Weekend in Sighisoara

Located in the heart of the historic region of Transylvania, on the Tarnava River, Sighisoara is a medieval city very well preserved with a rich history. Originally inhabited by the Romans, King of Hungary invited the German merchants and craftsmen to settle and defend the borders. From 12^th century immigrant Saxons established a flourishing trading town that kept growing until the 14^th century.

Cobbled, narrow streets with coloured houses and gingerbread roofs from the 16^th century are not the only things to see. Sighisoara is also the place where allegedly the famous Vlad the Impaler was born in 1431. His practices of impaling his enemies inspired Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula.

Walk by the fortified walls and listen the legends entwined between them or watch the locals as they live their daily lives.

Getting around is very easy as Sighisoara is rather a small town that can be explored by foot. Start your day with a coffee outside the Impaler’s house, just across the church with the onion dome spire. After a boost with caffeine, grab your feet and visit the citadel, the city’s historic centre. This Saxon edifice from 12^th century is still inhabited and is included in the UNESCO patrimony.

Inside the citadel, see the Clock Tower, built in 1360 and the Monastery Church. A beautiful Lutheran church built in 1291 in a Gothic style. Take the Covered Staircase, a stone staircase that leads tourists to the Church on the Hill. The Lutheran church built also in a Gothic style is very close to a cemetery that features lots of German tombstones.

Take a day to explore the outskirts of the city. The Saxon villages of Biertan or Viscri are extremely picturesque. At Viscri you can also stay a night in Prince Charles’s home, as it is opened for tourists.

Andreea Neagu

Tags: Weekend in Romania