The most impressive and biggest of all Saxon fortified churches, Biertan (Birthälm in German) was an important administrative centre in medieval times. The late gothic church (14th century) is poised on a hill in the middle of the village, and is surrounded by quaint streets and vineyards. Three fortification walls circle the complex, each with walls and towers, making the church impossible to conquer. Visit Biertan by taxi from Sighisoara or Medias, as public transport is cranky. The church has a small German standard pension attached to the outer defence wall.