Mosna, the medieval fortress hidden in the heart of Transylvania

Archaeological Discoveries

Archaeological excavations over time have brought material evidence of habitation in the territory of the village since the Neolithic and Eneolithic periods. Thus, in a place called *La Rapa, a prehistoric settlement was discovered with materials belonging to the Petrești culture. In the boundaries of the village, at Via lui Rampelt, materials belonging to the Coțofeni culture* were found, while from another location, bronze and medieval iron sickles were uncovered.

On Drumul Cetății, a necropolis from the second Iron Age is noted, containing fragments of pottery, a Celtic cup, and a sword. Within the medieval fortification, ceramic materials with traces of burning from the Iron Age and pottery from the 6th century were found. In the 14th century, a three-nave Gothic basilica was built, dedicated to *St. Mary*.

History of the Mosna Fortress

In 1485, the church was almost entirely rebuilt, with only the outer walls of the old basilica preserved, while the interior was transformed into a hall church. In 1780, during repairs to the sacristy of the Lutheran church, a monetary treasure consisting of 380 Roman coins was discovered, the oldest dating from the time of Emperor Nero and the most recent from the period of Severus Alexander.

The oldest document referring to the Saxon localities in the Târnavelor area, dated 1283, mentions the name of the priest from *Moșna (Petrus). Moșna was an exceptionally prosperous commune and until 1533, it competed with Mediaș and Biertan to become the seat of the chair, a title ultimately obtained by Mediaș*.