One of my most famous places in Romania is the Saxon village Biertan (Birthälm in German). The center spot of the 13th century village is a massive Saxon fortified church recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Approaching Biertan which is situated between Mediaş and Sighişoara is already a pleasure as you go some seven kilometers of the main road through a valley where you can spot the already after some time its church.
The church in late Gothic style itself was finished in the 15th century and is certainly one the highlights of the Saxon fortified churches in Transylvania. The village has some 1500 inhabitants today and only a tiny fraction of its original Saxon population remained in the village since 1990 when the majority left.
Unfortunately, I was extremely unlucky the two times I visited the place. The first time the winter break started (from November on) and the first time I arrived on a Christian holiday for which the church is closed. But nevertheless also scenery around is breathtaking enough! The surrounding area is also very nice and worth to explore.
Among all the fortified churches in Transylvania (there are many of them) this is certainly one of the most visited ones, though compared to western standards tourism is still little. A major share of the tourists visiting is also Saxons who now live in Germany.
One of the features I specifically like about the architecture of the Transylvanian fortified churches is the combination of wood and bricks creating a unique and beautiful style.
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