Fortified Churches Tour

Apart from the fact that Sighisoara is a very beautiful city with a historic center and especially a well-preserved citadel, unique in Europe, one must also mention its strategic position in the middle of an area where some of the most famous Saxon fortified churches are located.

Going towards Brasov, you will discover the fortified churches of Viscri, Crit and Archita (to name just the most famous ones).

From Bunesti you can reach the gorgeous suburban village: Viscri. You must take an 8 km long road, unfortunately in a rather poor state, at the end of which you will discover one of the most interesting achievements of the medieval church architecture (see more details here).

Prince Charles from England is known as an avid admirer of the Transylvanian countryside and is heavily engaged in preserving both nature and heritage in the nearby village of Viscri.

The road’s state should not make you want to give up. Once you get there, you will see why Prince Charles chose this village! Make sure to enter all the rooms of the museum.

The Church of Crit is very close to the European road E 60. Although it does not have the appearance of Viscri it is worth visiting. Passing through Saschiz you will find an impressive church, located right at the edge of the European road, with a tower inspired by the Clock Tower of the Sighisoara Fortress.

To visit the church in Archita, you must enter the county road 133 (about halfway between Saschiz and Vanatori). This one also has an impressive look, see more information here.

Passing Sighisoara towards Sibiu, you will find two beautiful churches. The first one is in the Malancrav village (also there you can find the Apafi Mansion) and it is unique due to its mural painting, dating back mostly from the middle of the 14th century.

The secondone, which is a truly impressive and well-known church, is the former Episcopal residence of Biertan. The church can be seen long before entering the village, being situated on a small hill in the middle of the village. For three centuries it was the seat of the Saxon Episcopate. The special features lie in the three enclosure walls as well as access through a covered staircase.