Biertan fortified church (Biserica Biertan)
The place called Biertan is one of the first rural settlements of Transylvania. The first documentary attestation was recoded in 1283. For nearly 300 years (1572-1867) it was here that the Lutheran Protestant Episcopate of Transylvania had its headquarter. The church was built on the site of a Catholic basilica between 1490 and 1524. It remained Catholic until the Reformation, after which became a Protestant church. It is an extensive Gothic building, with Renaissance and Baroque elements. Since 1993 it is part of the UNESCO world heritage.
The altar, one of the biggest polyptych altars in Transylvania, was built by the masters of Nuremberg and Vienna between 1483 and 1513. It contains 28 paintings that present scenes from the life of Jesus and Mary: the crucifixion, the baptism, the circumcision and various paintings with saints. During the Catholic time, the Holy Virgin was represented in the center of the altar; nowadays, it is replaced by the crucifixion of Jesus.
The pews were made of linden tree wood by Johannes Reichmut from Sighisoara between 1514 and 1523. Their value and beauty are emphasized especially by the remarkable marquetry that they contain.
The pulpit was built by the master Ulrich of Brasov in 1523. It is a remarkable valuable piece, as it was carved from a single rock. The bas-reliefs present biblical scenes: the crucifixion, the Ghetemani garden, Simon’s prophecy. The decorations are made in Gothic style, with Renaissance influences as well. The lid of the pulpit is made of wood and it has very beautiful painted decorations. It was built in 1754.
The organ, imposing in its dimensions and having an impressive sound, was built in 1869 by the master Karl Hesse of Vienna. It has 1290 tubes, 25 registers, pedals and 2 manuals. It is in good working condition.
The door of the vestry, unique in Europe, was built in 1515. It is made of oak wood tree and it is very solid. Its value its emphasized by the exterior plate which is decorated with very beautiful marquetries. There were made by the same Johannes Reichmut of Sighisoara, the one that also built the pews. As the door closed the room treasure, on the interior part a locking system was built. It blocks the door all around in 19 spots. In 1910, the door, together with the lock, was taken to the world exhibition in Paris where it was awarded a prize.
The defending walls and towers, which are protecting the church, were built in the same period when the church was built, 15th-16th centuries. Even today, traces of the battles that were fought against various barbarian peoples can be seen on the exterior walls.
One of the most interesting aspects of the fortified church is the matrimonial prison. It is a building with 2 rooms meant to shelter the couple that wanted to divorce. An original reconciliation method was used, which meant that the couple was forced to share a bed, a table, a chair, a spoon till they gave up the idea of divorce.