The citadel of Calnic was first built in early 1200's as a residence for count Chyl of Kelling, who has given the name of the village. The fortification was conceived as a massive tower to be used as a residence, surrounded by oval-shaped walls with another tower to the south and a tower gate to the north. The defense system was completed by a moat.

CalnicFoto: Hotnews

A noble's home until 1430, the citadel was then sold to the villagers of Calnic, who in the early 16th century started building a new round of walls, strengthened the gate tower and raised a chapel in the inner courtyard. Supply chambers were also built there.

The fortification was restored in 1961-1964. In 1998, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage. HotNews.ro has tried to go deeper into the story of this place, as part of a project dedicated to the culture and heritage of Transylvanian Saxons, but Marius Porumb, a member of the Romanian academy who was pointed as the man in charge with the place, did not want to provide further information.

The project is supported by Therme and Selgros