Frauendorf

Frauendorf (Romanian: Axente Sever, Hungarian: Asszonyfalva, Transylvanian Saxon: Fräenderf) is found on the right bank of the Weißbach (Vișa), a tributary of the Great Târnava, in Hermannstadt (Sibiu) County. The settlement only received the name Axente Sever in 1931, in memory of the 25th anniversary of the death of Axente Ion (educator and prefect), who played an important role in the political development of the village. He led the propaganda department during the 1848 Revolution and was a fellow fighter alongside Avram Iancu.

The mighty fortified church of Frauendorf dates from the 14th century. The All Saints' Church is a High Gothic hall church built from river stone. What is particularly interesting about this church is the three-storey bell tower. According to some historians, this tower is the oldest part of the building. This architectural concept is also found in Arbegen and Abtsdorf. Since the region endured difficult times, not only the ring walls were fortified but the church itself was also raised by approximately two storeys to create space for defensive storeys. Today one can still see the grooves of the portcullis when ascending via the west wall.

The chancel forms the eastern part of the fortified church and is separated from the nave by a compact three-storey tower. From this vantage point the far-reaching modifications to the chancel can be clearly seen: it was raised by two storeys and fitted with arrow loops. The former storage chambers have been reconstructed and now serve as guest rooms.

The Evangelical fortified church of Frauendorf served not only as a religious centre for the villagers but was also their refuge in times of great danger. The village was repeatedly affected by Turkish and Tatar raids, forcing the citizens to fortify the entire church building with defensive storeys fitted with arrow loops and drop holes. Interestingly, the bell tower was built between the chancel and the nave, accessible from outside the church via the church attic. Those wishing to spend a night in the atmosphere of the fortified church can stay within its walls. Not only have the storage chambers been converted into guest rooms, but a museum has also been set up for knowledge-hungry visitors.

Author: Zîmța Andreea
Date: 03.04.2018

For photos from Frauendorf, please click: Photos from Frauendorf