Success And Failure in Transylvanian Fortified Church Conservation

Transylvanian fortified churches, often called 'peasant citadels,' have undergone complex conservation histories marked by both successes and failures. These structures, serving as micro-settlements with defensive functions, have been the subject of conservation efforts since the 19th century, with significant interventions during the interwar period and post-war decades. The study traces these efforts over nearly 50 years, revealing a dynamic yet uneven process. Key examples—such as Ilieni, Alma Vii, Roşia, and Drăuşeni—highlight diverse outcomes in conservation quality. The findings suggest that while some interventions have endured, others have failed partially or entirely, offering valuable lessons for future preservation efforts.

GHEORGHIU, T. O. (2025). Success And Failure in Transylvanian Fortified Church Conservation. Transsylvania Nostra Journal, 2024(1-2), 54–72. https://doi.org/10.64311/tnj.2024.1-2.02