The fortified church from Cisnădioara

In the second half of the 12^th century they built a Romanesque basilica. In the early 13^th century, the basilica became the property of King Andrew II and later on it was donated to the Cistercian Abbey in Cârţa.

The church is made up of three naves and surrounded by a precinct wall unfolding along the Mihail Hill plateau (which gives the settlement its German name - Michelsberg - Michael’s Hill). What makes this church different from other similar churches in Transylvania is that it has not suffered too many subsequent alterations.

It was reinforced with three towers: the southern Gate Tower, the tower in front of the west portal and the eastern tower, 5 m outside the precinct wall.

The walls were about 4-6 m high; a particular feature was represented by the 8 door-like openings under the guard route. They were equipped with oak doors and could be blocked from the inside; from here they would throw rocks at those attempting to attack the fortress. Part of these rocks can still be seen inside the fortress. The church hosts the tombstones of the soldiers who died in this region during the First World War.