The fortified evangelical church in Hărman

The Burzenland region, especially in the Middle Ages, represented a militarily vulnerable area. Therefore, it was necessary to build true fortresses that served primarily as safe shelters for the local population. The village of Hărman, today in Brașov County, boasts a remarkable fortified church, whose main purpose was religious, but its military role should not be overlooked.

Brief historical insight

The beginnings of the locality are linked to the Teutonic Knights, who ruled the area between 1211 and 1225.

Among the multitude of remarkable medieval monuments, the fortified church in Hărman stands out, with imposing walls, seven defense towers, and the bell tower, which can be observed even from a distance. This fortified church is a true gem among the numerous fortified churches of the Transylvanian Saxons.

The church dates back to the first half of the 13th century. Once dedicated to St. Nicholas, the original church was built in the Romanesque style, consisting of three naves, a choir, and a semicircular apse. When you step inside, you are impressed by the Baroque altar, the functioning organ, the 18th-century pews, and the Oriental carpets on the choir walls. The bell tower, built around 1300, was incorporated into the western part of the church and measures 56 meters, making it the tallest tower in the Burzenland. The church's construction preserves, especially in the eastern part, the appearance of the old Romanesque basilica with three naves from the 13th century, showing clear parallels with Cistercian architecture of that period. This attests to the Cistercian influence on the Cârța Abbey over the locality of Hărman, mentioned in documents in 1240. Although the fortifications lost their military purpose as early as the 17th century, they were later used as storage spaces, especially for provisions. Due to this change in purpose, the fortifications were maintained and have survived to the present day.

Today, within its walls, an ethnographic exhibition space has been arranged, incorporating objects with a unique history that belonged to members of the local community.

Once you have entered the citadel walls, it takes several hours to explore all the corners of the fortified church in Hărman, because every step arouses curiosity. You will certainly not regret it!

Invaluable treasures

The most remarkable element of the church's liturgical heritage is the gilded silver chalice, considered, due to the techniques used, a typical Transylvanian creation from the 15th century. Of particular importance is the mural painting of the chapel, made in the 15th century, notable for its exceptional degree of preservation. The cycle of images depicts the path to eternal salvation.

A distinctive feature of the church in Hărman is the women's benches, built in 1753 and placed in the middle of the nave. These were made of fir beams and have no backrests, intended for married women whose costumes required their absence.