Between July 13th and September 30th, you can visit the Fragments exhibition by artists Sorin Ilfoveanu and Adrian Ilfoveanu at the fortified church complex in Alma Vii. While there, you can also enjoy some traditional delicacies at the local gastronomic point, Belalma Rural.

The Alma Vii fortified church complex is a cultural landmark that symbolizes centuries of history and craftsmanship. Its restoration through the "REVEAL Alma Vii – Rediscover Alma Vii" project has not only preserved the architectural and historical integrity of the church but also strengthened the local community, encouraged sustainable tourism development, and revitalized the village's cultural heritage.

Alma Vii, a traditional Transylvanian Saxon village, is known for its fortified church, a testament to centuries of history and craftsmanship. The church and its surroundings had fallen into disrepair, making their conservation a pressing concern. The masonry, consisting of both 14th-century stones and hand-crafted 16th-century bricks, was uneven, leading to structural weaknesses and visible cracks, large fractures from previous interventions, dislocations, and compromised joints. The facades' plaster was deteriorated, especially on the north side, causing issues with the interior masonry. The wooden structure suffered from rot, moisture, and insect infestation.

The project's integrated conservation approach was closely tied to implementing a multifaceted strategy that combined high-quality restoration methods, sustainable heritage site valorization, community engagement, strategic planning for sustainable development, and economic empowerment. The restoration work adhered to best practices, embracing minimal, reversible interventions using traditional local construction materials and techniques. Experienced architects, engineers, and builders specializing in historic restoration were integral to the project.

The restoration included repairing wall cracks, re-laying stones and bricks, cleaning and straightening displaced mortar with lime mortar, reconstructing damaged buttresses and ring wall segments, and repairing the deteriorated wooden roof structure. Additionally, the church’s sacristy was saved from collapse by reconstructing the vault.

The project placed significant emphasis on involving the local community in heritage revitalization through meetings, events, and educational workshops. These activities were designed to raise awareness of the cultural heritage’s value, explore local heritage protection and conservation, and collaborate with community members to identify new functions for the church after the restoration work. This was particularly relevant, as the Saxon community of the church had largely left the village by the late 1990s.

The project not only breathed new life into a historic monument but also revitalized the community. It has become a catalyst for sustainable tourism, economic opportunities, and cultural exchanges. The project's holistic approach involved community engagement, education, and international collaboration.