Transylvania boasts breathtaking landscapes, lush forests and picturesque valleys. The region also has a diverse cultural heritage, influenced by Romanian, Hungarian and German traditions.
Of the Transylvanian towns, Sighișoara stands out for its remarkable history. Getting here is like stepping back in time. This small medieval town leaves you with the impression that time passes differently and it’s worth slowing down to enjoy a memorable experience and explore the history of Sighisoara.
- Sighisoara Medieval Citadel – a journey into the heart of Transylvania
- Top places to visit in Sighișoara
Sighisoara Medieval Citadel – a journey into the heart of Transylvania
Sighișoara is a town recognized for its rich history, stunning sights and unique cultural heritage. The Sighișoara Citadel is a fairytale place where visitors can stroll the cobbled streets, admire the well-preserved architecture and take a foray into the region’s history.
Medieval Sighișoara is characterized by a blend of history, folklore, natural beauty and cultural experiences that make it a fascinating destination among tourists looking for a unique and memorable travel experience. Visitors can explore traditional villages, sample local cuisine, and experience unique festivals and events that showcase the cultural richness of the region.
Geographical location
Sighișoara is located in the historic region of Transylvania, on the Târnava Mare river, and is surrounded by the picturesque Carpathian Mountains. The town is about 250 kilometers northwest of Bucharest and 56 km southeast of Târgu-Mureș.
History of Sighișoara Citadel
Sighișoara is known for its well-preserved medieval fortress, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The town is also famous for the legend that it is the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș, the inspiration for the character Dracula, and the largest inhabited medieval fortress in Europe.
In addition, Sighișoara Medieval Citadel is known for its charming narrow streets, colorful buildings and rich history dating back to the 12th century. It is a popular destination for tourists who want to explore part of Romania’s medieval past.
Sighișoara is one of the seven fortified Saxon towns in Transylvania. This settlement has enjoyed particular historical importance due to its position right at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, which once formed a natural border between Europe and the Ottoman-controlled east.
Sighișoara is known to have been founded in the 12th century by the Saxons, a group of craftsmen and merchants of German origin who were sent to Transylvania by the Hungarian court. The idea was to protect the kingdom’s borders and strengthen the mountain passes against Ottoman and Tatar invasions.
Bringing with them their various trades, the craftsmen and their families established Sighisoara – then called Schaasburg – as a successful frontier community and trading center. They not only made the local economy work, but were also responsible for the defense of Sighisoara. To this end, they erected a set of mighty towers, the towers of Sighisoara.
Sighișoara offers an invaluable insight into the Middle Ages and the history of Transylvania. At the heart of Sighișoara is the well-preserved fortress, an ode to the early inhabitants who made the town what it is today.
Top places to visit in Sighișoara
Walking around Sighișoara is a joy. While the town continues to grow, its historic spirit is frozen in time, allowing travelers to experience all the attractions the area has to offer. Visitors can explore Transylvanian culture, sample local cuisine, and experience unique festivals and events showcasing the cultural richness of the region.
Sighișoara Citadel (Sighișoara Citadel)
The small Transylvanian town is covered with UNESCO-listed sites, most of which are inside the stunning fortress.
Surrounded by medieval walls and towers, the first overview of the Citadel of Sighișoara will give you an idea of the city’s beginnings. It was intended as the border of the Ottoman Empire. Despite suffering serious raids for centuries, many of the original buildings remain intact to this day.
Exploring the fortress is an interesting experience. It is an ode to medieval times, and the surrounding walls stretch for over 900 meters, with 14 towers.
Each tower bears the names of the guilds that built it, so you will find, in addition to the Clock Tower, the Clock Tower, the Funers’ Tower, the Tinkers’ Tower, the Tanners’ Tower, the Tanners’ Tower, the Sewers’ Tower, the Tailors’ Tower, the Tailors’ Tower, the Butchers’ Tower, the Shoemakers’ Tower, the Blacksmiths’ Tower. Initially there were 14 towers, of which only 9 remain.
