Altana – fortified church, Casa Gerendi and Hârtibaciu Valley

Altana brings together several clearly identified cultural and landscape sites: the fortified church of Alțâna, Casa Gerendi, the weaving centre in Casa Gerendy and the Hârtibaciu Valley. Casa Gerendi is an aristocratic residence dated to 1508. A weaving centre is located in Casa Gerendy. Two different architectural and cultural points of reference stand side by side, and their names and functions can be clearly distinguished.

Culture and history

In 1493, the fortified church of Alțâna was almost completely destroyed by the Turks. It was subsequently rebuilt as a hall church and fitted with fortifications. The complex comprises a double enclosure, square bastions and high defensive towers. The fortified church originated as a Romanesque basilica. Its furnishings also include a baptismal font dating from 1404. The dates indicate different layers of its history: 1404 refers to the baptismal font, while 1493 refers to the destruction and subsequent reconstruction. The hall-church design, the Romanesque origins and the later fortification elements are distinct aspects.

Routes and paths

One cycling route recommendation passes through Alțâna and recommends visiting the fortified church there. Another cycling route recommendation passes through Alțâna and recommends visiting Casa Gerendi there. The two recommendations therefore connect the same place with different destinations. In addition, the “Comori ascunse între dealuri” route runs from Sibiu via Alțâna to Agnita. For planning your own route, the two local recommendations and the course of the route can be considered as separate details.

Landscape and nature

In May, numerous flowers bloom in the meadows and hay meadows of the Hârtibaciu Valley. These include orchids, primroses, irises and meadow sage. A wide variety of birdsong can be heard in the dense beech, oak and hornbeam forests. The reference to the month adds a clear seasonal indication to the location. Flower meadows, tree species and birdsong describe different aspects of the landscape area.

Geographical context

Capul Pădurii and Piscul Dărâmat are located in the wider regional area around Alțâna. Dealul Marpodului is located in the vicinity of Alțâna. La Lăcuţ is also located in the wider regional area. This wider regional area also includes Biserica Sfântul Ioan Botezătorul, Biserica Ortodoxă Moşna, Biserica Fortificată Lutherană Moşna and Biserica Ortodoxă Botezul Domnului. The geographical classification therefore comprises two ranges: the vicinity in the case of Dealul Marpodului and the wider regional area in the case of the other places mentioned.

A visit to the fortified church of Alțâna is available by prior telephone appointment.

When choosing a hotel for Alțâna, travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions can be compared separately. This keeps the accommodation decision transparent, while the trip’s thematic focuses can be considered independently. The decisive factors are the specific details for the desired period and the selected room category.

Other destinations

Other destinations for planning your own trip: Pojana, Hohe Rinne, Miercurea Sibiului, Arpaşu De Sus, Valea Viilor, Tilischen, Heltau, Mohu

To the main travel overview: Sibiu.