Biertan Fortified Church

Biertan Fortified Church was built between 1486 and 1524, in Sibiu county, being the last Fortified Church from Transylvania having three naves. Dedicated to Virgin Mary and built in late Gothic style, it is located in a picturesque area, beautifully surrounded by hills. When the Ottoman army attacked the population, they received the King’s approval to bear arms. The church had three rows of external fortifications linked by gate towers: first one having four towers was built in the 14th century, the second one was built together with the church and the last one having again towers, during the 16th and 17th centuries. The grounds had a „matrimonial prison”, where the couples wishing to divorce were confined and locked up for two weeks in order to be sure they wished their marriage to end. During this time they had to share a single bed, plate and spoon. The result: in three centuries while bishops resided at Biertan, only one couple ended up divorcing.

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