Biertan is one of the largest and most representative Saxon settlements in Transylvania. For almost 300 years (1572 – 1867), Biertan served as the seat of the Lutheran Evangelic Bishop of Transylvania. The 15th century fortified church was built on top of a hill and it is surrounded by 3 snail-type rows of walls measuring more than 10 m high and linked by a beautiful wood-covered stair-case, making the church impossible to be conquered.