Brief description of the 14th century fortress of refuge in Saschiz, Mureș County The fortress was built on a rocky slope located in the immediate vicinity of the town, in the northwestern part of it, on the hill that was later called Fortress Hill (Burgberg). The place enjoys a privileged strategic position, dominating the surroundings and ensuring perfect visibility over the main access routes and also towards the side valleys. On three sides it is delimited by extremely steep slopes, the only possible access being from the town, easily controllable and thus giving those inside a high degree of safety. Typologically, the ensemble belongs to the category of fortresses of refuge through which the communities created a safe shelter, relatively close and easy to defend in the event of a direct danger. In general, the Saxon communities solved this need by building fortified enclosures around the parish churches. The fortress of refuge in Saschiz has an irregular polygonal shape, imposed by the configuration of the terrain, a plateau with dimensions of 90 m on the long axis, respectively 52 m wide. This plateau was surrounded by an enclosure wall initially provided with three towers: the gate tower the school tower, on the south side the voivodeship or princely tower, on the north side. Later, the northeast and southeast extremities were consolidated by the construction of two other towers: the priest's tower the ammunition tower

The entrance area was also reorganized by creating a small zwinger, delimited to the south by a sixth tower, the guard tower. In a third stage, the fortress was extended to the east by a secondary enclosure. The fortress was built of stone boulders of various sizes and brick fragments used mainly for leveling, the binder being a friable mortar, made of sand with small lumps of lime. The walls are up to 10 m high and can be up to 2 m thick at the base. The enclosure wall was provided with loopholes and a guard road suspended on wooden consoles, which also ensured the connection between the towers. Also, on the northern and partially southern sides there were other buildings, probably a kind of pantry where the inhabitants could take shelter in case of danger, if they were forced to stay in the fortress for a longer period. Traces of these rooms are partially visible, and some details have been highlighted by archaeological research. In the middle part of the enclosure are the ruins of a rectangular building consisting of two rooms, with an east-west axis, considered to have been the fortress chapel. In the western part of the enclosure are also visible traces of a well with an estimated depth of 80 m dug into the rocky massif almost to its base, which provided the besieged with water. The spaces available for carrying out activities are the 6 towers described above, provided that they would be subject to a minimum reconstruction and equipment intervention, which would not alter their heritage value, with the use of traditional techniques and materials. It is also possible to reconstruct the guard road to ensure access between the towers. The fortress courtyard offers available space for installing a small fixed stage for performances and places for the public (e.g. benches). Neither the fortress enclosure as a whole nor any of the building's buildings (towers) or their rooms are preserved in their entirety and do not have utilities or other facilities.

Starting in 1999, restoration projects were initiated for some components of the fortress, under the coordination of arch. Gabriel Lambescu. In this context, it was also possible to carry out a partial archaeological research. That year, the investigations focused on the priest's tower, placed in the northeast corner of the enclosure and found, at that time, in the greatest danger of collapse. Subsequently, a project for a complete research of the enclosure was drawn up, of which only a first stage was carried out in 2000, the design being then interrupted. In the second campaign, those components directly related to the preparation of an expertise were researched, namely 13 surfaces whose location had been established. The research focused on the fortress towers, and a magisterial ditch was drawn in the middle of the courtyard, between the enclosure wall and the ruins of the chapel. The main objectives pursued were to establish the technical characteristics of the monument (foundation base, masonry structure, construction stages), to identify a stratigraphic matrix on the basis of which the evolution of the trampling level and the discharge of the historical load of the land could be described. The natural configuration of the area is a yellow clay alternating with ballast and sand lenses, on a rocky core often visible on the surface. Archaeological excavations have highlighted the fact that this plateau experienced an intense prehistoric habitation, the traces of several complexes from the Neolithic and Bronze Age being highlighted by research: supply pits, traces of hearths, buried dwellings and a large quantity of ceramic material, including painted ceramics belonging to the Petreşti culture. The oldest coins discovered in the fortress of Saschiz date back to the early 15th century and were discovered in a layer of black soil with coal pigment, mortar and rare ceramic fragments, in the northeast corner of the enclosure. Archaeologists believe that they can be related to the preparatory operations for the opening of the medieval construction site.

