Marienburg, the reborn fortress of Feldioara

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The residence of the Teutonic Knights, the medieval fortress of Feldioara was known in 1200 as Marienburg, the fortress of Saint Mary, at the beginning of the 13th century. Initially, the Teutonic Knights were guardians of St. Mary’s Hospital, belonging to the German Crusaders. Later, thanks to the experience gained in defense, he showed his mastery in making the fortification systems and transformed the settlement into a militarized one.

In the end is it Marienburg of Feldioara or what?

I wanted to tell you a little about how Marienburg changed its destination, in a very short time, because in the beginning, when visiting the citadel, I did not understand where the mixture of monks specific activities and the presence of the armory came from.

Feldioara

Changing the name, well that is another story. Apparently, a document dating from the mid-1400s, shows how, in fact, the fortress was built by the locals, from soil, clay. Also in the interest of defending the inhabitants and their property. Hence the name of Feldioara, from Foldvar – the fortress of the earth. Considering that the presence of the Teutonic knights in the Barsa County, even if it was marked, was of short duration, the inhabitants kept the name derived from Hungarian.

Restoration by the book

Believe it or not, in 2011, Marienburg was a ruin. Only on the surface, half a tower and four walls were visible.

Since 2012, a serious restoration process has followed. All the walls were restored, the well was rebuilt. They did everything they could to bring the fortress to the 17th century shape, in the year of our Lord, 2018. And it looks a-ma-zing!

Within the fortress, now, there are exhibitions in towers – “Archaeological testimonies and local testimonies of living and co-living in Feldioara” as well as one of “Teutonic Knights” / “Armindians”.

I admit they both impressed me. But the one that got me the most was the one of the Armindians.

The citadel comes to life

„The Living Citadel” is the name of the event in September 7-8, a kind of open day at the Fortress. In fact, that’s how it will happen. Shows, animation, workshops, concerts, children’s theaters and a fair. Basically, the city will come alive during the holidays.

Feldioara

Not as in the old days, because at that time, it was a monastic organization and apparently, there were more services than with concerts😁.

Welcome to Marienburg

The Feldioara Fortress has a visitation schedule from Monday to Sunday, as follows: Monday 11:00 – 20:00 and Tuesday through Sunday between 9:00 – 20:00. This program was valid for August.

The program for the rest of the year, is here.

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