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Biertan Church...inside...

Biertan, Sibiu...

In the Hârtibaciu Plateau hidden between the wooded hills and the orchards lies Biertan, a rural settlement whose numerous urban architecture buildings “betray” its economic importance in the old days.

Biertan was set up in the 13^th century by the Saxon colonists who fell in love with this region for its fertile soil and very good winegrowing conditions and turned it into a genuine “Wine Land”.

The settlement grew rapidly in the Middle Ages when the guilds appeared and thus became an agricultural and wine growing centre. Moreover, in 1572 Biertan also became the spiritual centre of the Transylvanian Saxon as the Seat of the Evangelic Bishop was established here. In the 18^th-19^th centuries, Biertan was considered a genuine urban centre whose buildings were inspired by those in Mediaş.

Although Biertan did not keep its old urban look, in exchange it has gained the charm of a picturesque commune with old traditional Saxon houses build in the Transylvanian baroque style, with thick walls, stone foundations and ornamental wine-related motives. All these special buildings together with the beautiful fortified church supported the inclusion of Biertan on UNESCO’S World Heritage List. 
http://www.sibiu-turism.ro