Sebes [Seh besh']

(Biserica Evanghelica)
Open: Mon. – Sun. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission charge

First built as a Roman Basilica in romanesque style, the church later took on a gothic appearance with renaissance elements. Only the nave has been preserved from of the original church built between 1240 and 1270. Throughout the centuries, gothic elements were added to the structure, such as the richly decorated choir built between 1361 and 1382. The Evangelical Church in Sebes boasts the largest altar of all churches in Transylvania. Richly decorated with paintings and carvings, the polychrome wooden altar was designed between 1518 and 1526, marking the transition from gothic to renaissance style.

The church was repainted in 1752 and again, in 1904. In the late 18th century, an organ made by Master Johannes Hahn of Sibiu was placed below the belfry. In 1893, it was replaced by a new organ made by the brothers Rieger of Jagendorf (Silesia).

St Jacob’s chapel, on the north side of the church, was built in gothic style in the 14th century.  Images depicting the lives of St Francis of Assisi and St Nicholas are still visible on the murals.

(Cetatea Sebesului)

The first written mention of
the Sebes Fortress dates back
to 1387 when construction began. Damaged by invaders,
it was restored in 1571.
Stone-block and brick walls
with eight towers were added
to the original rectangular
precinct. The one-mile-long
walls with battlements,
ramparts and openings (used
to pour hot tar over assailants)
have been preserved and can
be seen even today.  

(Turnul Croitorilor)

The guilds in Sebes built eight towers; only two, namely the Shoemakers’ and the Tailors’ Towers, though partially ruined, remain standing to this day.

(Casa Zapolya / Muzeul de Istorie)
Address: Str. Mihai Viteazu 4
Telephone: (258) 735.240
Admission charge

Zapolya House was built in the second half of the 15th century and served as the seat of the Transylvania Diet during the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the building houses the local History Museum, which displays Romanian and Saxon folk art, medieval weapons, traditional pottery and icons painted on glass and wood. 

Location: 10 miles southeast of Sebes
Access: car
www.RomaniaTourism.com/Castles-Fortresses.html#Calnic

Built in 13th century, Calnic Fortified Church is one of the most representative defensive structures in Transylvania. The Siegfried tower, the landmark of the fortress, is five stories high and is endowed with defensive corridors and firing windows. An onsite medieval art museum displays various artifacts.