Prejmer Fortress

Published at

Prejmer Fortress: A UNESCO Monument in Transylvania

Prejmer Fortress is more than just a historic monument. It is a living testimony to the culture of Transylvania’s history. Located in the town of Prejmer, this medieval fortress represents a cornerstone of identity and traditions. With its high walls and imposing church, the fortress offers a captivating glimpse into the distant past of the region.

Just a short 15-minute journey from Brasov, this medieval fortress awaits you with open arms to reveal its well-preserved secrets. Today, the Prejmer Fortress is recognized as a UNESCO monument and attracts tourists from all over the world due to its rich cultural and historical wealth.

So, dare to explore and let yourself be enchanted by the charm of Prejmer Fortress!

About the Prejmer Fortress

Prejmer Citadel and the Evangelical Church are located within the rural area of Prejmer, a place included in the UNESCO World Heritage. This fortress stands out as the most powerful Saxon fortification in Transylvania.

One of the remarkable aspects of Prejmer Citadel is its defensive character. Faced with constant invasions and repeated sieges, the inhabitants adapted the citadel to meet the challenges. Tall and thick walls, iron gates, and drawbridges are just a few of the defense methods that made the citadel a haven for the Saxon community.

During sieges, the residents sought refuge inside the citadel, and despite the difficult conditions, they did not neglect their education. One of its chambers was dedicated to a school, with the first teachers mentioned between 1460 and 1556.

In addition to its defensive function, Prejmer Citadel played a vital role in the life of the local community. Within its walls, residents gathered for various social and religious activities, from local fairs and markets to council meetings and religious ceremonies.

Where is it located and how do you get to the Prejmer Citadel?

Prejmer Fortress is located in the village of the same name, just a 15-minute drive from the city of Brașov. The route is easy to navigate, and you can park right in front of the tourist attraction.

If you don’t drive, you can use public transportation. From Brașov train station, you need to take bus number 520, which goes to Prejmer. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk, and you’ll reach your destination.

Why visit Prejmer Fortress and Fortified Church?

Dating back to 1218, this church fortress is one of the most significant medieval constructions in the entire region. Once here, you have the opportunity to explore the inner corridor of the citadel walls, an experience that blends architectural mastery with the tumultuous story of the past.

The church hosts one of the oldest altars in the region, a masterpiece painted in the 15th century, which impresses with its details and artistic beauty. Initially built by the Teutonic Knights, it was later continued in the early Burgundian Gothic style. The church is an example of adaptation and evolution over time. However, the true builders of this monument are the local community, peasants, and Saxon craftsmen who left their mark on the fortifications as early as the 15th century.

One of the highlights of the fortress is the stubble house, a complex network of tiny rooms. In the past, each room belonged to a family in the village. Additionally, Străjii road, which surrounds the citadel walls, represents another remarkable attraction compared to other fortifications where it no longer exists.

The fortified church in Prejmer

Biserica fortificată din Prejmer

The Evangelical Fortified Church of Prejmer is a truly unique place in the cultural landscape of Romania and Eastern Europe. It is the only evangelical church surrounded by fortified walls in the country, a feature that makes it resemble more a medieval citadel than a usual place of worship.

Its global recognition came in 1999 when UNESCO decided to include it in the World Heritage list. And if that’s not enough to emphasize its importance, even the Michelin Green Guide awarded it three stars, which is a remarkable distinction in the Romanian cultural scene.

The story of this church begins back in the 13th century when the Teutonic Knights laid its foundation stone. Over time, it has undergone numerous transformations and changes until it acquired the appearance it has today.

Services are still held there, which is truly impressive for a building with such a long history. So if you want to enjoy an authentic experience and discover a part of our history, the Evangelical Fortified Church of Prejmer is the perfect place for that!

Church (brief history)

The Fortified Evangelical Church of Prejmer is a remarkable historical and architectural monument with a rich history spanning several centuries. Originally built in the 13th century as a Roman Catholic church on the foundations of an old 12th-century Roman basilica, the place of worship was later adopted by the Saxon community of Prejmer and converted to the Augsburg Confession, thus becoming Lutheran. Its impressive ensemble consists of a church, fortified precinct, two towers, two bastions, and a gate tower, reflecting both the religious and defensive aspects of medieval Transylvanian life.

Through interventions and restorations carried out over time, the church has retained its original form, and in 1999, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Additionally, this sacred site houses a priceless treasure: the oldest triptych in Transylvania, dating back to the years 1450-1460.

