Prejmer Fortified Church has a long history, dating back to the 13th century, and is an important cultural landmark near Brasov.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of the church and its significance to the Teutonic Knights and Saxon colonists who built it. We’ll also cover its architectural design, including its unique fortifications that helped protect it from invaders throughout the centuries.

Finally, if you’re planning a visit, we’ve got some tips on how to make the most of your trip.

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The Prejmer Fortified Church was established by the German Teutonic Knights in 1218. Following their expulsion in 1225, the Cistercians took over and finished the church in 1240. It later came under the control of the Transylvanian Saxon community. The church was originally Roman Catholic but became Lutheran after the Reformation.

Ottoman forces destroyed the village of Prejmer over 50 times between the 13th and 17th centuries, while the church was only rarely captured.

The church’s strategic location and robust fortifications played a crucial defensive role during invasions and wars, providing safety for villagers. Reflecting the influence of Transylvanian Saxon colonists, it has preserved the heritage of the region and witnessed various historical events.

Standing as a testament to faith and community resilience, the Prejmer Fortified Church represents a fusion of diverse cultural and architectural elements. With influences from Roman Catholicism and Lutheranism, it mirrors religious diversity while showcasing the enduring legacy of the Saxons.

The church’s altar and triptic are of significant historical importance, adding to its cultural and historical significance.

The oldest triptych altarpiece in Transylvania dates back to around 1450. The piece portrays scenes from the Passion of Christ, with the Crucifixion being the central subject.

This remarkable piece of medieval artistic heritage showcases intricate design and craftsmanship, reflecting the historical tapestry of the church. Its preservation stands as a testament to the church’s commitment to safeguarding its invaluable heritage.

A tax warehouse was built above the gate in 1793. Today, it houses an interesting museum and the council chamber serves as a venue for winter services.

Prejmer underwent a restoration process between 1960 and 1970, which successfully returned it to its original form.

Preservation of the church fortification and storerooms underscores its historical and cultural importance. The ongoing efforts to maintain and safeguard the church fortification and its wall rooms significantly contribute to its historical and architectural value.

Together with the surrounding village, the church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site for villages with fortified churches in Transylvania.

The Gothic style and structural features epitomize the church’s grandeur, while the construction highlights the craftsmanship of its builders. The fortified wall, bell tower, and inner courtyard all showcase a blend of defensive and aesthetic elements.

This architectural marvel reflects the innovative fusion of design elements and the skilled execution by its builders, making it a captivating example of architectural grandeur in the heart of Transylvania.

The church is surrounded by circular walls that are up to 5 meters (16 feet) thick and almost 12 meters (39 feet) high. There is a second, smaller wall on top of the arched entrance gate. In addition, the church has five towers and a battlement to enhance its defensive capabilities.

The Prejmer Fortified Church’s wall mirrors its historical and tactical relevance. Constructed by Transylvanian Saxons, it signifies a strategic stronghold for defense. As a world heritage site, it showcases the resilience of its fortification against invasions, providing a deeper understanding of medieval fortification and defense. This adds historical and strategic depth to the site’s significance.

One of its most notable features is the barbican, which stands to the right of the entrance. This fortified outer courtyard adds an extra layer of protection to the already well-defended church.

The fortification has over 270 wall rooms that served multiple purposes such as storage rooms and accommodation units for soldiers and townsfolk in case of an attack. Visitors can climb the many stairs to explore some of these wall rooms and walk through the corridors linking them to reach the battlements outside. The wall rooms could shelter up to 1,600 people, making it an impressive feat of medieval engineering.

The Prejmer Fortified Church is an architectural marvel that boasts a beautiful inner courtyard. The courtyard is accessible through a narrow tunnel that leads from the barbican to the inner courtyard of Prejmer’s fortified church. The courtyard is surrounded by a high wall and has a peaceful ambiance, making it a perfect spot for reflection and introspection.

A bell tower was added above the center of the church in 1461. The bell tower and moat offer a unique glimpse into historical fortification techniques.

With its Gothic style, this 13th-century church stands as a testament to medieval architectural prowess.

The interior of the church is simple, with no frescoes and a 19th-century painting that was removed during a late restoration.

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

Plan your visit by considering transportation options like airports, train stations, and bus routes. Whether coming from Brasov, Bucharest, Sighisoara, or Sibiu, explore the beautiful Romanian countryside on your journey to this hidden gem of Transylvania.

Here are some great options for a private tour to Prejmer! In addition to the options below, we have used GetTranfer to book private transfers and recommend it as well.

If you travel by car, Prejmer is 18 km (11 miles) from Brasov, 128 km (80 miles) from Sighisoara, 160 km (99 miles) from Sibiu, and 194 km (121 miles) from Bucharest.

The bus from Brasov to Prejmer leaves from the Livada Postei near the Old Town and takes around 1 hour for the entire trip.

There are several options, but we suggest taking Bus 1 to Triaj and changing to Bus 520 at the Vlahuta stop. Depending on what day and time you travel, the wait for Bus 520 should be less than 15 minutes. Then, exit at the Biserica Sfintii Trei Ierarhi stop in Prejmer and the church will be a short walk away.

Bus tickets can be purchased at the kiosk near the bus station. A 24-hour bus pass costs 12 RON per person. The pass must be validated on the bus every hour.

NOTE: To arrive in Prejmer at opening time, we took the bus departing Livada Postei at 8:05 a.m. The bus does not stay at the station long and leaves on time.

You enter the fortifications through the arched gallery. There is a self-service kiosk to the left of the entrance where tickets can be purchased.

The entrance ticket for the fortified church costs 20 RON ($4.40) for Adults, 10 RON ($2.20) for Students, and 10 RON ($2.20) for Children. In addition to the church, you can visit the museum and several of the wall rooms.

Located near Brasov, Prejmer is a commune in Transylvania. In the 19th century, numerous community facilities were built: the new school building, town hall, fire station, and slaughterhouse.

Crafts and industries experienced a significant boom, resulting in the establishment of a paper factory and a spirits factory. Also, small businesses like carpenters, cobblers, tailors, wheelwrights, locksmiths, blacksmiths, bricklayers, butchers, bakers, strappers, weavers, tanners, and watchmakers are thriving.

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

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.

Consider visiting early in the day to beat the crowds and enjoy the village and fortified church in peace.

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

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 Viscri, 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 on day trips from Brasov, check out our articles about Bran Castle, Peles Castle, Pelisor Castle, Sinaia Monastery, and Rasnov Fortress.