In the Middle Ages, such a phenomenon as a fortified church was widespread not only in Romania but also in Poland, Belarus, and Lithuania. It was a necessity as external and internal enemies threatened the peaceful artisans. As a result of migration, the ethnic population of Transylvania was very diverse at the beginning of the 13th century. Hungary was a part of the Ottoman Empire, but some villages, including Harman, refused to pay tribute and remained independent. At that time, this land was inhabited by German-speaking Saxons. King Geza II of Hungary invited them to develop agriculture, trade, and manufacture (the Saxons were excellent miners).

The Teutons helped build the fortified church, as the locals did not know the basics of fortification. As a result, an area of 15,000 square meters was reinforced with double exterior walls 10 meters high and 4 meters thick. Inside the walls, passageways with loopholes were created, and on the side of the courtyard, various premises, from classrooms to storage rooms with provisions, appeared. Today, they house a Museum of Everyday Life, which displays furniture, dishes, books, and musical instruments of those times.

The church with a bell tower was built at the same time as the fortress. The walls of these buildings are also surprisingly thick and suitable for shelter. During church services, women sat on low benches in the center, and men stood at the edges to protect their beautiful wives in case of a sudden attack.

The church, built in the late Gothic style, lacks rich interior decoration. However, there are oriental carpets inside it. The Ottoman ambassadors came with their prayer carpets and then left them there. The height of the square bell tower is 35 meters at the base. Although the wooden staircase looks fragile, you can climb it to the top and even hear the bell ringing directly above your head. It was great of the Teutons to build Harman thoroughly: all buildings have remained in excellent condition for 700 years.

Inside Harman, there are many walnut trees. Everyone can taste walnuts: they are offered in the bags in the museum.