Fortified Church of Prejmer

Located in the Transylvania region of Romania, the Fortified Church of Prejmer is the largest fortified church in southeastern Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not far from Brasov, it makes a good day trip, combined with a visit to the Fortified Church of Harman. Built by Teutonic Knights in the early 13th century, the church was once the most powerful peasant fortress in Transylvania. The church was built in a cross-like plan and the nave has late-Gothic style vaulting. It houses a folding triptych altar built around 1450, making it the oldest in Transylvania. 
The walls surrounding the church are 40 feet high and about 10-15 feet thick. Attached to the fortifications are nearly 300 well preserved small rooms on four levels, many of which were originally assigned to village families or used for school, weaving or storage.

Practical Info

Prejmer is located just a few miles outside of Brasov and is accessible by train several times a day, a trip that takes just 20 minutes. Visitors can also reach Prejmer by minibus from Autgara Vest in Brasov heading toward Sfantu Gheorghe. The church is open May 1 to October 31, Tuesdays to Fridays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is open the rest of the year Tuesdays to Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is 8 lei.