The cultural landscape of the fortified churches
Transylvania is famous for its over 160 fortified churches and their long history dating back to medieval times. At the time Transylvania was a hard-fought border region. The population reacted to enemy attacks by expanding their churches through fortifications. In cases of conflict the fortified churches served the villagers as an area for retreat and protection. For centuries they have been modified and reconstructed. Many of them have been maintained to these days and together they form the unique landscape of fortified churches which is characterized through the density and diversity of this cultural heritage. They are the visible landmarks of many villages and the entire region.
The Fortified Churches Foundation
The Fortified Churches Foundation was established in autumn of 2015 based on Romanian foundation law. As an expert institution for the conservation of the fortified churches of Transylvania, we are working closely with the Evangelical Church of Augustan Confession in Romania, our partners and heritage communities from Transylvania, to protect and promote the rich cultural landscape of these historic monuments. The projects we are developing include restauration and conservation of the fortified churches, workshops and summer-schools on traditional crafts and techniques, education programs for kids, cultural events, and adaptive re-use projects.