The enclosure wall The main enclosure of the Saschiz fortress was built of river stone, rarely observing fragments of brick, used mainly at the edges or for certain leveling and repairs. The upper part of the walls, the elevation, retains a neat facing, although it was not built in assizes, the stones being generally irregular. The wall has a thickness of 1.70-2 m at the foundation level, but it thins vertically through a significant retreat at the level of the guard road. At the upper limit, the enclosure maintains an average thickness of 1 m. In the elevation of the enclosure wall, some inequalities are observed (near the gate tower), joints or the bricked edges of some small retreats (especially between the voivodal and ammunition towers). In general, the composition of the wall follows the slope line, which has obviously not undergone significant transformations from the construction period to the present. This is especially visible between the voivodship and ammunition towers, where both the guard road and the embrasures follow an ascending line. In the same area, the upper part of the walls preserves significant portions of plaster. The construction provided for the arrangement of a guard road supported by a masonry parapet of variable thickness and a cantilevered wooden platform. From this level, numerous embrasures were accessed that open outwards, ensuring complete surveillance of the surroundings. The same fortification element ensures access to the towers on their second or third level, as well as the connection between the towers. The guard road was accessible from the courtyard through a small semi-cylindrical vaulted corridor, located between the gate tower and the enclosure wall, arranged in a narrow angle that was extremely easy to protect.

The loopholes do not have a specific layout rule. They have various shapes and even sizes, with hardly any two identical ones. The gaps were reserved in the masonry, the upper part being secured by a lintel made of various materials: stone slabs, beams and wooden planks. In the segment between the ammunition tower and the voivode's tower, the loopholes were built in a first stage as windows, with parallel sides. The outer part was then walled up and an opening in the shape of a turned keyhole or a vertical slot was left. Probably the craftsmen did not manage to create such a shape throughout the thickness of the wall and then resorted to a simpler formula. The keyhole also has many variants, sometimes it looks more like a triangle with the tip up. On the south side, between the school and ammunition towers, the openings appear uniform from the inside, but change shape in the thickness of the wall, so that two become very narrow rectangular, while the other two remain with a fairly wide square opening. On the north side of the enclosure, square loopholes can be seen that narrow much towards the outside; all of them were reinforced at the top by stone slabs. In the mid-15th century, Saschiz hosted a number of personalities from Transylvania and Hungary. This conclusion can be drawn from a series of documents of important personalities from Transylvania and medieval Hungary, issued at Saschiz. The voivode of Transylvania Ioan Pongracz passed through Saschiz, where he issued two diplomas on 26 and 27 October 1470.

The voivode announces to the military commanders of Transylvania, under his command, that at the request of all the citizens and inhabitants of the Saschiz market (petitionem universorum civium et populorum in oppidum Zaazkyzd) he has allowed half of the people of the settlement, who can be called up to arms in case of war, to remain to ensure the guarding of the fortress and to defend the things and goods of all the inhabitants of Saschiz. It is the oldest documentary attestation of the fortress of Saschiz, although there is archaeological evidence (it is about the construction method) that allows the dating of the construction to the 14th century. The voivode also specifies in the document its location, showing that the fortress was built above that market (castrum supra idem oppidum constructi). The year 1662 brought a major event in the history of the Saschiz locality: the organization of a meeting of the Transylvanian Diet, led by Prince Mihai Apaffi. On February 22 of that year, the proceedings were opened in which the devastation caused by the Turks were discussed. A delegation from Wallachia, which included a Romanian bishop, also participated in the diet. The delegation announced that Kuciuk Pasha had become commander of the Ottoman troops for the war that was to take place against the Austrians. The diet would ask the Ottoman Pasha to move his troops to the Bârsa Country. He refused and Mihail Czeperegi and Mihail Balogh were delegated to the Porte to complain about the tyranny of the Turks. Prince Apaffi left the diet proceedings and headed for Făgăraş, from where he returned on May 15 to calm the spirits in the fortress of Sighisoara, between the Turks and the local administration.

Another special event for the history of the community was the visit of Emperor Joseph II to Transylvania in 1773. In order to establish a connection between the subjects and the Imperial House of Vienna, various Austrian sovereigns undertook several visits, the most famous being those of Joseph II who, influenced by the ideas of enlightened despotism, in his capacity as father of the fatherland, had to know closely the needs of the subjects. Thus, on June 1, 1773, the emperor will pass through Saschiz, coming from Rupea to reach Sighișoara. In his travel diary, the sovereign will mention this fair, being impressed by the beauty of its fortress: "A Saxon fair with a fortress up on the hill" in an area: "...with numerous forests..." (Ileana Bozac, Teodor Pavel, The Journey of Emperor Joseph II through Transylvania in 1773. Die Reise Kaiser Joseph II durch Siebenbürgen im Jahre 1773, Romanian Cultural Institute, Center for Transylvanian Studies, Cluj-Napoca, 2006, p. 610) Since the modern era, the fortress of Saschiz has been considered to have tourist potential. Thus, after the opening of the Sighisoara branch of the Transylvanian Carpathian Association (Siebenbürgischer Karpaten Verein) in 1881, its members became interested in the beauties of the Saschiz fortress, which they would try to exploit for tourism. Regarding this fact, the Sighisoara weekly Groß-Kokler Bote of May 6, 1888, reported: "For May 10, the Sighisoara section of the Transylvanian Carpathian Association is organizing an excursion to the Saschiz hill on the feast of the Ascension of the Lord. Departure from Cafe Martini in the morning at 6 o'clock. Arrival in the Fortress (of Saschiz n.n) will be around 12 o'clock. The route will be via the Şapartocului road, then on Jungkernberg, through the Vulcan heights and from here to Saschiz. Those who cannot make this tour de force can take the train to Heijasfalva (today Vânători n.n.) from 5.32 and from here on foot to Saschiz. On the return, departure at 7 pm so that the train to Odorhei can arrive at 9 am. All members and friends of the association are asked to come to the section president Dr. Friedrich Kraus or to the secretary Theodor Fabini on Tuesday, May 8 in the afternoon to register and I would announce the participation.”

