How did life in late Middle Ages look like in a besieged fortified church? In Hărman one can get a feeling for it, even today, with the help of the numerous components restored. The fortified church was repeatedly besieged and attacked especially in the 16th and 17th century, but was never taken. In January 1612 the villagers even succeeded to defend the castle against a 7,000-strong army of the Hungarian prince Bathori.
At that time the ensemble comprised three surrounding walls, a moat and many defence towers. The entire third fortification wall included storage space on the inside. Water supplies were provided by wells located within the fortifications. Living units were integral part of the church, which in case of a siege could provide accommodation for the mayor, the pastor and other key community representatives.
The defensive fortifications were built between the 13th and 15 Century. Until today very well preserved remains can be visited, e.g. the powerful inner fortification wall, the defence towers, and living as well as storage rooms in the castle precincts.
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