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The fortified church of Biertan
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The fortified church of Biertan
Biertan (German: BirthAÔé¼lm, Romani: Biyertan, Hungarian: Berethalom) is a commune in central Romania, in the north of the Sibiu County, 80 km north of Sibiu (formerly Birthelm in German) and 29 km east of Medias. Biertan is one of the most important Saxon villages with fortified churches in Transylvania, having been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1993. It was the see of the Lutheran Evangelical Bishop in Transylvania between 1572 and 1867.The first documentary testimony about the village dates from 1283 in a document about the taxes paid by the inhabitants of 7 villages and so it is believed to have been founded sometime between 1224 to 1283 by Transylvanian Saxons. The village settlement quickly developed into an important market town and by 1510 Biertan supported a population of about 5, 000 people. Between 1468 and the 16th century a small fortified church (die Kirchenburg) was constructed and developed. After the medieval period the town declined in importance with the rise of neighbouring Sighisoara (formerly SchAÔé¼sburg in German), Sibiu (Hermannstadt) and Medias (Mediasch).In the census of 1930 Biertan had 2331 inhabitants, of whom 1228 were Transylvanian Saxons. After the war many Transylvanian Saxons were expelled from the region. Following the collapse of Communism in 1990 many more left for Germany.Today the whole commune has a population of about 2, 500 and the village of Biertan alone has about 1, 600 people. It is one of the most visited villages in Transylvania, being the historically important place of the annual reunion of the Transylvanian Saxons, many of whom now live in Germany
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Frans Sellies
Media ID 12000588
Cloudscape Fortified Church German Culture Poppy Romania Biertan
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the magnificent fortified church of Biertan, located in central Romania. With its rich history and stunning architecture, this village has become one of the most important Saxon communities in Transylvania. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, the church holds great significance for both locals and visitors alike. Dating back to at least the 13th century, Biertan was founded by Transylvanian Saxons and quickly grew into a bustling market town. The small fortified church, known as "die Kirchenburg" was constructed between the late 15th century and early 16th century. It served as an important religious center and even housed the Lutheran Evangelical Bishop in Transylvania from 1572 to 1867. Over time, however, Biertan's prominence waned with neighboring towns like Sighisoara, Sibiu, and Medias rising in importance. After experiencing population decline due to various historical events such as World War II and Communist rule, today Biertan has a population of around 1,600 people within its commune. Despite these changes over centuries past, Biertan remains a popular tourist destination. Its annual reunion attracts many Transylvanian Saxons who now reside in Germany but still hold strong ties to their ancestral homeland. This print captures not only the architectural beauty of the fortified church but also represents a symbol of resilience for this historic community.
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