Also, in 1891 the same group announced another hike around Saschiz, but on a different route. The reason was to delight the guests who arrived in Sighişoara on the occasion of general meetings of some associations: On Sunday, the 28th of this month, an afternoon trip to Cloaşterf will be organized, where the general meeting of the Regional Agricultural Association and the Gustav Adolf Association will take place on June 28 and 29, after which they will leave for Daia (then n.n.) for a walk on Steinberg in Meschendorf (751 m) and from here on foot to Cloaşterf, from where they will return by cart in the afternoon of the 29th. (Groβ-Kokler Bote, no. 488, Schässburg, den 6. Mai 1888, X . Jahrgang, p. 2052) From the Monograph of the Saschiz commune we learn that in the 18th century. XX,,Romanian cultural life in Saschiz is very animated by the existence of a brass band, a renowned church choir and a credit society, with an important role in supporting the small peasant household. The fortress, in turn, is an exceptional tourist site both through its architecture, history and the view that can be observed from there, from above. (…) Also, the beauty of the place has made lovers of beauty approach the settlement. We see with surprise that one of the first films of Romanian cinema was shot here, but it is better to let the text speak: "... on the left of the road, on a ridge, a new wonder can be seen, the fortress of Saschiz. The village is under the hill of the fortress, in a valley with admirable surroundings. In the wide square is the Saxon church, with a tower similar to the one in Sighişoara. In fact, this village was much larger and at one time rivaled Sighişoara. But it was constantly trampled by invaders, and the fear of innovation made the Saxons oppose the railway line passing through here, so the village remained next door, isolated."

The Saschiz Fortress also attracted the attention of the well-known Romanian folklorist and cultural figure Horea Teculescu, who describes it as follows: "The fortress, situated on a precipitous height, is 82 m. long and 45 wide. The inhabitants of the surroundings also helped in its construction. From here, the guards could look into great distances and announce the approaching danger in advance. At the sound of the bell, everyone would run to the fortress, and the elderly would take refuge in the church or in the monastery near the fortress. And here we find a 57 m deep well. The walls were built in stages, starting with the 12th century, probably on the traces of an older ruined fortress. Over time, it was constantly renovated. It is surrounded by a wall with towers and several houses for shelter. Inside the walls are also part of the galleries from where the defenders fought. A significant historical event also took place in this fortress: in 1662, the Transylvanian prince Apafi held the country's diet here. Today, only the fortress guard remains, who rings the bell every day at 9 o'clock and raises the alarm in case of fire. Legend has it that giants lived here, who left after arguing with the villagers. One of them could not leave, being sick, and his shirt remained in the fortress. This was supposedly started by a maiden, who was placed in the walls, and the strong echo that can be heard here is her voice.

Climbing up the path guarded by fir trees to the fortress, the view is enchanting. To the north, you can see the Târnava plain, with the railway line, and in the distance the mountains of Săcuime; on the opposite side, you can see the Făgăraș Mountains. Near the fortress walls is a beech forest, then a row of walnut trees. This fortress that faces the ages has a charming appearance, making it possible to make beautiful films. (Aur, by C. Hodoş, was filmed in this region). Especially in autumn, it looks like a building from a fairy tale… against a background of fir trees, with an intense green, various trees vary in color: rotten green, copper, reddish, yellowish, yellow of different shades, as they resist being touched by the autumn wind and frost.” (Horea Teculescu, Pe Târnavă’n jos…Oameni și locuri, ed. Miron Neagu, Sighișoara, 1934, pp. 49-50) The role of Saschiz as an important military fortress for Transylvania in the Middle Ages was demonstrated by the numerous conflicts around Sighișoara, in which the Saschiz fortress was used as a place of refuge or for the storage of valuables. The same role is also demonstrated by the organization of a Transylvanian Diet, here in Saschiz at a time when the Transylvanian Land was under attack from all sides. Over time, the town had both an agricultural and a craft role, attested by guilds such as the blacksmiths, furriers, coopers, shoemakers and, especially, the potters’ guild – these, originally from Habana, took their craft to the level of art. Today, the cobalt blue plates that received the the name "Saschiz pottery". Oral testimonies do not recall many legends woven around the fortress of refuge, except for the one about the 80 m deep well that would have "connected" the fortress to the fortified church in the center of the Saschiz village through a tunnel. Free observations confirm the possibility of the existence of a tunnel hole, but in the opposite direction, to the west, which leads to another version circulated by the locals: that the tunnel would have connected the fortress with the stream behind it, guarded by steep slopes.

