The Forgotten Fortress of Slimnic

Slimnic Fortress Overview

Slimnic Fortress, or Stolzenburg, is located in the village of the same name, along DN14, the road connecting Sibiu to Mediaș. The first documentary mention dates back to 1282.

Structure and Features

The fortress extends in a north-south direction over the entire Burgbasch hill.

Key Components

• The oldest part of the fortress is a Gothic chapel with a flat polygonal choir, topped by a three-level bell tower.
• In the southern part, a Gothic hall church was begun but was never completed. Only the following remain:

- The southern wall of the main nave

- The collateral with ogival arches on two levels

Access

Access to the fortress was through a tunnel in the northeast of the fortress, leading to the southern courtyard.

Historical Context

Locals speak of an ancient royal palace existing on this hill, but archaeological research conducted in the area mentions the presence of an old church that dominated the northern enclosure.

Due to Turkish invasions in the 15th century, the church was never completed. Instead of working on the church's construction, locals reinforced the walls of the fortification.