The mighty citadel of Fagaras is like a gate that takes you back to the medieval times. It can be found right in the middle of the city, easy to spot due to its thick walls which are set off by the small houses around it. The visitor must also condone the newly built orthodox cathedral, which proves to be another huge useless building for the eternal glory of the patriarch. Just like anywhere else in Romania, the signs which should guide you around are missing, but enough information can be found on internet, as well as the maps of the surrounding area.
The most comprehensive text found on the internet regarding the Fortress of Fagaras is found on the web page of Radu Negru College:
“Nowdays, the Fortress of Fagaras is the biggest construction of the city, still surrounded by defending lake. In times of war and social unrest, this lake was easily filled with water, grace to a river coming from the mountain. The river’s course was artificially deviated, as the surrounding lake become deeper and to be an obstacle in the way of Turkish and Tatar invasion. The museum of History and Ethnography of the Land of Fagaras is located in one of the castle’s wings, as well as the City Library, and a wine cellar, and a restaurant. Over the centuries, the city has developed in the fortress surroundings vicinity, on the base of Fagaras Mountains. Regarding the fortress construction beginnings, we have two evidences in the two documents from the XVIII century. The first one, redacted in Latin in 1726 is presenting the fortress, under the title « ???? Fagaras » The same text has been reproduced after a half century, in 1776, in a manuscript about the church’s history and Franciscan monastery of Fagaras. From the same year (1776) it did exist a second document, containing the text in German of a chronicle named « Fagorascher Cronik » . The content of these two documents is almost identical. The history of Fagaras Fortress begins with the date of March 11th, 1291, when the king of Hungarians, Andrew the 3rd (1290-1301), has organized at Alba Iulia a congregation of Magyar, Saxon, Romanian and Szekler nobles from Transylvania. In his congregation « Magister Ugrinus » has been raised, sustaining that the lands of Fagaras and Sambata have been unlaufully taken away, being his family possessions. He has proved his rights by royal diplomas that his predecessors have been received. As a fact of all there claims, the king has returned his possessions. This document appears to be very important, as it can be considered like the first documentary attesting, not only for this field, but also for Fagaras Fortress, taking into account that in that times a feudal land was unacceptable without a fortress existence. Some historians associate this date with Fagaras authonomy cancellation.
From XV century the first sure attesting of stone fortress of Fagaras has come to us. In a trial case from 1455, Iancu de Hunedoara entitled two castellans in order to administrate Fagaras and next year a « fortalicium » existence can be found at Fagaras.
It seems that in 1301, the stone fortress construction started, but these are several opinions, then Ladislau Kan or Apor, the king of Transylvania ( voivode of Ardeal ), has started to build what was to become the one of the well known and impressive medieval cities of Romania.
First a woolen and earthen fortress has been raised, and the 65 villages of Fagaras Country surrounded it and formed later the city.
From the XVIIth century untill the Hapsburg Empire estabilish, by several constructions and renovations, the fortified center has been transformed into city-fortress, built in the style of later Renaissence and having a great fame. Tradition says that on the place of fortress another fortification, older over a millenium, probably a roman castle, could be found, and the prove for that being a dacic-roman monetary treasure, as well as teh mysterious inscriptions found on some stones, that stay written of belonging to another initial construction.
Over its existence, the fortress passed through several conquerors. It had belonged to Vladislav I (Vlaicu Voda), starting from January 20th, 1368, and to Mircea cel Batran.
The king Sigismund of Hungary was the one that in 1431 entitled Vlad Dracul (the forth son of Mircea cel Batran) duke over Fagaras and Amlas and also military protector of the South of Transylvania.
In 1456, Iancu de Hunedoara entitled Vlad Tepes (the son of Vlad Dracul) landlord over Fagaras and he gave to him the keep-guard of the South of Transylvania. According to a document dated on September 10th, 1456, Vlad has entitled as Dominus Terre de Fagaras. Vlad Tepes has come to Fagaras and has been enrolled an army in order to conquer the throne of Valachia. The local nobles supported him.
In the month of March 1460, Vlad Tepes declared himself as king over Fagaras Country. But his reign last only till 1462. Then, the fortress belonged to the Transylvanian princes and later, to the Hapsburgs. It’s strategic most important location has transformed the city into a resistance point against Turkish and Tatar attacks.
Century XVI was the time of great transforming in the Fortress of Fagaras architecture, transforming from a defending fortress into a voievod’s castle, having a strong external fortification. In this century the old fortress was characterized as an inexpugnable feudal fortification complex. In achiveing of all these transformations the voievod Stefan Mailat (1528-1541) has played the most important role. The first transformations took place in 1538, when Stefan Mailat has changed the wool walls with stone and brick walls.
In 1541, the Principate of Transylvania was recognized by Ottoman Empire, as an independent state, paying tribute to the Ottoman state.
After the year of 1573, the castle has entered into Bathory Family possessions (Stefan Bathory, 1571-1575, Cristof Bathory, 1575-1581, Sigismund Bathory, 1581-1597 and 1599-1602, Andrei Bathory, 1599).
