Biertan rural site
It is probably the most photographed fortified church in the area altough it is hidden among wooded hills and orchards. Biertan was founded in the 13th century by the Saxon colonists who loved the area for its fertile soil and the very good viticultural conditions. Hence the area quickly turned into a true "Wine County".
The fortified church of Biertan, along with the rural site around it, are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage, since 1993.
Biertan is located halfway between Mediaş and Sighisoara, on DN14. Follow the signs in the village of Şaroş on Târnave. You can also reach Biertan and from Agnita, on DJ 141 (towards Mediaş) and then on DJ 141B, through Richiş.
Its almost urban medieval architecture with strog influences from Transylvanian Baroque are a good indication to its economic importance in those times. Biertan was an important citadel of the Middle Ages, as an agricultural and viticultural center, but mostly as the seat of the Evangelical Episcopal Chair.
Biertan is also related to the beginnings of Christianity in the area, through the discovery of the Donarium, a Christian votive object, dating from the fourth century. This discovery is a proof, according to a majority of specialists, of the existence of a Christian population speaking Latin in Ancient Dacia, after the withdrawal of the Roman armies, and implicitly of the native origin of the Romanians in Transylvania.
Visitation hours:
May-September, daily from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 7pm;
April-October, daily from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm;
Winter only on request
Phone: +40 269 244 165
E-mail: office@biertan.net
Photo credit:
Mihai Dragomir, Mihai Moiceanu, Sorin Onișor