The citadel of Sighişoara
First documented in 1280, Sighisoara is perhaps one of the most well-known known Middle Age landmarks in Romania. One of seven citadels (Siebenburgen = Transylvania in German), Sighișoara was once an important craft center with over 19 guilds and with the right to have its own judge. In the XIV century, Sighișoara was the second most important seat of Transylvania, after the seat of Sibiu.
Included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the citadel hides beautiful stories and will reveal a delightful universe that will fascinate you. You can try local products at the small cafes in the citadel and enjoy the rhythmic sound of the clock in the main tower, which strikes every quarter of an hour.
One of the main gateways to Transylvanian Highlands eco-destination, Sighișoara is full of medieval charm and a magnet for many Dracula and vampire enthusiasts - it is believed that it this is the birthplace of Prince Vlad Țepeș, who inspired the famous story written by Bram Stocker. Often called "The Transylvanian Pearl", Sighisoara is known as the only medieval fortress in Europe, continuously inhabited since the Middle Ages.
Don't miss in Sighișoara:
A visit to the Clock Tower - the 360° view from the balcony is worth every step you need to climb to the top.
A walk up the Covered Staircase to the Church of the Hill - if you come with your partener, there is a secret way to find out if you were meant to be together forever.
A tour along the citadel walls, that still has nine out of 14 defence towers and three bastions. They all bear the name of the guilds that have contributed to their construction
The Venetian House, the Stag House and the medieval weapons collection
The Roman-Catholic Church, The Monastery Church and its impressive collection of persian carpets
The festivals - from a medieval one (July), to academic music festival (August), a blues festival (March), an folclor interethnic one (July) or one dedicated to independent theatre (October) or to brass-bands (September)
A night-walk in the citadel
An independent theatre play
A visit to a beltmaker's craftsman workshop in the Furrier's tower
Classical concerts in the Monastery Church or the Church on the Hill, all summer long, each Friday, at 18:00
The most recent permanent exhibition about life in the communist era. It is called Central Underground and you can visit in in the former wine cellar of a hotel located in the center of the Lower Town.
The fortress and its surroundings can be discovered by foot or by bicycle - from here you can easily reach the Secular Oaks Reserve on the Breite plateau, but also on the trails that connects the town with the villages around like Saschiz, Apold, Daia.
For guided tours, use Local guides and agencies
Photo credit:
Mihai Dragomir