Independently Visit 2 Fortified Churches Near Brasov
Did you know it’s possible to independently visit two fortified churches near Brasov? These unique churches are distinctive to the region of Transylvania. There are close to 150 decently preserved fortresses still standing today. The fortified churches of Prejmer and Hărman are near Brasov and can be reached easily via public transportation. Prejmer is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hărman is less visited, but has one of the tallest bell towers and a whole lot of charm.
Here’s how to independently visit these two very different fortified churches from Brasov.
Table of Contents
- A Brief History About the Fortified Churches
- Half Day Itinerary to Visit the Fortified Churches Near Brasov
- How to Get to Prejmer from Brasov
- Explore Prejmer Fortified Church
- How to Get from Prejmer to Hărman
- Visit Hărman Fortified Church
- How to Return to Brasov from Hărman
- Cost of Independently Touring the Fortified Churches Near Brasov
- Independently Visit the Fortified Churches Near Brasov
A Brief History About the Fortified Churches
The Saxon population have deep roots in the area of Transylvania. German Saxons began migrating to Romania some time around the mid 12th century. They arrived to southern Transylvania and began building little communities in the form of fortified churches by the mid 13th century. This area is sometimes historically mentioned as “Burzenland.”
All of the fortified communities have a similar design. In the center, find the main focal point of a simple church. Of course, these churches are encircled by a fortified wall. The main purpose was to protect the community from outside attacks, usually from the Ottoman empire.
Besides offering protection, these fortresses were functioning and thriving communities. On the interior, find religious buildings. People lived on the interior in small homes and dwellings. The grassy area functioned as a main courtyard where socializing and other events took place. There were even schools built into the ground floor of the fortress.
Today, many of these churches have been added as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Try to visit at least one fortified church when visiting Transylvania.
Half Day Itinerary to Visit the Fortified Churches Near Brasov
With many churches near Brasov, this city makes the perfect base to explore the surrounding fortified churches of Prejmer and Hărman. Both are easy to reach from the public bus station. For those who are extremely interested in these medieval fortresses, it’s possible to take a tour. These two churches are a great introduction to the many fortified churches of Transylvania.
- First, visit the fortified church of Prejmer
- Second, visit the adorable Hărman fortified church
- Don’t miss the chance to have lunch in Hărman at Kastel Transylvania
- Finally, return to Brasov midday. There’s plenty of time to explore more of this medieval city.
How To Get to Prejmer from Brasov
Buses Depart Brasov from Autogara Vest
- Location: Strada Pictor Ion Andreescu, Brașov
- Near the Church of Sfântul Bartolomeu & across the street from Bartolomeu train station
- City Buses #14, #16, #28 drop close to here.
- Buses run every half hour (on the hour on weekends)
- 8:00-21:00
- Verify the timetables for Prejmer here.
- Time: 40 minutes
- One-way Ticket Cost: 6 Lei ($1.35 USD)
Explore Prejmer Fortified Church
Prejmer is the closest UNESCO listed fortified church to Brasov. It boasts the most fortified walls than any other church in Transylvania. Construction of this church began sometime in the early years of the 1200’s and was built by the settling peasants.
Explore Prejmer Fortified Church
Prejmer is fairly large. There are over 270 rooms which were used as homes, storage, and for other basic needs of the community. First, head into the church. It’s fairly empty and plain, like many of the old Saxon churches, but still worth a gander.
One of the neatest things about this fortified church is being able to explore inside the fortress walls. Weave your way through the curves of this ancient wall. It almost feels like an attic with its cobwebs and dark, damp spaces. Make sure to have a flashlight on cloudy days! Meander inside the fortified wall, and twist and turn through the four levels.
Upon exit, make sure to take a loop around the church to comprehend its massive size.
Practical Info
- Entrance Ticket Cost: 15 Lei ($3.35 USD)
- Hours:
- May 1 – October 31 (High Season)
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 – 18:00
- Sat: 9:00 – 17:00
- Sun: 11:00 – 17:00
- November 1 – April 30 (Low Season)
- Monday-Saturday: 9:00 – 16:00
- Sun: 11:00 – 16:00
- May 1 – October 31 (High Season)
How to Get from Prejmer to Hărman
The bus station in Prejmer is right in front of the fortified church. The direct buses to the small village of Hărman are far and few between. However, it’s possible to take any bus to Brasov, and then exit the bus on the outskirts of Hărman.
