The Ensemble of the Evangelical Church and the Historic Center of Prejmer Village

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortified church was considered to be the most powerful peasant fortification in medieval Transylvania. It was built in the early 1200s with the blessings of the Teutonic Knights after being attacked by the Turks by Saxon peasants.

This one is remarkably intact with the iron spikes still on the gates. They were serious about their safety here. See all the portals for arrows. There are so many of these fortified villages dotting the landscape that it is obvious that these early Saxons lived on the frontier border between Europe and the marauding Turks and Mongols who, according to the stories, were constantly attacking and trying to move westward. These Saxon peasants just wanted peace to live in their homes and work the land.

We also stopped to see the Konigberger fortified church that is nearby. The lives of the peasants centered around the Church which is at the center of the fortified village. With a well inside, they could hold out quite some time. Many Saxons settled in Transylvania and still remain. There were many residents here and the Church is well maintained even today. This one is a Lutheran Church. I have seen so many Romanian Orthodox churches that when I walked in, I was surprised to see the familiar arrangement of choir loft, raised pulpit and pews.