The Evangelical Fortified Church in Meșendorf
The Evangelical Fortified Church in Meșendorf

The Evangelical Fortified Church in Meșendorf

Fortified church

About

The evangelical church in Meșendorf has a coherent aspect, with proportional choir and nave, both vaulted and supported on the outside by equal buttresses. A buttress on the northern side of the choir nevertheless indicates the location of the old sacristy.

During the last modifications of the church, making it fit for defense against Turkish attacks and civil wars, both components of the church were super-elevated, but on the upper part the defense solution of choice consisted of a wooden wall corridor supported by corbels.

During the same time the inner vaulting systems were abandoned. Some of their elements were surprisingly preserved: several ogee crosses depicting God’s Right Hand (Dextra Domini) and a Marian rosette, initially used in the eastern end of the ogee network. The opening of the old windows was preserved, unlike the original decoration. Inside, one still finds a tabernacle with preserved ironwork, though it is not necessarily medieval in origin.

The tribune’s panels are of great value since in 1765 Georg Rosenauer painted them with naive landscapes that include building complexes.

The fortification is also based on the church’s bell tower whose height dominates the entire complex.

Contact:
Mrs. Doina Scoica
phone: 0040740903744
address: Meșendorf, no. 102

Text and photo source: http://www.rupeaturistica.ro/

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In Viscri one can find a particularly well-preserved and complete ensemble of regional typical rural architecture, an authentic image of the early 19th Century. Due to its great cultural and historical value, the village together with the fortified church were listed in 1999 as UNESCO World Heritage site. The fortified church in Viscri still stands as a striking example of Transylvanian defensive architecture. On the foundations of the former Romanesque basilica, built by the first Székely settlers a new chancel was erected after dismantling the apse. In 1500 the church was fortified. Therefore the hall was prolonged and connected with the western, until then freestanding, dungeon, which most probably belonged to an early extinct noble family. The tower was heightened with one level with room for bells and parapet walk and another defensive level with loopholes for arches was built in the roof. The defence level of the chancel was demolished in 1743. The 7 m high ring wall was built in early 16th century and during the 17th century was strengthened by fortified houses, defensive towers and parapet walk. In the more peaceful times following 1743 grains storage rooms for the inhabitants replaced the parapet walk. The interior of the church still preserves the paneled ceiling from 1743 and the sober furnishing. Contact: Mrs. Gerhild Gross, phone: 0040742077506 or 0040742069477 Text and photo sources: http://www.rupeaturistica.ro/; http://kirchenburgen.org/
Viscri 507039, România