The Evangelical Church ensemble in Sebeș

You may have found out that Sebeș is an industrial city. But more than 800 years ago here lived the Szeklers, defenders of the borders, and then the Saxons, colonised for the same purpose. 

The Evangelical Church in Sebeș resembles the Black Church in Brașov and they considered sister churches. They had the same designer, were built at the same time and witnessed the tumultuous history of the fortress and are now reigning in the centre of the city. It was built in Romanesque style after the middle of the 12th century, undergoing numerous changes throughout its history.

Upon entering the city you will see from afar the church in its majestic splendour. You will be impressed by the Renaissance altar, the Gothic windows, the gloomy walls, maybe even the story of a stone, of penance. If you got here, you will surely find it!

Brief historical insight

 Soon after their arrival, the Saxons embarked on the construction of a Romanesque church. However, their plans were thwarted by the attack of the Mongol and the church in Sebeș, under construction, was burned. They did not despair. Around 1260 the works on the church resumed, it was rebuilt in Gothic style, fortified and provided with an enclosure wall. 

In the second half of the 14th century, a particularly economically flourishing period, an impressive choir was erected, completed in 1392. The works at the church stopped again when, in 1438, the population of the city was decimated by a Turkish invasion. But this tragic event did not stop the inhabitants from fulfilling their centuries-old dream: the construction of one of the greatest churches that ever existed in Transylvania. In 1453 the works resumed!

Not to be missed: the landscapes revealed to the eyes of visitors from the church tower. From here you can admire the Red Ravine, the medieval houses in the centre of the locality or other treasures built with much effort by the ancestors of those who today proudly live in Sebeș.

The most valuable piece of the church is the altar. It was made in 1518 by an unknown craftsman, as are most of those who worked at the Saxon churches in Transylvania. Most of them had no academic knowledge in the field, but were educated in important centres in central Europe and their love for God contributed to conceive splendid works.