German-speaking settlers, the Transylvanian Saxons, founded villages like Biertan in the Middle Ages. In the late 15th century it became a prosperous market town and, for nearly 300 years, the seat of the Lutheran bishops. Most Saxons left for Germany after 1990, but the village keeps its long rows of gabled houses facing the street, with wide gateways leading to inner courtyards.
Wander the main square and lanes below the church, look out for the old school and the bishops' houses, and climb the slopes above the village for the classic view of the citadel.
A few guesthouses offer simple rooms and home-cooked meals for those who want to stay the night.