Visiting hours: Friday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00 The last climb is from the barrier at 16:00, and the last entrance to the fortress is at 16:30. Access to the fortress is on foot, from the center of the town, on a route of approximately 2 km. For those who prefer a shorter and easier option, there is also pedestrian access from the barrier, on a route of approximately 700 m.

The 14th century fortress of refuge in the town of Saschiz, Mureș County, is a historical monument of category A, included in the LMI/list 2015, code MS-II-m-A-15780, representative of the turbulent history of the Middle Ages. Since ancient times, Saschiz has had a favorable economic position, the town being located in the shelter of the Carpathian arch, near the course of the Târnava Mari, with the riches of the soil (forests, pastures, hayfields) and of the subsoil (methane gas and clay) which also explains the area of ​​early humanization here, highlighted by prehistoric vestiges such as: The Fortress of the Giants “Huhnenburg” and the Romanesque basilica over which the fortified evangelical church was later built (it is assumed), but also by the fortifications erected in the Middle Ages: The Fortress of Refuge – sec. XIV (historians claim that on the site of the current fortress there was another older fortress with an earthen rampart and palisades - a defense system used in older times), the fortified Evangelical Church of St. Stephen - 15th century, a UNESCO monument, the fortified Evangelical Church of St. Nikolai in the village of Cloașterf or the Haller Castle in the village of Mihai Viteazu - 16th century. An important event that determined the course of the history of the Saschiz was the colonization of Germanic populations brought by the Hungarian kings Geza II and Andrew II to strengthen their Hungarian rule in the area. The colonization took place in the 12th century - around 1150-1200, when Saxons (Germanic population) were settled in the central area of ​​Transylvania. In this area, around the 1200s, the "Keisd Seat" was installed, to which 7 villages around the Saschiz commune belonged, for a short period of time, this being the center of power of the entire area.

In the general context of the colonization of southern Transylvania by the Hungarian royalty, a community of hospites was settled in Saschiz in the latter part of the 12th century or the beginning of the 13th century. Some of the Szeklers were moved to the northeast, founding the Kezdi seat, others seem to have remained in place. Historians consider a possibility of the coexistence of the two populations for several decades, until after the middle of the 13th century, when the last group of Szeklers left for the Arieş seat. The imprint of this mixed habitation is not found, however, in the structure of the locality, which retains a specific Saxon character. In order to take into account the working hypotheses formulated by both historians and archaeologists, it is necessary to consider the possibility of the existence of two residential nuclei, the Szekler one being absorbed over time. (Marcu Daniela, ,” Saschiz Fortress. Historical and archaeological notes”, in Materiale și cercuri archaeologice, serie noua VI, 2010) Shortly after settling on the territory of the current Saschiz locality, the Saxon colonists began to build the fortress of refuge, on the site of a Neolithic fortification (palisades, earthen rampart, deep and semi-deep and surface dwellings). It was also called the Fortress of the 7 Villages because residents of Saschiz, Archita, Criţ, Cloaşterf, Daia and Adamsdorf (a small village that disappeared over time, located between Saschiz and Daia), Diavaldia and Abzen (small, disappeared villages, between Saschiz and Cloaşterf not far from where the hop dryer of the former I.A.S. Saschiz stands today) contributed to its construction, thus receiving the right to take refuge in the fortress in times of danger and wars.

The specialized literature often indicates the year 1347 as the post quem date for the initiation of the construction site, but it is only from 1470 that we have concrete information, according to which the complex was, at that time, under construction. Traditionally, it is considered that, for the construction of the fortress, seven villages were associated, its dimensions exceeding the material possibilities of a single community. The fortress of Saschiz is often mentioned in historical works as well as in the “history of art” regarding Transylvania, but none of the authors has dealt particularly with the description and research of the ruinelo. Virgil Vătăşianu attributes the fortress to the end of the 14th century or the first half of the following century, considering, however, that the current form is the “work of subsequent transformations”, an opinion later taken up by other authors.

Daily schedule 07.00 -22.00 (Romanian time) Departure location - Brașov

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