Your Travel Experience with Finest Journeys
A Walk to Fortified Churches
Today, you will visit two fortified churches which you will walk to via a hiking trail, before having some lunch at a local manor. After breakfast, take a relaxing walk through the woods along a section of the Via Transilvanica hiking route, leading to the Breite oak tree reserve. This area is home to centuries-old oak trees and provides a peaceful setting to start the day. Continue to the villages of Biertan and Mălâncrav, where you will visit two of Romania’s most well-preserved fortified churches. These impressive structures, scattered throughout the countryside, were built to protect communities from invaders such as the Mongols and Ottomans. Their thick stone walls and defensive towers stand as reminders of a time when villages had to defend themselves against constant threats. A highlight of the Mălâncrav church is its collection of original medieval frescoes, which remain remarkably well-preserved. Hidden within its interior, these paintings provide a rare glimpse into the artistic traditions of the past. In Biertan, explore another fortified church, once the seat of the Lutheran bishops of Transylvania. Its imposing gates and intricate wooden door with a unique medieval locking mechanism reflect the craftsmanship of the time. Enjoy lunch at Apafi Manor, a beautifully restored estate that offers a tranquil setting to appreciate the region’s heritage before continuing your journey.