Between 1599-1601, Michael the Brave owned the fortress of Fagaras. The fortress had become the prince residence of Michael the Brave, who, in 1600 made gift the castle, as well as the land of Fagaras wo his wife, Lady Stanca. He has been found shelter after the Minaslau defeating (September, 18th, 1600) and his family has lodged until 1601. At Fagaras, he was kept a judging chair, rebuilt churches and has given monuments, written in Romanian.
Transforming over the XVIIth century have been estabilish the present shape of Fagaras monument. The Prince of Transylvania, Gabriel Bethlem (1613-1639), as a good organizer, has initaited several constructions of fortress and places all over the Transylvania. Starting with the year of 1614, for several times, he has asked the Transylvania Great Meeting to vote the new incomes and free labour from serfs in order to build the fortress. At Fagaras the working started in 1623, after several preparations the prince himself attended. He elaborated a project by which, the obligation of bricks manufacturing starting is specified, as 3.000 pieces daily, as they reach of 600.000 in a year, with the scope of bastions building.
1.500 serfs have been chosen, organized into groups ( 500 each week ). They have to build the brick-houses for drying over the summer. The craft working have been continued in the castle, on the stone carrying and cutting.
Under the prince George Rakoczi I (1630-1648) the castle consolidation was continued.
In this period, the external walls have been doubled over the north and south face and guard division building have been finished. The building was located on the right place of the gate.
The walls and the massive towers of stone of the fortress have been arranged in a shape of trapezium with four corners, and other four bastions. The access in the fortress is a bridge over the defending lake, located in the front of location, and the castle is in the middle of the fortress. The castle has three floors underground, lobby, the first floor, several towers ( The Red Tower, The Black Tower, The Prison Tower), and 80 rooms.
By building the bastions, floors , stylistic transformation and filling of the moat the architectonic transformation of the Fagaras fortress ended.
The princes who succeeded the throne of Transylvania, have appreciated the military value of the Fagaras Citadel. The Prince Mihai Apaffi I (1662 – 1690) moved his residence here, and founded, inside the citadel, a mint.
Under the reign of this Prince the citadel had a golden era, shining in feasts and luxury.
In 1699, by the signing of the Karlowitz treaty, Transylvania is yielded to Austria, by the Ottoman Empire; so it became the host of an imperial, Habsburgs’ garrison and various rooms turned to cells where rebel serves were imprisoned.
The 18th century, , under the Austrian domination, it’s the century when for the citadel starts a period of regressive transformation, felt at the inventory from 1726, where its own degradation can be observed the citadel being used now only for military affairs. It was a time when its fortifications no longer faced the development of military technique, and the new owners transform it in a castle – palace. From 1740 – 1780, when Maria Theresa was princess of Transylvania, she was given the title of great princess from 1765 – 1780), its image resembles the one of today.
In the 19th century, and starting with the 20th century, the feudal building is step by step depreciating, losing its elegance and greatness.
From 1507 – 1848, the citadel had 33 supreme captains. It became an important center on the map of the Romanian independent regions, Transylvania’s Diet kept its meetings four times here.
The great district of Transylvania (1765 – 1867) stopped to exist in 1867 and, on the period of the existence of the Austrian – Hungarian Empire, its territory was embodied to that of Hungary.
The modern era, had a huge effect on the Fagaras’ Citadel and the inhabitants surrounding the locality.
The citadel was used in different ways until 1948; therefore from 1948 -1960 was used as a prison. Starting with 1965 it becomes a museum, and during the 80’s it was renovated.
In the late 90’s, mainly starting with 1989, noting else was done in this direction.
In 2000, occasionally, the citadel served as a film studio for a few foreign movies.
In the last period, different local institutions and even foreign organizations showed their interest in renovating and rearranging the citadel; things that make us believe that everything comes to normal again. Thus the Fagaras’ Citadel regains the place it deserved in the history and the life of the inhabitants of this town. The renovation of this citadel, means the rehabilitation of the identity and dignity of some people who have been proud of their inheritance for seven decades.
The Princesses of the Fagaras’ Citadel and their Legends
As they say the domain of Fagaras, that included the citadel, was one of the richest and the most beautiful among the princes’ domains of Transylvania. Also called Canaan, this domain had two markets and 60 villages. Most of the times, it was offered as a wedding gift to the Princesses.
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The Lady Ana Maria Mailat – a fighter for the salvation of the life of her husband.
The first lady to rule the citadel was Ana Nadasy , the sister of the great PALATIN Toma Nadasy. She got married to Stefan Mailat in 1530, prince of the Ardeal who ruled the Fagaras from 1528 to 1541. Stefan Mailat is double crossed by the Ottomans who were helped by the princes of Muntenia and Moldavia and he dies in an Ottoman prison where he dies ten years later. Princess Ana Mailat, stayed in Fagaras when her husband was in the Ottoman jail together with their children Margareta and Gavrila who later were taken care by his brother, Toma Nadasy. She rules the domain like a man , trying at the same time in many ways to set free Stefan Mailat, but everything was in vain. Ana Nadasy ruled and lived in the citadel after the death of the Prince, too. Two years after his death she leaves Fagaras but comes back six years later where she ‘ll stay until she dies.