Sighisoara fortress program:
- Summer program: 15 May-15 September
- Monday: closed
- Tuesday-Friday: 09.00-17.30
- Saturday-Sunday: 10.00-17.30
- Winter program: 16 September-14 May
- Monday: closed
- Tuesday-Friday: 9.00-15.30
- Saturday-Sunday: 10.00-15.30
The price for a visit to Sighisoara Fortress is 12 lei/adult, 4 lei/child.
⏩ Not many towns in Central and Eastern Europe are as well-preserved as Sighisoara, which is why it’s the focal point of your Transylvanian adventure. A few days’ stay in Valea Verde would give you the opportunity to visit both Sighișoara and other fascinating sights in the area. In this way, you can fully savor and understand the spirit of Transylvania.
Sighișoara Old Center – Clock Tower
The emblematic Clock Tower can be found in the old and historic streets of Sighișoara’s Old Town. Built in the 14th century, the structure stands 64 meters high. Throughout its history, it has served as a clock tower, town hall and main defensive bastion.
The clock you see today dates from the 1600s and can be seen from both the citadel and the new town. Above it are four spires symbolizing the city’s autonomy through the ages.
You can enter the Clock Tower, and from the top you can admire vast views of the city and surrounding mountains. You can also visit the tower’s History Museum inside to learn more about the fascinating history of the structure.
The museum is on the way to the top of the Clock Tower, on several levels. Once you’ve seen the clock mechanism, you’ll discover historical models of Sighisoara from years gone by, Renaissance furniture and ethnographic studies on Transylvanian history.
Housing so much medieval history, it’s no wonder Sighisoara has a dark side. When visiting the historic clock tower, you’ll have the chance to visit the torture chamber. So well-preserved is the chamber that the experience feels recent and visceral.
As you step inside, you’ll be able to see artifacts, such as tools used to torture those being interrogated.
It’s an eye-opening experience that shows the true nature of this era and the methods used to uncover the truth. The chair laden with sharp nails is sure to capture your attention as you try to imagine the unfortunate soul that had to sit.
Fortress Square in Sighișoara
One part of Sighișoara that you’ll never get bored of is the Citadel Square. This prismatic space is lined with pastel-colored houses, stalls selling handicrafts and wonderful views of ancient buildings. It’s a lively place to enjoy a coffee or a traditional dinner.
Also known as Citadel Square, this landmark basks in sunlight in the middle of the day. The red, blue, yellow and muted green facades create an impressive landscape where you can easily imagine how life used to be.
After you’ve finished your coffee, you can explore the square in more detail, admiring the colorful houses and details of the historic buildings up close. Along the way, you’ll pass two of Sighișoara’s most beautiful buildings, the famous Deer House, which features large antlers sticking out and the Venetian House, which encapsulates the modern beauty of the town.
House of Vlad Dracul
In 1431, Vlad Tepes, alias Dracula, was born right here in Sighisoara. The legend revolving around this famous historical figure is a major attraction for travelers exploring Transylvania. It’s easy to see why one of the best sights in Sighișoara is the House of Vlad Dracul.
Visitors will be able to enter the very room where Vlad Tepes was born. The house itself was owned by his father, Vlad Dracul, but the spirit of the legend lives on as you cross the threshold.
After exploring the house, you can enter the restaurant for authentic Romanian food and end your visit with a stroll through the souvenir shop for some Transylvanian-inspired handicrafts and souvenirs.
To complete your exploration of the legend, keep walking through the old town until you find the statue of the iconic character near the center of Sighisoara.
Church in Deal
From the Citadel, if you climb a steep hill you can reach the next attraction. Every step will be worth it as you admire the Gothic-style church built in the 15th century. The structure of the church has a historical reputation in local life, a reputation that endures to this day, as it is considered one of the most beautiful in Romania. It is also one of the representative buildings of the Gothic style in Romania.
The surroundings, ancient paths and ancient trees frame the landscape. However, what lies inside the church is even more captivating.
