Madonna and Child at St Margaret's Church, Medias

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Mediaş boasts one of Romania's best-preserved historical centers and impressive medieval fortifications. The Tower of the Buglers stands tall at about 70 meters high, a prominent symbol of the town. Its construction began in the 13th century, with significant additions made in the 15th century when it was raised to five levels. Around the same time, the St. Margaret Church was completed. Two more tiers were added to the tower just two months later, and its roof is topped with colorful glazed tiles. The tower's four turrets add a distinctive touch, while a small wooden figure rings a bell in advance of the clock striking the hour. The tower leans slightly to the north due to the heavy pressure on the sandy soil beneath it. Between 1927 and 1930, and again in 1972, the tower underwent consolidation efforts to address this issue. The tilt between the top and base is approximately 2.32 meters. Located in the heart of Transylvanian Saxon country, Mediaş sits amidst a region rich in history. Within a 20-kilometer radius, dozens of fortified churches stand as testaments to the area's past. Two of these churches have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. St. Margaret Church boasts a Gothic-style fortified church built in 1488. Over time, it has undergone several modifications, but its original structure remains intact. However, the tower, constructed in 1460, had begun to lean due to the weak soil foundation. By 1550, the church had been raised three storeys high and four smaller towers added to signify the city's status as a court of law. The church reached its current height of 68.5 meters at this time. In 1783, the roof structure was altered and the small towers renovated. During this period, the golden globe from 1550 was removed from the tower and read aloud according to tradition. The tower proved an excellent vantage point for spotting approaching dangers, with a trumpeter stationed there to alert the town of potential threats. If he made an error, he risked being thrown from the top of the tower – a fate that led to the tower's name, Trumpeters Tower. It was in this very tower that Vlad Ţepeş, also known as Dracula, was ordered imprisoned by King Matyas in 1476. Inside the church, visitors can admire 14th- or 15th-century frescoes adorning the walls. The Gothic-style altar, crafted in 1480, depicts Jesus' sufferings, while a Wien panorama is visible below his arm, indicating its origin. Eastern wall carpets donated by Christians decorate the church walls, with some dating back to the 16th century. The church also boasts the country's oldest brass baptismal font, created at the beginning of the 19th century. The pulpit canopy was crafted in 1679 by master Sigismund Moess, while its pipe-organ, built in 1755, is suitable for symphony concerts held within the church. During these events, the church benches are rearranged to face the pipe-organ.