Prejmer Fortified Church (Cetatea Prejmer)
Strada Mare 2, Prejmer
Prejmer Church (Cetatea Prejmer) is the largest fortified church in southeastern Europe and among the oldest recorded in Transylvania. Begun by Teutonic Knights in 1211, the settlement withstood 500 years of attack, and, thanks to its strong defences, secret passages, and progressive weaponry, it only fell once in all that time.
The UNESCO-listed site is a popular day trip destination from Braşov. It is comprised of both a church and a 40-foot-high wall building surrounding it, which contained rooms where villagers could shelter. Visit to explore the multi-level complex’s rooms and tunnels and learn about its unique weaponry, and don’t miss the modest exhibition of Saxon artefacts.
Prejmer is one part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage Site made up seven settlements; others include Biertan and Viscri. Join a tour to see all of the sites in one day, or combine Prejmer with other nearby sites such as Bran Castle, Râşnov Fortress, or the Howling Waterfall.
Only the ground floor of Prejmer is currently accessible for wheelchair users; upper floors are accessed via a wooden staircase.
Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for moderate walking and climbing if you want to see Prejmer’s upper floors.
There is a small charge to enter the site, but many multi-stop tours include admission in their overall cost.
Prejmer sits close to Braşov, and you can easily reach the site by train or bus. Direct trains to Prejmer depart from the main city station semi-regularly, and buses frequently depart from Autogara Bartolomeu (Bus Station 1). To see many sites on one trip, opt for a private vehicle or book a tour that includes round-trip transfers.
Despite its UNESCO-listed status, Prejmer is usually far less busy than its vampire-associated neighbours, such as Bran Castle, making it a great spot to escape the crowds during the summer months. The site is open every day from morning until late evening, with slightly shortened hours on Sundays and in the winter months. The church sometimes hosts free choral concerts; check the schedule before visiting.
Though only seven churches in southern Transylvania are UNESCO heritage sites, all 150 of the fortified churches in the region are worth visiting as each gives visitors insight into a unique aspect of the local culture. After visiting Prejmer, take a short drive to Harman Fortified Church, another place of worship dating back to the 13th century. Some tours include both these historic landmarks in one itinerary.
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