Sighisoara was the most charming city I visited during my stay in Romania. It was founded during 12th century by Transylvanian Saxons. There are so many reasons that make this city amazing!
Some of them are:
- It is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe
- It is on the World Heritage Site by UNESCO
- It is birthplace of Vlad Dracula – Vlad the Impaler!
- It is one of the seven walled citadels
And it looks so great! The little cobble-stone streets among colorful buildings create this unique atmosphere that allows you to immerse in the city past. It is just charming!!!
Of course there are many tourists around, especially in the summer time, but as Romania is still pretty undiscovered country, the amount of them can’t really compare to the crowds you see in other cities in Western Europe.
As the citadel was a military stronghold for many centuries there are many towers that were erected by different guilds. Nowadays you can walk around the old border of the citadel and see some of the defense towers.
- Blacksmiths’ Tower (Turnul Fierarilor)
- Butchers’ Tower (Turnul Macelarilor)
- Cobblers’ Tower (Turnul Cizmarilor)
- Furriers’ Tower (Turnul Cojocarilor)
- Ropemakers’ Tower (Turnul Franghierilor)
- Tailors’ Tower (Turnul Croitorilor)
- Tanners’ Tower (Turnul Tabacarilor)
- Tinsmiths’ Tower (Turnul Cositorilor)
- Clock Tower
When you walk around climb on top of the Clock Tower (built in 14th century) also called Council Tower. You will be able see the view of the whole city! Additionally, there is a museum inside, so make sure to check it out.
Make sure to climb the Scollars Stairs -old pathway for students during winter, up to Church on the Hill where you can see its 500-year-old frescoes. Nearby the church there is a cemetary that you can also visit.
And the most important place to see- Vlad Dracula birth place!!
The one and only thing almost everyone knows about Romania is the Dracula! And no, he was not a vampire but a ruler who everyone feared and respected. And they did have a reason to fear him. His nickname, the Impaler, had come from somewhere.
According to legends Vlad had a habit of impaling his enemies on the spikes, leaving them to suffer for many days until they died. It was said that after the battles he left the forest of impaled people. But maybe because of his reputation, people tried to respect the rules. I heard a legend from my Romanian friends that there was said to be a well in the middle of town square with a gold goblet that everyone could use to drink from. But no one dared to steal it because it belonged to Vlad (and we all know how much gold used to mean in medieval times!). He was fearsome many, but nowadays many of the Romanians think he is a hero.
