If you’re a history buff or just looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, then the Cloasterf Fortified Church is the perfect destination for you. This church located in Transylvania, Romania has a fascinating history dating back to the 14th century.

In this blog post, we will dive into the history of Cloasterf Fortified Church and the ongoing restoration efforts to preserve its heritage. We will also explore the unique architecture of the church and take a stroll through the charming village of Cloasterf.

Lastly, we’ve included travel tips to help you make the most out of your visit and some personal experiences from tourists who have visited this hidden gem.

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Dating back to the 14th century, Cloasterf Fortified Church has stood as a symbol of resilience. Built to withstand invasions and raids, it has served as a place of worship, refuge, and community center throughout the centuries.

With every passing year, it continues to preserve the village’s rich heritage and bear witness to significant historical events. Cloasterf Fortified Church truly embodies the history and spirit of this small village in Romania.

At Cloasterf Fortified Church, ongoing restoration efforts are focused on preserving the church’s architectural integrity. Skilled craftsmen employ traditional techniques to repair and maintain this historic site.

Conservation projects prioritize the protection of the church’s medieval frescoes and wooden furnishings. Generous donations contribute to funding these restoration initiatives. Through meticulous preservation work, future generations will have the opportunity to appreciate the cultural significance of Cloasterf Church.

The Cloasterf Fortified Church was built between 1521 and 1524 under the direction of master Ștefan Ungar from Sighișoara. This feature sets it apart from other fortified churches in Transylvania, which were often built in multiple stages over many years or even centuries.

Although it is certainly not the most formidable fortified church in all of Transylania, there are a couple of reasons why Cloasterf’s church is special.

The fortified church of Cloasterf has a relatively simple quadrilateral layout with four towers – one at each corner of the surrounding wall. You will note that of the four towers, there are three smaller ones and one large belfry.

The ring wall features arrowslits through which archers could fire their arrows at attacking forces.

This belfry was only built at a later point in 1819, replacing a smaller tower similar to the others.

The exterior of the church showcases a fascinating blend of architectural styles. The church’s facade is plain but formidable to invaders.

As you step inside the Cloasterf Fortified Church, you are immediately captivated by the rich history and stunning beauty that fills its interior. The spacious nave is bathed in a soft glow, courtesy of the sunlight filtering through the high windows.

The Church is unique in that visitors are allowed access to the attic space.

There are a few hotels near Cloasterf. Because of their low number, most people stay in Sighisoara or Brasov and take a tour to Cloasterf. The castle marker on the map below is Cloasterf Fortified Church. You can change the dates, set your preferences, and zoom in and out to explore the area hotels.

There aren’t any group tours to Cloasterf, but you can organize your own private tour with a driver. We use GetTranfer to book drivers and recommend it.

If you travel by car, Cloasterf is 46km (6 miles) from Sighisoara, 72 km (45 miles) from Sibiu, and 134 km (83 miles) from Brasov.

There is convenient parking in front of the church.

The nearest train station to Cloasterf is in Sighisoara. There are no buses running from Sighisoara to Cloasterf, so you will need to get a taxi or arrange a private transfer from the train station.

Cloasterf is situated on the Via Transilvanica trail network, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.

Cloasterf is a small village with a fortified church. The gate to get inside the walls was closed when we arrived. But, there is a phone number posted to call the keyholder. The very nice gentlemen with the keys arrived very quickly. He does not speak English, but he is very friendly (and he likes dogs). The interior of the church is well-maintained. There is an organ that has to be pumped by one person while another plays it. Again, there are stone steps in the rear of the church that lead up to the balcony and up to the attic space where you can walk around the entire upper attic area of the church.

There is also an unattached adjacent bell tower that can be climbed. There are excellent views of the church below from the top of the bell tower.

Also, if you walk around the gravel road to the side of the church you can see several gardens being tended by locals and get another view of the church and belltower.

There is no ticket office for the Cloasterf Fortified Church.

Like most of the other smaller fortified churches in the area, the Saxon fortified church of Cloasterf is usually closed which means you need to find the keyholder in order to visit it.

The phone number of the keyholder is posted at the entrance of the church.

Cloasterf (called Klosdorf in German by the Transylvanian Saxons) is a small village of under 200 inhabitants. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of this small village in Romania.

When visiting Cloasterf Fortified Church, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to make the most of your experience.

When planning your visit to Cloasterf Fortified Church, it’s important to check the weather forecast for Cloasterf and dress accordingly. To avoid crowds, consider visiting during weekdays.

Be sure to check the opening hours of the church beforehand as they can vary.

Plan ahead and familiarize yourself with essential information about the village and church to make the most of your time there.

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as you explore the village and fortified church.

The town is very small and rural and does not have obvious food options. However, there is a convenience store that sells beer.

Transylvania is home to numerous churches, each with its own unique history and architectural style. While it is difficult to provide an exact number, some estimates suggest that there are over 200 fortified churches in Transylvania alone. These churches not only serve as places of worship but also stand as testaments to the region’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance. From Saxon fortified churches like the one in Cloasterf, to Gothic masterpieces like the Black Church in Brasov, Transylvania’s churches offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s past and a chance to connect with its spiritual traditions.

The fortification of churches in Transylvania served multiple purposes throughout history. One of the main reasons was to protect the local communities from frequent invasions and raids. During the Middle Ages, Transylvania was located at the crossroads of several empires and faced constant threats from Ottoman and Tatar invasions. Fortifying churches provided a means of defense for the villagers, as they could seek refuge within the fortified walls during times of danger.

There are over 200 fortified churches in Transylvania. Some of the best include:

• Alma Vii
• Biertan
• Cloasterf
• Copsa Mare
• Crit
• Darjiu
• Malancrav
• Mosna
• Richis
• Saschiz
• Valea Viilor
• Viscri

For more information, check out our article Explore Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania with suggested day trips from Brasov and Sighisoara.