Heritage & History · Ghimbav
Biserica fortificată Ghimbav
Saxon church-fortress in Ghimbav, with an enclosure and five defence towers, rebuilt in 1658 and painted inside in 1902. Visited with the key from the caretaker — call ahead.
Official websiteWhatsAppFoto: Neighbor's goat / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
At a glance
Distance from MAX 8,6 km Travel time 13 min by car Difficulty ușor Town GhimbavAbout the place
Current status (checked 12 October 2026)
The fortified church in Ghimbav has no published visiting hours. Access is with the key from the caretaker: according to the Brașov Tourism listing, consulted in April 2026, the keys are with Mr Ioan Matei, at Strada Morii no. 170, phone 0746 403 310. Call before you set off to make sure someone can open it for you.
A church-fortress of Țara Bârsei
The settlement was founded in the 13th century, in the time of the Teutonic Order, and today's church, a 15th-century Gothic basilica, grew out of an older Romanesque church. It was later fortified: an enclosure with five defence towers, an outer bailey and a moat. After being damaged in fighting, the church was rebuilt in its original form in 1658.
What you see
Besides the walls and towers of the enclosure, the interior has a floral and ornamental painting from 1902, covering all the walls and vaults, which the Fortified Churches Foundation describes as unique in Transylvania. As an indoor sight, it also works on a rainy day.
Opening hours and prices (checked 12 October 2026)
Opening hours and prices are not published for 2026 — check the official source (kirchenburgen.org) or call the parish on 0268 258 176. The length of a visit and pushchair access are not stated in the sources consulted.
Getting there
Ghimbav lies in Țara Bârsei, between Cristian and Brașov, so from MAX International you get there by car, on the road towards Brașov. The address in the official listing is Strada Școlii. You can see the exact distance and time with the navigation buttons on this page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MAX International Local Guide?A guide to attractions, trails and events in the Râșnov–Brașov–Bran area, designed as an information point for MAX International guests. Each attraction shows the distance from MAX, a map and access details.
How far are the attractions from MAX International?It varies: some attractions are right in Râșnov (Râșnov Citadel, Valea Cetății Cave), others are further away, in the Prahova Valley (Bușteni, Sinaia). The distance and driving time from MAX are on each attraction's page, calculated by road.
Is the guide's information verified?Yes. Every published attraction has a confirmed official source and map. Opening hours and prices can change seasonally, so please check the official link before your visit.
Can I ask for recommendations at the MAX International reception?Yes. The MAX International reception and concierge can help with recommendations, transfers and bookings, based on the season and your preferences.
How do I reach the attractions without a car?The MAX reception can help with a private transfer or transport information. Nearby attractions (Râșnov Citadel, Râșnov town centre) are easily reachable on foot.
What is the best time to visit the area?The area is attractive year-round: summer for trails and caves, winter for slopes and cable cars. Each attraction indicates its recommended season.
Can I book accommodation near these attractions?Yes — MAX International Râșnov is a central base for exploring the area. See the accommodation section or message us on WhatsApp for availability.
Getting there
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