Agârbiciu Fortified Church

The Evangelic church in Axente Sever is an important witness of the hard times the region had to bare. Therefore not only the ring wall was strengthened for defensive purposes, but the church building itself was also fortified. The massive tower between hall and chancel, dating back to the 14th century has a parapet walk on the highest level and on the first and second floors simple, elongated loopholes that end as a niche towards the interior. Both the chancel and the nave were heightened with defence levels with loopholes. The arches built between the reinforced buttresses on the western facade support the defence level. A portcullis, whose guiding slides are still visible today, protected the western portal. Along the outer wall there are partially preserved and reconstructed storage rooms which are used as guest rooms today.

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.

Built in the 13th century as an unfortified three-aisles basilica with apse, the church was protected through a curtain wall with defence towers since the 15th century. Later the church itself was fortified by dismantling the northern aisle. A brick-made barrel vault replaced the wooden ceiling of the nave. In place of the apse a chancel with polygonal end was erected in the middle of the 16th century. In addition it was heightened with two defence levels. Some ornamental paintings have been preserved on the outside of their walls. In the year 1800 the church was extended to the west by one third, adding the bell tower to the western facade six years later. The fortification was demolished completely 100 years later. On the eastern side the school replaced the curtain wall.
The barrel vault of the nave and the cross vault in the aisle have been preserved until today. Well worth seeing are the Baroque pulpit and the altar of 1776.