Viscri Fortified Church, Romania

The Fortified Church of Viscrii

One of the most interesting Saxon fortified churches is found in the village of Viscri (Weisskirch in German). The name stems from the German Weisse Khirche, meaning white church. Unlike other Transylvanian fortified churches, Viscri was built around 1100 by the Szekler population and taken over by Saxon colonists in 1185. This explains why this distinctive gothic church shows a plain straight ceiling rather than a traditional vaulted one.

In the 14th century, the eastern section was rebuilt and about 1525, the first fortification walls with towers were added. From the 18th century, the church was endowed with another defensive wall.Inside the church museum, it is possible to admire woven and embroidered textiles, pottery, and handmade agricultural tools, in addition to traditional furniture and clothing.

From the fortification’s towers, it is possible to admire the village scenery, with its hills and meadows, in addition to the authentic hand-tiled roofs of the houses and barns. Lots of the traditional buildings are restored and flashed since 1999. The Mihai Eminescu Trust has over 300 projects in the area — including paving the streets, providing school transportation for the kids, and supporting local entrepreneurial growth. Read More >>

Have you been to Viscri?