The fortified church and Josef Haltrich’s literary history give Schaas (Șaeș) two cultural highlights. The historical dates range from the early 16th to the 19th century; Haltrich’s collection of fairy tales was published in Berlin in 1856. For getting your bearings on site, the surviving parts of the fortified church, its condition as described in a condition report, and the route of the DJ 106 are also helpful.
Churches and Building History
The ensemble of the fortified Evangelical church is a historic monument, dated to 1500–1525 and the 17th to 19th centuries. The Evangelical church itself is a historic monument dated to 1820–1832. These dates refer to different units: the ensemble and the individual church building. This makes it possible to place the construction periods in context without equating the history of the entire complex with the dating of the church.
The church has a narrower chancel and a western bell tower. Pilasters and cornices give the church and tower understated definition: the pilasters add vertical accents, while the cornices create horizontal lines. The tower is topped by a pyramid roof with glazed colored tiles. Above it is a sheet-metal-covered lantern, whose original festoon decoration survives as a sheet-metal component. Another historic monument in Schaas is the Biserica Schimbarea la Față; its date range spans 1805 to 1821.
Josef Haltrich and the Cemetery
In 1856, Josef Haltrich published the collection of fairy tales German Folk Tales from the Saxon Land in Transylvania in Berlin, with the help of Jacob Grimm. It was not until 1872 that he came to Schaas, took over the parish there, and was buried in the local cemetery. The publication thus predates his arrival in the village by 16 years: his literary work and his later parish ministry in Schaas belong to different periods of his life.
The cemetery lies on the edge of the Schaaser Feld and offers views of the village and surrounding area. The rectory in Schaas is considered part of the cultural heritage of Apold commune.
Surviving Parts and Condition of the Fortified Church
Remnants of the curtain wall, a small defensive tower, and a defensive building survive from the fortified church. The latter was presumably built as a granary and is said to have served as a prayer house while the new church was being built. Both statements are presented as historical interpretations: its original use as a granary is uncertain, and its use as a prayer house is likewise reported only as a possibility.
According to a condition report, the defensive building is close to collapse; the church also has severe structural damage that needs urgent repairs. Check the condition again before planning a visit.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
The DJ 106 is the main access road into the Șaeș Valley. It runs from Sibiu via Agnita, Apold, Șaeș and Sighișoara to the DN 13. The sequence of places on the way to the DN 13 helps you find your way along the road.
Another historical point of reference is the Șaeș railway stop, dating from the late 19th century. It is located at kilometer 10+100, at the exit from the village in the direction of Sighișoara.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Burgfeld, Corunca, Trei Sate, Maia, Targu Mures, Weichseldorf, Chibed, Răstolița.
Back to the main travel overview: Mures.
