Castles, Citadels, Architectural Curiosities

Bethlen Castle - Criș

The Bethlen castle built in Renaissance-style dates back to the 15th century. The main building and the circular bastion were built around a courtyard with a square plan. It is one of the most beautiful examples of the Transylvanian Renaissance dwelling and defense architecture with gothic elements found in the castles chapel. The premises owned by the Bethlen family is currently in use by the Dévai Szent Ferenc Foundation.

Peasant Fortress - Saschiz

The main enclosure of the fortress, supported with three towers, was built in the early decades of the fifteenth century, expanding until the seventeenth century by extending the surface and the number of towers. The fortress was functional until the 20th century. The fortress dominates the surroundings and has good visibility to the main roads and sidewalks. It is assumed that this fortress was built by the association of seven villages - Saschiz, Cloasterf, Archita, Daia, Criz, Diawaldia and Adamsdorf (the last two missing today). If needed, the inhabitants of the 7 villages have earned the right to shelter in. The fortress had six towers (four corners and two gates): the Guard Tower, which does not exist anymore, the Entrance Tower, Priests Tower, Landowners Tower, the Powders Tower and the Schools Tower- all united by a walkway which goes along the defense wall. Between the towers along the walls were built pantries for supplies. On the north and south side, were built houses to be used by refugees.

Church Tower - Saschiz