Between July 13 and September 30, you can visit the "Fragments" exhibition by artists Sorin Ilfoveanu and Adrian Ilfoveanu within the fortified church complex in Alma Vii. Additionally, you can enjoy some traditional delicacies at the local gastronomic point, Belalma Rural.

The fortified church complex in Alma Vii is a cultural landmark that symbolizes centuries of history and craftsmanship. Its restoration, as part of the "REVEAL Alma Vii – Rediscover Alma Vii" project, has not only preserved the architectural and historical integrity of the church but also strengthened the local community, encouraged sustainable tourism development, and revitalized the cultural heritage of the village.

Alma Vii, a traditional Transylvanian Saxon village, is renowned for its fortified church, a testament to centuries of history and craftsmanship. The church and its surroundings had fallen into disrepair, making conservation a pressing concern. The masonry, composed of 14th-century stones and 16th-century handmade bricks, was uneven, resulting in structural weaknesses, pronounced cracks, large fissures from previous interventions, dislocations, and compromised joints. The plaster on the facades was damaged, particularly on the north side, leading to issues with the interior masonry. The wooden structure suffered from rot, moisture, and insect infestation.

The project's integrated conservation approach was closely tied to implementing a multifaceted strategy that combined high-quality restoration methods, sustainable valorization of heritage sites, community involvement, strategic planning for sustainable development, and economic empowerment. The restoration work adhered to best practices, embracing minimal, reversible interventions using traditional local construction materials and techniques. Experienced architects, engineers, and builders with expertise in historic restoration were integral to the project.

The restoration included repairing wall cracks, re-anchoring stones and bricks, cleaning and straightening dislocated mortar with lime mortar, rebuilding damaged buttresses and ring wall segments, and repairing the damaged wooden roof structure. Additionally, the church sacristy was saved from collapse through the reconstruction of its vault.

The project placed significant emphasis on involving the local community in revitalizing the heritage through meetings, events, and educational workshops. These activities were designed to raise awareness about the value of cultural heritage, explore the protection and conservation of local heritage, and collaborate with community members to identify new functions for the church after the restoration work was completed. This was particularly relevant as the Saxon community of the church had largely left the village by the late 1990s.

The project not only breathed new life into a historic monument but also revitalized the community. It has become a catalyst for sustainable tourism, economic opportunities, and cultural exchange. The project's holistic approach involved community engagement, education, and international collaboration.

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