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Maria Cristierna – the hermit of the citadel
Archduchess Maria Cristierna, the sister of the Austrian emperor, Ferdinand II , is the second princess to receive as a wedding gift the Fagaras citadel and the domain belonging to it, after she married Prince Sigismund Bathori (1581 – 1598). Their marriage in 1595 was a formal one, that was not consumed, and four years later The Pope put an end to it. The princess who lived most of the time alone in the citadel accepted the situation she had to face by political reasons, organizing charities for the inhabitants of Fagaras, and at the same time, making important changes inside the castle. After their marriage ended she lived in an abbey in Tirol, where she would die like the abbess in 1620. Despite all the inconveniences from the others, The Princess didn’t give up her rights over Fagaras until she died.
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Lady Stanca and her children – prisoner and slave of the citadel
The third lady to rule the citadel is Stanca, The wife of Mihai Viteazul; she received it as a gift from the prince. Lady Stanca and her two children, Nicolae Patrascu and Lady Florica, will settle here. Mihai Viteazul builds in the east part of the citadel an orthodox church for his family. After the Battle of Mieraslau ( September 18, 1600) they are hold inside the citadel as prisoners; and after the cunning murder of the prince on Turda battle field on September 1 1601, the Lady stayed ere as a slave. In 1938, N Iorga proposed to the “Romanian Women Organization” from Fagaras to built a bust of Lady Stanca. Lady Maria Cornelia Budanu, the president of the “Romanian Women Organization from Oltenia and Fagaras” was in charge with this.
The project was sustained by a committee formed especially for this event and its members were important people at that time like Mr. Moise Grama the mayor of Fagaras headmasters and teachers from schools and high schools, the ladies from the “Romanian Women Organization from Oltenia and Fagaras”; and inhabitants of Fagaras. The monument once realized was placed nesrby the citadel more exactly in its east side.
On the support of the monument is written “May she rest in piece for she suffered all humiliations and menaces by asking for the justice of its people. In sufferance and forever in pain, Mihai Viteazu’s wife. Lady Stanca.”
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Caterina de Brandenburg- the richest Princess
The citadel of Fagaras will have a new owner only in 1626, named Caterina de Brandenburg, who belonged to the Hohenzollern Family. The citadel was given to the Princess as a dowry by her husband, Prince Gabriel Bethlen (1613 – 1629) who has got the citadel in 1614. The inventory of the citadel made at her leaving, sees her as a rich princess, able to compete the wives of the European Princes. Prince Bethlen ordered the rebuilding of the citadel in the same form as it is today. The emblem of the princess, representing two stabbed birds framed in a flower wreath; having the initials C.B. and the year 1626 can be seen above the door from the princely apartments. After Bethlen’s death, Caterina remained the owner of the citadel as a regent of Ardeal County after 1630, too.
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Susana Lorantfy – Founds the Romanian School
Gheorghe Rakoczy I (1629 – 1648) had got the citadel after 1630 and continued the working stopped by his predecessor. He gave the citadel together with all the goods of the Fagaras Country to his wife, Susana Lorantfy, as a gift. The subdue of the Roman priests, to the protestant consistoriu (administrative and discipline organ in the leading of some churches) in Fagaras and the founding of the First Romanian School. Its goal was the passing of the Romans from this region to Calvinism. After the prince’s death, the widow Susana Lorantfy remained the owner of the citadel even under the reign of her son, Gheorghe Rakoczy II ( 1648 – 1657).
Having as a basis the new ideas of the Polish Ioan Amos Commenius, and the support of the Romania leaders from Fagaras, The Princess founds in 1647 in Fagaras a school for priests and “gramatici” ( public officers) that functioned until 1700 . The fame of this school got to The Romanian Countries, too.
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Ana Bornemissa and the end of the Transylvanian Independent Region
From 1654 – 1661, the owners of the citadel change often until the rule of Mihail Apafi I (1662 – 1690) the time when the citadel had the most important role in its history. Like its predecessors, having the approval of the diet from September 24 1663, Prince Apafi offered the citadel as a gift to his wife, Ana Bornemissa, and their children. The nobility had to serve the citadel or where they are ordered to. The princess had the right to decide whom to send or not to the war.
There was a numerous staff at the citadel, the court competing in luxury, with the courts from west. Princess Ana Bornemissa, who had quite a restless life, dies on August 8 1688; and in April 15, 1690 Prince Mihail Apafi I The last prince of the independent Transylvania dies.
Later on, under the Habsburgs ‘domination, the citadel lost its important role comparing to the time when it was ruled by Transylvanian Princes.”
here is the link: http://radunegru.ro/VARIANTA%20ENGLEZA/Html/istoria%20Fagarasului.html
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