Neustadt bei Kronstadt

Neustadt is one of the largest peasant communities in the Burzenland (Țara Bârsei) region. In the past, its inhabitants managed to achieve prosperity even though their arable land was limited, as the village lies between the two large communities of Weidenbach and Rosenau. It is said that even in the early days of settlement, families from Rosenau moved away due to a lack of land and founded the "Nova Civitas" — the new town. Perhaps a certain Christian was also among the founding members of the place, hence the name: Villa Christiani.

The church of Neustadt was originally built by the Cistercians in the 13th century and consecrated to Saint Nicholas. Today only the western façade with its ornate portal survives. Between 1840 and 1842 the old church was demolished and a new one was built in the Classical style. With the construction of the new church came a Romantic organ, built by Heinrich Maywald from Berlin. Maywald himself was a student of the great organ builder Buchholz, who had received the commission to build the organ of the Black Church.

Today seven of the nine defensive towers are still standing. Neustadt once had nine neighbourhoods. Each neighbourhood had the duty to build, maintain and defend one tower during times of siege. Each neighbourhood wanted to build the finest and strongest tower, which is why they all look different today.

Neustadt still has an active congregation of 110 souls. Every summer the Neustadt Music Festival — a series of classical concerts — takes place in this church. The preservation of this fortified church is also supported by the town hall.

Author: Pfarrer Uwe Seidner
Date: 15.11.2017

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