IN-PERSON: Prague – Section B

Abstract

An important characteristic of the Saxon and Szekler villages found in the south-east of Transylvania (Romania) is the fortified churches. This type of churches was built, used and maintained by the Transylvanian Saxon and Szekler colonists and represented both the religious and the cultural element of the rural communities. The Szeklers were colonized as defenders of the borders in the southeast of Transylvania during the 11th century. The villages of the Saxon settlers began to be built from the middle of the 12th century, when King Geza brought them to the region with the same purpose, to defend the eastern borders of the Kingdom of Hungary from invasions, especially by Cumans. The churches of these two communities were fortified at the beginning of the 13th century and had a defensive role until 1788. The Transylvanian fortified churches are considered to be one of the densest medieval fortification systems in Europe. Of the 300 fortified churches that existed for five centuries, approximately 150 are still preserved. Following a long history of living in Transylvania, over 800 years, most of the Saxons eventually settled in Germany. Under these conditions, the question arises regarding the existence of the particular fortified churches, a cultural heritage of universal value, part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. As part of their duties, in terms of preservation and monitoring over time of the evolution of UNESCO sites, the states that are involved in the protection of these important sites have the primary responsibility. This is why the international organization’s specialists have recommended and urged for regular and standardized monitoring.