Nocrich Fortified Church

The 13th century basilica, initially built without towers, was rebuilt and fortified two centuries later when the chancel was completed with a defence level on arches with loopholes. This level was to be removed in the 19th century. By heightening the aisles, the building became a hall church. The western potter’s tower is equipped with a parapet walk built in the timber frame technique. The ring wall was demolished, but the defence towers are preserved: the potter’s tower, the gate tower also called the cooper’s tower, the tailor’s tower, the smith’s tower and the cobbler’s tower. The techniques and details are impressive not only on the construction itself, but inside as well. The chancel boasts a well-preserved double winged altar from 1650, an artwork that echoes the pre-reformation Gothic winged altars.

The Romanesque three-aisles basilica originated from the 13th century and was re-shaped through fortification systems in 1500. On the original tower-less church a strong dungeon with defence level was built on the western side and the square chancel was strengthened with walls in such a manner, that it was possible to build another defensive tower there. At the same time, the side aisles were heightened and the building became a hall church. The central nave and the aisles were covered with fine lierne ribbed vaults. In the course of this work the rectangular precincts wall with four corner towers were also built, possibly as a replacement for an older system. The fortified buildings erected in the 16th and 17th century were used in part as accommodation. The ensemble was completed in 1914 by the construction of the community hall on the southern side. The pre-reformation crucifix above the triumphal arch was created in 1425.

The Romanesque basilica from the 13th century has been largely preserved, as is testified by the connection between nave and side aisles. Two centuries later, during the fortification phase, a tower with later demolished parapet walk was erected above the chancel. The defence level of the western tower and its timber frame parapet walk is still preserved. This type of church with two towers is also found in the neighboring village of Dealu Frumos. The square ring wall with two defense towers had loopholes and parapet walks. From the last one only the insertion holes of the beams are still preserved. The gate tower was once home of the castle guardian.