Biertan - Fortified church - Tower - Bacon Tower (Speckturm) 02 ok
The Bacon Tower (Speckturm in German) is a historic defensive structure, that served as a communal cold-storage facility for the local Saxon villagers.
During the centuries of Ottoman invasions, villagers fortified their central churches with high walls and towers to protect both their lives and their food supply.
The thick stone walls of the tower created a perfectly chilled, dark environment. Families stored their cured pork sides, sausages, and lard here to prevent them from spoiling.
When attackers laid siege to Biertan, the entire community retreated inside the church fortress. The centralized food supply in the tower allowed them to survive for weeks or months.
To prevent theft and rationing issues, the tower was strictly locked. It opened only once a week—usually on Sunday morning before church services.
Each family had a unique iron stamp or marking tool to brand their specific pieces of bacon, ensuring no one took another family's rations. A designated community official oversaw the weekly cutting.
Biertan - Fortified church - Tower - Bacon Tower (Speckturm) 02 ok
The Bacon Tower (Speckturm in German) is a historic defensive structure, that served as a communal cold-storage facility for the local Saxon villagers.
During the centuries of Ottoman invasions, villagers fortified their central churches with high walls and towers to protect both their lives and their food supply.
The thick stone walls of the tower created a perfectly chilled, dark environment. Families stored their cured pork sides, sausages, and lard here to prevent them from spoiling.
When attackers laid siege to Biertan, the entire community retreated inside the church fortress. The centralized food supply in the tower allowed them to survive for weeks or months.
To prevent theft and rationing issues, the tower was strictly locked. It opened only once a week—usually on Sunday morning before church services.
Each family had a unique iron stamp or marking tool to brand their specific pieces of bacon, ensuring no one took another family's rations. A designated community official oversaw the weekly cutting.