The towers and walls of the Mediaș fortress restored.

Introduction

Located in Sibiu County, the municipality of Mediaș has been a support point for the central region of Romania since 1477. At that time, after analyzing and investigating the military and defense capabilities of the people of Mediaș, it became clear that a new strategic paradigm was necessary – specifically, a new regulation regarding the participation of residents in obstructing the access of marauders to the locality.

Construction of the Fortress

Thus, in 1486, King Matthias Corvinus decreed that every citizen of Mediaș must be present for the construction of the Mediaș fortress, without making distinctions based on their position or social class.

Timeline of Construction

1. 1486: Decree issued by King Matthias Corvinus.
2. 1490: Official commencement of the construction of the fortress.
3. 1534: Completion of the fortress with walls measuring a total length of 2,360 meters and a height of 7 meters.

Today, the fortress has been rehabilitated, maintaining the same numerical delineation.

Historical Significance

Chronologically, the fortification has undergone a series of defeats and restorations. The fortress in Mediaș was first besieged in 1529 and was only refortified in 1539, thanks to tax incentives and economic advantages granted to the people of Mediaș. During this time, the city underwent immense changes that accelerated its economic, financial, and industrial development.

Modern Rehabilitation Efforts

In modern times, the towers and walls of the Mediaș fortress are being rehabilitated. Through a project carried out in partnership with the European Union, at the end of 2015, 6 million Euros were allocated for the process of shaping the ancient aspects.

Project Details

• The duration of the project was paradoxically reduced from 24 months to 9 months.
• Focus areas include:

- Consolidation and restoration processes

- Implementation of lighting systems

- Addition of minimalist and practical elements, including:

- Benches

- Decorative vegetation

- Restoration of the furniture in the Butchers' Bastion, the Rotarians' Tower, and the Stonecutters' Tower.

Initially, the works were scheduled to start in January. However, due to delays in the bidding process, the project was postponed by two months, beginning in March 2015. The towers and walls of the Mediaș fortress are now rehabilitated, ready to be visited by any tourist wishing to discover the secrets of the city of Mediaș.