Biertan is a village in Transylvania, Romania that was founded between 1224-1283 by Transylvanian Saxons. By 1510, the village had developed into an important market town with a population of around 5,000 people. Between 1468-1500, a fortified church was constructed that became an important religious and defensive site. After declining in importance, the village is now an historic site and cultural center for Transylvanian Saxons, many of whom now live in Germany.