need to make a call for someone to open the door for you, Biertan has a regular schedule for visits. If, by any chance there’s nobody on site, don’t hesitate to call the phone number displayed.

Once you enter the courtyard, take time to observe the intriguing architectural style of the fortification 0 the towers, the walls, the construction. Legend has it that the eastern tower served as a place of therapy for couples. Those who were contemplating separation were closed inside the tower and left there until they made up.

The entrance to the church is in itself spectacular: I immediately fell in love with the amazing door leading inside.

The Lutheran church was built in the late 15th and early 16th century. It suffered significant damage after a large earthquake hit Vrancea in 1977 and underwent restoration work between 1983 and 1989. (source: Wikipedia) Its highlight is definitely the polyptych altarpiece.

Take your time in breathing in the amazing church. Upon request a guide can show you around and tell the story of the fortification. Guided tours can be requested in Romanian, English and German. Don’t hesitate to climb up the towers to get the best view of the charming red-tiled village.

If you’re in search of an excellent viewpoint of both the fortification and the village, we discovered as pretty good angle from the cemetery. Its entrance can be reached by car and after dodging a few headstone, a quite impressive view emerges of stunning Biertan. Check it out:

There are a total of 7 Fortified Saxon Churches on the UNESCO list of Romania. I’ve already covered some of them in the article dealing with the must-see fortified Saxon churches near Sighisoara (Saschiz and Viscri). I’ve also covered Calnic fortress quite a while ago, as well as the spectacular and highly underrated Valea Viilor medieval fortified church. Don’t hesitate to check them out if you’re a UNESCO buff like I am!

Practical info Biertan:

• Opening hours: 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00
• Entrance fee: 10 Ron (2.2 euros)
• Telephone nr: +40745246485, +40749231199

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