These are seven villages of common origin and similar organization, providing a vivid picture of the cultural landscape of southern Transylvania. The Transylvanian Saxons whose traditions still exist founded the villages. Preserved are a number of medieval peculiarities of the settlement pattern, house construction, land-use system and organization of the family farmstead. Most remarkable are the big fortified churches dominating the villages, built between 13th and 16th century, illustrating the building styles from that period.