Bunesti on the Târnava Plateau: Fortified Church and Cultural Heritage

The Buneşti commune lies in southeastern Transylvania on the Târnava Plateau, at an elevation of 496 metres. Its location can also be understood in terms of watersheds: the commune sits at the foot of the watersheds between the Olt river basin to the southwest and the Great Târnava basin to the southeast. Here, two clear geographical reference points meet a landscape rich in cultural history.

Landscape and orientation

For a broader sense of direction, the E60 European route runs through the Buneşti commune, connecting Braşov with Târgu Mureş. On the map, its position on the Târnava Plateau is also a useful reference point, while the river basins situate the landscape to the southwest and southeast.

Two Natura 2000 sites also provide a sense of the landscape’s scale. The Buneşti commune includes 9,580.33 hectares of the Podişul Hârtibaciului site. A further 13,870 hectares of the Sighişoara–Târnava Mare Natura 2000 site lie within the commune. Each figure refers to the area within the commune and helps put the extent of the two protected areas in this region into perspective.

Fortified churches and architectural history

The fortified Evangelical church of Buneşti was built in the 14th century and fortified in the 16th century. Here’s a specific point of reference for your visit: the keys are held by the Wagner family at Buneşti No. 14. Availability may change, so please check locally before your visit.

The churches of Meșendorf and Roadeș also showcase different architectural styles and phases of fortification. The fortified Evangelical church of Meșendorf is an early Gothic hall church with a tower on its west façade. It was built in the 14th century and fortified at the end of the 15th century. Its defensive structures include projecting square towers and a covered wall walk; a barbican with loopholes was added in the 16th century.

The fortified church of Roadeș was surrounded by a defensive wall with a barbican and four defensive towers, three of which survive. It was probably built in the 14th century as a hall church with a polygonal choir and bell tower, then fortified in the 15th century. Comparing it with Meșendorf reveals two different historical assessments: Roadeș’s construction in the 14th century remains probable, whereas the church of Meșendorf is stated to have been built in that century.

Cycling, horse riding and Viscri

The cycling network in the Târnava Mare area connects Viscri, Bunești, Criț and Meșendorf and has been extended to more than 100 kilometres. Linking several villages provides a practical basis for a regional cycling tour. As route maintenance can change, check the current conditions before setting out.

Another option is horse riding, offered in Viscri and the surrounding villages. When visiting Viscri, leave your car in the village car park and continue on foot. This makes planning a visit there different from following the cycling network: for the church in Buneşti, the keys are held by a named family, while the guidance for Viscri concerns parking and continuing on foot.

The Haferland Week programme includes Criț, Roadeș, Meșendorf, Bunești and Viscri. The festival takes place every August; participating villages may vary from one edition to another. Check the specific dates and programme for the year in question. In Viscri, the blacksmith makes traditional tools, horseshoes, grilles, decorative items and household utensils for a traditional home. This craft is another cultural aspect of the region, complementing its churches.

Discover more destinations: Criț, Homorod, Moieciu, Lisa, Vulcan, Apata.

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