Altana: Fortified Church, History and Holiday Apartments

Culture and History

The fortified church of Alțâna originated as a Romanesque basilica. In 1493, it was almost completely destroyed by the Turks. It was subsequently rebuilt as a hall church and fitted with fortifications. The complex includes a double enclosure, square bastions and high defensive towers. The fortified church also has a baptismal font dating from 1404. Telephone registration is required for visits. This registration should be arranged before visiting the complex.

The church’s construction history therefore comprises several clearly dated and structurally distinct phases: the Romanesque basilica was followed, after its destruction in 1493, by reconstruction as a hall church. The fortifications added later define the complex together with the double enclosure, square bastions and high defensive towers. The baptismal font dating from 1404 is one of the older surviving furnishings.

Casa Gerendi is an aristocratic residence dated to 1508. Casa Gerendy houses a weaving centre.

Cycling Routes

One recommended cycling route passes through Alțâna and recommends visiting the fortified church there. Another recommended cycling route also passes through the village and recommends visiting Casa Gerendi. The “Comori ascunse între dealuri” route runs from Sibiu via Alțâna to Agnita. Thus, the named route connects the starting point of Sibiu, Alțâna and Agnita in that order.

The cycling routes therefore name two different destinations in Alțâna: the fortified church and Casa Gerendi. The “Comori ascunse între dealuri” route additionally specifies a fixed connection between Sibiu, Alțâna and Agnita.

Nature and Landscape

In May, numerous flowers bloom in the meadows and hay meadows of the Hârtibaciu Valley. These include orchids, primroses, irises and meadow sage. In the dense beech, oak and hornbeam forests, a diverse range of birdsong can be heard.

The May flowering takes place in the meadows and hay meadows of the Hârtibaciu Valley, while the birdsong is associated with the dense beech, oak and hornbeam forests. The flower species mentioned range from orchids and primroses to irises and meadow sage.

Capul Pădurii is located in the wider regional surroundings of Alțâna. Piscul Dărâmat is also situated in these wider regional surroundings. La Lăcuţ is likewise located in the wider regional surroundings of Alțâna. Biserica Sfântul Ioan Botezătorul is situated in the wider regional surroundings. Biserica Ortodoxă Moşna, Biserica Fortificată Lutherană Moşna and Biserica Ortodoxă Botezul Domnului are also located in the same wider regional surroundings. Dealul Marpodului is situated near Alțâna.

Thus, in addition to Capul Pădurii, Piscul Dărâmat and La Lăcuţ, the wider regional surroundings include Biserica Sfântul Ioan Botezătorul and the three churches named in Moşna.

Other directly linked destinations are Sadu, Cârţişoara, Gura Raului, Miercurea Sibiului, Șura Mică, Biertan, Şelimbăr and Vale.

To the higher-level travel overview: Sibiu.