A Place of Faith, Heritage and Renewal

‍Standing quietly in the middle of Cund, the Biserica Sfântul Nicolae – or the Church of Saint Nicholas – has watched over the village for more than six centuries. Once the heart of the Saxon Lutheran community of Reussdorf, this graceful Gothic hall church bears witness to the faith, skill, and perseverance of the people who built and sustained it.

A Monument of Faith & Craftsmanship
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‍Believed to have been built in the fourteenth century, the church is one of the oldest structures in the valley. Its pointed arches and sturdy stone walls reflect the characteristic Gothic architecture introduced by the Transylvanian Saxons, who settled here from the 12th century onwards. Inside, fragments of wall paintings and carved details still speak of a refined artistic tradition.
Perhaps the most remarkable treasure of the church is its pre-Reformation winged altar, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Nicholas and the Passion of Christ. This rare and precious artwork, created by Saxon craftsmen, reveals both their deep devotion and their exceptional artistic ability.
Over the centuries, the church served not only as a house of worship but also as a gathering place for the community. Here villagers were baptised, married, and mourned. The bell’s toll marked the rhythm of life, and from this small hilltop sanctuary, generations of Saxons found strength, comfort, and belonging.

Decline and Rediscovery

‍The twentieth century brought immense change. The exodus of the Transylvanian Saxons after the Second World War and during the communist regime left the church without its congregation. For decades, it stood in silence, its roof weakened and its walls slowly yielding to time. A heavy stucco ceiling added in 1906 caused structural strain, accelerating the building’s deterioration.Yet even in its faded state, the church remained a symbol of the village’s soul — a reminder of faith and continuity in a world that had moved on.

A New Chapter Begins

‍Today, a remarkable new story is unfolding. The Regina Maria Foundation, in cooperation with Valea Verde, has adopted the Church of Saint Nicholas and initiated its complete restoration. With the support of generous donors and heritage specialists, the project aims not only to rescue a monument of European significance but to give it new meaning for the twenty-first century.The vision is both ambitious and deeply humane: to transform the restored church into Romania’s first interreligious and cultural centre, a place open to all faiths and backgrounds — where dialogue, reflection, and shared humanity can flourish.

‍Heritage, Culture and Community

‍The restoration will respect the sacred character of the altar, preserving it as a place for prayer and worship. The main nave will become a flexible, welcoming space for weddings, baptisms, concerts, and readings. Beneath the gallery, a small village museum will tell the story of Cund’s 750 years of Saxon heritage and its living traditions.This careful balance between preservation and renewal ensures that the Church of Saint Nicholas remains both authentic and alive — honouring the past while serving the needs of today’s community.


‍Faith in the Future

‍The rebirth of the Reussdorf church is far more than a restoration project. It is a symbol of unity and reconciliation — a bridge between cultures, religions, and generations. It celebrates Cund’s diversity, where Romanians, Hungarians, Roma, and families from across Europe now live side by side, continuing the story begun by the Saxons so many centuries ago.By saving this church, the people of Cund are not only preserving their heritage — they are affirming their shared future. The Biserica Sfântul Nicolae stands once again as the heart of the village: a place of faith, hope, and harmony in the heart of Transylvania.