Reg.Nr. HA2024-RO-01

Fortified Saxon Church in Alma Vii

The Fortified Saxon Church in Alma Vii is a 14th-century fortified church ensemble located in a traditional Transylvanian Saxon village in Sibiu County. The restoration project combined structural conservation, repair of masonry and vaults, roof rehabilitation, restoration of ...
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Project details

Title:Fortified Saxon Church in Alma Vii
Entr. year: 2024
Result:Award
Country: Romania
Town: Alma Vii
Category type: building conservation, preservation of various buildings and urban design
Notes:Grand Prix Winner and Public Choice Award 2024.
Building type/ Project type: religious building, Military/Defence/Fortified building/system
Former use:Fortified village church used for worship, refuge and defensive protection for the local Saxon community until the early 18th century.
Actual use:Cultural heritage site used for tourism, educational activities, cultural events and occasional religious ceremonies.
Built: 14th century
Architect / Proj.leader: Traditional Saxon medieval construction (historical structure) , Alexandru Neagu
The Jury's citation: The conservation of the Saxon Church in Alma Vii is an outstanding example for fortified religious heritage whose original community has largely disappeared. Minimal intervention, compatibility of materials, preservation of patina and strong community involvement demonstrate how heritage conservation can restore both monument and cultural landscape.
Web, Links:

www.mihaieminescutrust.ro/exemplary-projects/alma-vii-a-center-for-the-interpretation-of-traditional-culture/

Description:
The Fortified Saxon Church in Alma Vii is a 14th-century fortified church ensemble located in a traditional Transylvanian Saxon village in Sibiu County. The restoration project combined structural conservation, repair of masonry and vaults, roof rehabilitation, restoration of original wooden and plaster elements, and community-based adaptive reuse. Traditional local materials and techniques, including lime mortar, reclaimed bricks and timber repairs, were used in accordance with minimal intervention principles. Beyond physical restoration, the project established the church as a centre for cultural interpretation, community engagement and sustainable tourism, creating a new social role for a heritage monument whose original Saxon community had largely disappeared.