Dealu Frumos – Fortified Church, Saxon Architecture and Greenway

Dealu Frumos preserves a typical Saxon farmstead with Casa Verde. The house retains the form and expression characteristic of Saxon architecture. Those interested in vernacular architecture will find the UAUIM Study Centre for Vernacular Architecture in the fortified church complex of Dealu Frumos.

Culture

The fortified church of Dealu Frumos dates back to a three-nave Romanesque basilica from the 13th century. UAUIM uses the fortified church complex in Dealu Frumos–Schönberg on the basis of a loan and use agreement. A restoration exhibition is located in the old school of Dealu Frumos.

The fortified Evangelical church ensemble also includes the “Sala comunității”. The complex hosts academic, professional and cultural events, including international workshops and student camps. In addition to the church, the site therefore includes spaces for education, restoration, community activities and cultural events.

History

The “Sala comunității” is part of the fortified Evangelical church ensemble in Dealu Frumos. The fortified church complex hosts academic, professional and cultural events, including international workshops and student camps. The “Sala comunității” in Dealu Frumos was designed between 1913 and 1914 by the architect Fritz Balthes.

The former officers’ casino in Dealu Frumos was built in 1909 according to plans by the architect Fritz Balthes. The former officers’ casino stands opposite the main entrance to the fortified Evangelical church ensemble in Dealu Frumos.

The construction history of the ensemble thus extends from the three-nave Romanesque basilica of the 13th century to the buildings of the early 20th century. The design period recorded for the “Sala comunității” is 1913 to 1914, while the former officers’ casino was already built in 1909. Both details refer to Fritz Balthes and to buildings within or opposite the church ensemble.

Paths

The second Greenway route in the Hârtibaciu Valley runs from Agnita to Sibiu. Along its course are Dealu Frumos, Merghindeal, Cincu, Bruiu, Şomartin, Nou Român, Săsăuş, Chirpăr and Marpod. The sequence of places thus passes through several stations in the Hârtibaciu Valley before reaching Sibiu.

Agnita and Sibiu mark the two endpoints of the Greenway route mentioned. Dealu Frumos lies in the sequence between Agnita and the other places in the Hârtibaciu Valley; the route also includes Merghindeal, Cincu, Bruiu, Şomartin, Nou Român, Săsăuş, Chirpăr and Marpod.

Paths lead from Agnita to Dealu Frumos and can be travelled on foot or by mountain bike. These paths pass through a Natura 2000 protected area. A tour can therefore be undertaken either on foot or by mountain bike as specific means of transport.

The paths connect the Greenway route between the settlements with a protected landscape area. The starting point, Agnita, the destination, Dealu Frumos, and the Natura 2000 protected area all belong to the description of the same path connection. The route mentioned and the paths mentioned form two spatially connected references to the surroundings of the village.

Other Places

Other places in this selection: Apoldu de Sus, Vale, Boiţa, Veştem, Sadu, Tălmaciu, Mohu, Șura Mică.

Accommodation

Pensiunea Elisabeta Centrul Țării has 10 rooms with private bathrooms. The room arrangement comprises six duplex rooms, three single rooms with a double bed and one apartment.

To the broader travel overview: Hermannstadt.