The legends of the city

According to an old legend, during a barbarian invasion, a Tatar was struck in the head by the “tooth” of an iron gate, and the impact was so powerful that it broke his skull. This popular story was adopted by locals to explain the presence of a damaged iron gate inside the fortress.

Another legend, widespread in many medieval fortresses in the Transylvania region, tells that in case of quarrels between spouses, they were punished to dwell in the “reconciliation chamber” for a longer period. In this small room, the couple had to survive using only one set of cutlery and a single bowl. This “sentence” was meant to reconcile the two partners.

Fortification (short history)

Prejmer was among the first localities targeted by Turkish invasions. Therefore, King Sigismund of Luxembourg ordered the construction of solid defense systems in the region of Țara Bârsei.

Thus, the fortification of the church began by building a walled enclosure surrounded by a wide water moat. This fortress, built in the shape of a circle, was equipped with massive walls 3-4 meters thick and 12 meters high, bastions, fortified gates, and drawbridges. A patrol road was used for supplying and supporting the fighters on the walls. In addition to the mounted artillery on the walls, the fortress also had a remarkably ingenious defense instrument: the famous “Death Organ.” This weapon consisted of several cannons grouped, firing simultaneously.

The attractions of the fortification

The church in Prejmer harbors an invaluable treasure: one of the oldest altars in Transylvania, painted in the 15th century. But that’s not all! Here you can also find many other exceptional attractions.

One of its highlights is the “beekeeper of chambers”, which boasts 274 small rooms, each designated for a family from the village. Each chamber was numbered according to the respective house, serving as a shelter in case of invasion.

Another attraction is the Path of the Guard, which remains intact compared to other fortifications. And let’s not forget the famous “Death’s Organ,” an ingenious invention consisting of a plank equipped with five guns on each side, which could be rotated to act as a machine gun. This weapon was particularly effective during assaults on the fortress.

Art at the Prejmer Fortress

Besides the beautiful church, which attracts attention through its remarkable architecture and rich history, visitors have the opportunity to discover true works of art and heritage objects within the walls of the fortress and in the adjacent museum. In these spaces, numerous elements contribute to the cultural richness of the place, including the organ, bells, choir stalls, pulpit, and many others.

The church altar, dating back to 1804, is one of the highlights of this place of worship. Its central panel was painted by Friederich Miess and currently can be admired on the western wall of the northern side nave of the church, offering an impressive view of the artistic wealth of past times.

The old organ, without a pedalboard, is another musical gem of the church, located in the western gallery. In a more distant era, in 1676, the community acquired a new organ, for which they even hired an organist, emphasizing the importance of sacred music in the religious life of the community.

Throughout its tumultuous history, the church has gone through difficult times, including during the First World War when three of the bells were confiscated in 1916. However, in 1923, they managed to replace them with three other bells, cast in Apolda in Thuringia, so that the solemn sound of the bells would continue to resonate in the area, bringing the community together for prayer and the celebration of important events.

Schedule and visiting hours

If you want to visit, it’s important to pay attention to the following schedule:

Summer (April 1st – October 31st):

  • Monday – Saturday: 09:00 – 18:00;
  • Sunday: 11:00 – 18:00.

Winter (November 1st – March 31st):

  • Monday – Saturday: 09:00 – 16:00;
  • Sunday: 11:00 – 16:00.

To enter the fortress, adults need to purchase a ticket which costs 20 lei, while students benefit from a reduced fare of only 10 lei.

Are you looking for accommodation around Brașov? Choose Transylvanian Inn for an authentic mountain experience!

If you’re looking for an authentic mountain experience while exploring the beauty of the area around Brasov, the Transylvanian Inn is the perfect choice for you!

Our villa has been carefully designed to provide guests with the comforting feeling of “Home,” with generous spaces for relaxation for both body and soul. Here you’ll find a wide range of facilities, from relaxation areas to specially prepared culinary delights for various diets, including vegetarian, sugar-free, and gluten-free options.

Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or an adventure with friends and family, the Transylvanian Inn will welcome you with open arms and a warm, inviting atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy the authentic charm of the Transylvanian mountains.

So if you’re looking for accommodation around Brasov, click the following link and you won’t regret it!

Booking request

Deluxe Suite
The Apartment
Superior Double Rooms
Standard Double Rooms

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy policy and Terms and condition apply.