What to see in Romania

Prejmer

A trio of rural villages make up the commune of Prejmer: Lunca Calnicului, Prejmer and Stupinii Prejmerului. Most visitors travel to Prejmer to see its famous fortified church, and the town is just a short drive or train ride away from the larger city of Brasov. A sleepy place, you won’t find much in the way of shops, restaurants or nightlife here, but it is a brilliant example of an authentic Transylvanian community, whilst its fascinating history makes it a must-see. 

The settlement of Prejmer dates back to the 13th-century when it was the easternmost settlement of Transylvanian Saxons. This situation left Prejmer open to attacks and invasions from its enemies in the east and the small town was the site of countless attempted invasions from the Tatars, Mongols, Ottomans, Moldavians and other groups throughout the Middle Ages. Across this turbulent period, Prejmer’s fortress was captured only once, earning it a legendary reputation as an impenetrable stronghold! 

An important stop on a tour of Transylvania, Prejmer and its famous fortress church is an unmissable sight for anyone with an interest in the history of this region.

Things to see in Prejmer

Considered the best-preserved fortress church in Eastern Europe, Premer Fortified Church is one of the most unmissable things to see in Prejmer. This Lutheran church was founded by Germanic Teutonic Knights, although it eventually fell under the ownership of Transylvania’s Saxon community. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the thick walls and impenetrable towers surrounding the church are a telling sign of the unstable religious and political climate of Transylvania in the 13th-century. The church survived countless sieges throughout the Middle Ages and was steadily fortified to higher degrees in order to withstand ongoing conflicts in the region. The thick walls are home to around 300 dwellings, purpose-built for villagers to retreat to during attacks and attempted invasions. If you visit Prejmer today you can see these fascinating safe houses, which form a circle around the central church courtyard, complete with historic artefacts and furniture. The centrepiece of this site is the glorious Gothic church, home to one of the oldest and most important triptych altarpieces in Romania. The fortress is like a self-contained village, so it is a fascinating experience to explore the different areas and imagine the lives of the villagers of Prejmer during the Middle Ages. A unique fusion of religious and defensive architecture, visiting Prejmer Fortified Church is sure to be a highlight of any tour of Transylvania. 

Other things to see in Prejmer include the nearby Orthodox church of Biserica Sfinţii Trei Ierarhi, with its amazing domed towers and ornate interior, as well as a number of typical Romanian houses. A trip to Prejmer is a great way to get to know everyday life in rural Transylvania.