As you enter, you’ll be able to see parts of the frescoes that were first painted in the 1480s. They once covered all parts of the interior of the church, depicting an endless series of local legends, historical figures and a mixture of mythology and religion. In 1776 they were repainted, but recent restorations have managed to save many of the original stories. These include The Last Judgement and St George fighting the dragon.
Ancient oak reserve on the Breite plateau
Your first few days in Sighișoara will induce a hefty dose of culture, art and history. But you’ll also have the chance to explore nature and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The ancient oak reserve on the Breite Plateau is a great place for a relaxing walk. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful scenery on Europe’s largest grassland plateau.
You can explore nature on the 25-kilometer trail as you stroll among the towering trees. The reserve boasts over 600 old hornbeams which, in typical Sighisoara style, have their own place in the history of the place. The oldest oaks apparently date back to the 1200s. So they’ve seen everything from the founding of Transylvania to wars and natural events.
Schoolchildren’s Ladder
Another attraction for tourists visiting the Sighisoara Citadel is the Schoolchildren’s Staircase.
The staircase has over 170 steps, starts in the Lower Fortress and is another way to reach the Church on the Hill. The steps are set in a medieval-era wooden tunnel, which was built to protect children and teachers from the elements on their way to the church and to classes at Joseph Haltrich High School.
Saxon Cemetery
After climbing the Schoolchildren’s Staircase you will reach the Church on the Hill. But there is another place you should visit nearby, the Săsesc Cemetery.
Dense green trees shroud the tombs, some of which date back to the 18th century. As you explore the cobbled paths, the sun shines through the canopy of old trees and glints off various gravestones. Most show not only the name of the deceased and the year they died, but often their occupation, adding an extra layer of interesting history to the experience.
Medieval knights fighting at the Sighișoara Medieval Festival
If your vacation dates are flexible, without a doubt the best time to visit Sighișoara is towards the end of July. On the last weekend of the month, the town’s population doubles as locals mingle with tourists alike at the Medieval Festival.
The festival was first held in 1992, and it sees the old fortress return to its glory days for a weekend of events, feasts, traditional food, music and art. The Sighisoara Citadel square quickly fills with characters and the festival spirit envelops the place.
Not far from the market square you’ll find knights in shining armor fighting for your attention as they recreate life in the early days of Sighisoara. Complementing the battles is traditional music and dancing, and the chance to learn about wool-working and iron-working. As you experience the festival, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the inevitable arrival of Vlad the Impaler.
Local gastronomy
Once you’ve explored Sighișoara Citadel and discovered the things that make this a fairytale destination, it’s time to try the traditional food. So you can stop for a hearty traditional lunch at one of the terraces in front of the colorful little houses of the citadel.
You’ll also find restaurants serving authentic Romanian cuisine on the main street running through the new town. Some of the must-try dishes include breaded soup, jumările and chicken stew.
Langoș is another delicacy loved by the locals that you should try. Small roadside shops are where you often find these delicious doughnuts.
Be sure to leave room for dessert, because no dining experience in Sighișoara is complete without papanași. This is a classic local dessert with cream and jam.
Nearby localities in Transylvania
Sighișoara is undoubtedly worth a visit for its unique medieval heritage. But the surrounding villages are also hidden gems in the middle of Transylvania. You can stay at nearby guesthouses and explore the treasures of Transylvania more closely.
Another town not far from Sighișoara that captures the essence of Transylvania is Biertan. A majestic countryside quickly fills the car window with fascinating views. The densely wooded hills offer a spectacular view.
Also located just fifteen minutes away from Sighișoara, Saschiz is another town to add to your itinerary. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its fortress and historic church built by the Saxons.
The highlight of Saschiz is the fortified Saxon church, built in the 1400s. Like the structure in Biertan, the church marks the town center. The stone arches and soaring tower have lost none of their grandeur over the centuries.
Thus, its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich history make Sighisoara one of Transylvania’s top destinations. The Sighișoara Fortress offers visitors a unique cultural experience and is a destination that captivates and delights tourists from all over the world.
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