Holzmengen
Holzmengen (Romanian Hosman, Hungarian Holczmány, Transylvanian-Saxon Huulzmoindjen) is located in Hermannstadt (Sibiu) County in Transylvania, Romania.
It is part of the commune of Leschkirch (Nocrich) and a village marked by the peaceful coexistence of peoples (Romanians, Hungarians, Roma, Transylvanian Saxons) and churches (Evangelical, Orthodox, Greek Catholic, Catholic, as well as several free churches since the fall of communism).
Holzmengen was first mentioned in documents in 1381 under the name Holzmenia, then named Holzmengen (1479) and Holczmang (1494). Some say the name derives from the words "Holz" (wood) and "mangi" (= quantity), meaning a quantity of wood, a bundle of wood.
The village was destroyed in 1449 by Vlad III Drăculea. Around 1500 it was listed among the communities of the Leschkirch Chair with 15 householders, one shepherd and one schoolmaster. During the Kuruc Wars from 1703 to 1711, only 15 out of 400 householders remained.
In the 17th century as well the community experienced no revival. In 1601, troops of Michael the Brave set the fortified church on fire, and as late as 1695 some 47 farmsteads stood empty. To defend the fortified church, which was again damaged by fire in 1706, a total of 28 firearms were available around 1730.
The land consolidation in Holzmengen was carried out in 1895.
With the narrow-gauge railway Hermannstadt–Agnetheln opened in 1910, Holzmengen received its own station. The service on the railway, nicknamed "Wusch", was discontinued in autumn 2001.
A distinctive feature of Holzmengen is the emergence of a Transylvanian-Saxon Catholic community, which built its own church in 1859. This community existed into the interwar period.
The village is defined by the fortified church of the Evangelical congregation. From the basilica built in the 13th century, only the west portal and the pillars with arcades that separated the main nave from the side naves have survived. The west portal is a valuable testimony to the Romanesque architectural sculpture of Transylvania with numerous relief friezes. Anyone who looks carefully at the tower above the portal will notice an immured relief depicting two figures. Some claim it represents the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, while others suspect it depicts Adam and Eve. The viewer may attempt their own interpretation of the riddle. Around 1500, the bell tower of the Holzmengen church was heightened and fitted with a defensive walkway supported by corbels. In the course of this, the side naves of the church were demolished. The two walls of the fortress built in the 15th century are connected by the gate tower and still show traces of the former walkway and arrow slits. (Q. Kirchenburgen.org)
The fortified church in the centre of the village is one of the most popular photographic subjects in Transylvania. In clear weather, one has an impressive view from here of the often snow-covered Fogaras Mountains (Munții Făgăraș), which once formed the boundary of the Hungarian and Austrian sphere of influence. (Q. Kirchenburgen.org)
The fortified church of Holzmengen underwent extensive restoration in the late 1990s. In the meantime, 20 years have passed and the all-important ongoing maintenance and care of the complex has gone through varying phases. (Q. Kirchenburgen.org)
In the early 2000s, the Cotaru family (Hosman Durabil) took intensive care of the fortified church and, in addition to opening and making the fortified church accessible, also lent a helping hand. This enabled not only continuous maintenance but also the restoration of the tower clock.
From 2010 onwards, various measures were carried out by the Jugendburg Holzmengen association, the Hermannstadt district and other initiatives. The Jugendburg Holzmengen association has for many years looked after the old rectory. (Q. Kirchenburgen.org)
From 2016 onwards, the Holzmengen congregation was taken over and managed by the Evangelical City Congregation of Hermannstadt.
In order to support the diverse commitment of the congregation and the two local associations, the Kirchenburgen Foundation has included Holzmengen in its monument conservation programme.
Today, Holzmengen is one of the starting points of the Brukenthal Cultural Trail, on which one can explore the surroundings in up to nine daily stages. Locally in Holzmengen, the association "Sustainable Holzmengen" (Asociația Hosman Durabil) promotes village development. The focus of the work is on preserving the cultural and architectural heritage and improving the quality of life. As part of this work, the so-called Old Mill (Moara Veche) has been developed into a cultural and events venue. Here one can participate in guided tours and buy bread baked according to traditional recipes. (Q. Kirchenburgen.org)
The association "European Youth Meeting Centre Kirchenburg Holzmengen" (CEPIT Hosman) organises inter-ethnic and ecumenical youth events and is committed to preserving the medieval ensemble of the fortified church. (Q. Kirchenburgen.org)
In Holzmengen a project is currently underway for the maintenance of the medieval fortified church complex and cultural revitalisation.
The fortified church has plaster damage on almost all walls, caused by the lack of above-ground drainage of rainwater, rising ground moisture and defective gutters. Previous repairs with cement-containing plaster have intensified this effect. The roofs have minor damage.
To address the drainage of rainwater, repair of roofs and gutters, open space works and preventive measures, 3,500 euros are needed.
Further information and news can be found at: www.holzmengen.ro and http://kirchenburgen.org/location/holzmengen-hosman/.
This year the 5th Holzstock Festival will take place from 17–19 August 2018 in Holzmengen, a festival of friendship, passion, dreams and fun. Great bands, varied leisure activities, an idyllic campsite within the walls of the mighty fortified church and of course the exciting and carefree atmosphere of a beautiful time surrounded by wonderful people — all of this awaits you at the Holzstock Festival.
360° Panorama
Panorama 1Panorama 2Panorama 3Author:
Zîmța Andreea
Date: 17.05.2018
For photos from Holzmengen, please click: Photos from Holzmengen