From the 12C, the Saxons left their mark in this Transylvanian valley: to protect themselves from Tartar and Turkish invaders, they built impressive fortress churches, their bell towers transformed into imposing keeps. Mainly Gothic in style, they were systematically fortified until the 16C. Today around 100 remain in varying states of preservation, notably at Apold, Iacobeni, Dealu Frumos and Hosman.