Axente Sever Fortified Church

In the early 14th Century an early Gothic basilica was built in the middle of the village. The aisles were removed and the arcades were bricked up in 1500, when the church was fortified. Above the chancel a defence tower was erected. The chancel’s polygonal closure was heightened with two defence levels and the buttresses were connected by arches, in order to build a machicoulis gallery behind them. The ensemble was strengthened by a surrounding wall in 1502, completed by a gate building and an adjoining bacon Chamber on the north-west side . The tower was heightened in 1827 and received its striking pyramidal roof. At the same time its defence systems together with the defence level of the chancel were removed . The typical western gable of the church was erected in the same time with the renewal of the roof in 1854. Inside the church the mainly 18th-century furniture is still preserved.

In place of the 14th century initial construction, a new church was built in the 15th century. Around 1500, during the fortification phase, the ensemble received its present appearance. The chancel was rebuilt as a tower featuring three brick defence levels and 1,5 m thick walls. The forth level projects over the lower part and is supported by the arches between the buttresses. It has a battlement platform built in the timber frame technique. A defence level was constructed above the main nave and the northern and southern entrances were provided with defence systems. The bell tower is impressive through its numerous and manifold defence systems. The church was surrounded by a curtain wall with battlement walk on brick arches, two bastions and a tower, as well as a gate tower provided with a portcullis.
Inside the church a pew from 1528 was built during the transition phase between Gothic and Renaissance. The paintings of the altar were executed 1779 by Stephan Folbarth from Sighişoara.

The former importance of the locality Șeica Mică is reflected by the size of the 14th century three-aisled pillar basilica. The building was enlarged throughout the centuries and modified in Gothic style. It was provided with a western tower, which was later on heightened together with the chancel by adding of two defence levels. Two smaller towers were preserved, while the double curtain wall was partially demolished. The inner defence wall was secured on the western side by a gate tower. In order to protect the fountain which was vital to the villagers in case of besiege, the church tower and the western tower were merged through 14 m high wall, thus forming the so called “Fountain Yard”. Its enclosure walls were equipped all around with a battlement walk featuring watchtowers.
During the 18th century the church’s interior was extended by building galleries above the side aisles. The naves were covered with a flat ceiling, while the chancel still exhibits its Gothic ribbed cross vault.