This includes a 20 minute, flat and enjoyable walk to the Hărman fortified church.
- Hop on buses for Brasov
- 8:00-21:00, at least every half hour
- Check the timetables here
- Exit: On the highway on the outskirts of the village of Hărman
- Time: 15 minutes
- One-way Ticket Cost: 4 Lei (90 USD)
Visit Hărman Fortified Church
The Hărman Fortified Church is only a few miles from Brasov, making it one of the most convenient to reach. This church sits nestled into the quaint and small village of Hărman. Upon entrance, receive an informative handout that allows for an easy self-tour of this pleasant fortress. This was my favorite church to visit!
Things to see at Hărman Fortified Church
The people in charge have really put a lot of care and hard work into restoring the property. There are plants and flowers lacing the green space and lots of other thoughtful details to appreciate.
It’s easy to follow along with the handy information page. Make sure to climb up the bell tower. This bell tower claims to be the tallest in all of “Burzenland.” There are incredible views from the top, and you can see far off into the distant countryside of Transylvania.
Don’t miss the relics of paintings in the small chapel.
Upon exit, again stroll around this fortified church. There are some great angles for some excellent photo ops. A nice park surrounds the fortress.
Practical Info
- Entrance Ticket Cost: 10 Lei ($2.25 USD)
- Hours:
- April 1 – October 31 (High Season)
- Monday-Saturday: 9:00 – 18:00
- Sun: 10:00 – 18:00
- April 1 – October 31 (High Season)
- November 1 – March 31 (Low Season)
- Daily: 1:00 – 16:00
- Sun: 11:00 – 16:00
Check out their informative website in English here!
Ahem…
If looking for a “gem” to grab some lunch, try out Kastel Transylvania in Hărman. This local restaurant run by a lovely couple is serving up authentic Romanian food for a decent price. The service is so attentive and on point. They serve up local wine by the small (or large) bottle. Whatever you do, don’t turn down the dessert menu!
Due to its close location to Brasov, Kastel Transylvania can make an excellent accommodation for those looking to escape the buzzing city of Brasov. Buses run frequently to Brasov. Experience a tranquil stay at this little family run hotel.
Check availability for Kastel Transylvania here!
- Find it Here: Aleea 14 nr 37 A, Hărman
How to Return to Brasov from Hărman
Return to Brasov from either the bus station in front of the fortified church, or head back to the busy highway. Here, it’s possible to flag down the buses running frequently to Brasov, which can be easier and more convenient.
- Time: 20 minutes
- One-way Ticket Cost: 5 Lei ($1.10 USD)
Back in Brasov
Visiting these two churches only takes a few hours. There’s still plenty of time to discover the medieval city of Brasov.
How to Spend the Perfect Day in Brasov
Cost of Independently Touring the 2 Fortified Churches Near Brasov
So, how much did this half day excursion to visit these two fortified churches near Brasov cost me?
Keep in mind that bus tickets will vary slightly depending on company and time.
| Expenses | Lei | USD ($) |
| Public Transportation for this Itinerary | 15 | $3.35 |
| Prejmer Fortified Church Entrance Fee | 15 | $3.35 |
| Hărman Fortified Church Entrance Fee | 10 | $2.25 |
| TOTALS | 40 Lei | $8.95 |
Independently Visit the Fortified Churches Near Brasov
As you can see, it’s a breeze to independently visit the Prejmer and Hărman fortified churches. Both of these churches are easy to reach via the reliable public transportation in Brasov. This itinerary can be completed in half a day, so there’s still plenty of time to explore and discover all that Brasov has to offer. Visiting these two fortified churches near Brasov can be done for under $10!
Have you visited the fortified churches near Brasov? What did you think of them? Did you visit any a of the other fortified churches in Transylvania? Keep in mind there are nearly 150 fortified churches in Transylvania! Let me know in the comments below!
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