SIGHIȘOARA

We wanted to tell you a bit about our gorgeous, lovely town, but others seem to have already done a great job at presenting Sighisoara, so here are their words. The following paragraphs have been taken from Lonely Planet:

Lonely Planet said:

” So resplendent are Sighişoara’s pastel-coloured buildings, stony lanes and medieval towers, you’ll rub your eyes in disbelief. Fortified walls encircle Sighişoara’s lustrous merchant houses, now harbouring cafes, hotels and craft shops. Lurking behind the gingerbread roofs and turrets of the Unesco-protected old town is the history of Vlad Ţepeş, Transylvania’s most notorious ruler; he was born in a house that is visitable to this day. Revered by many Romanians for protecting Transylvania from Turkish attacks, Ţepeş is better remembered as Vlad the Impaler, or Dracula, fuelling a local industry of vampire-themed souvenirs. (Lonely Planet)

The origins of Sighisoara city go back to the Roman times. 
During the First Century AD, the Dacians (ancient inhabitants of the territory of modern Romania which eventually will develop into the Romanian people), built a fortification called Sandava. 
Under the Roman administration it was known as Castrum Stenarum.
During the 12th century, the Transylvanian Saxons built a new citadel which was named Schäßburg.
Sighisoara (Schäßburg – Schassburg or Schäsbrich in German) still stands as one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. “

The Citadel

an open-air museum

Sighişoara’s delightful medieval buildings are enclosed within its citadel, a Unesco-listed complex of protective walls and watchtowers. Walking in the citadel is today a tranquil, fairytale-like experience, but these towers were once packed with weapons and emergency supplies, guarding Sighişoara from Turkish attacks (note the upper windows, from which arrows could be fired).

From the 14th to 16th centuries each of the 14 towers and five artillery bastions was managed by a different town guild, and the walls extended 903m. Surviving today are nine towers and two bastions.  (Lonely Planet)

Medieval structures that have whistood the centuries include:
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) and Tinsmiths’ Tower (Turnul Cositorilor).
The ninth tower still standing is the Clock Tower itself.

The Tinsmiths’ Tower (Turnul Cositorilor) still shows traces of its siege in 1704.

Clock Tower

Museum in Sighişoara

The multicoloured tiled roof of Sighişoara’s Clock Tower glitters like the scales of a dragon. The tower was built in the 14th century and expanded 200 years later. It remains the prettiest sight in town, offering a magnificent panorama from the top. The views are as good a reason to visit as the museum inside, a patchy collection of Roman vessels, scythes and tombstones, and a scale model of the fortified town (English-language explanation is variable). (Lonely Planet)

Open six days a week:

May 15 – September 15
Tue. – Fri.: 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.;
Sat. – Sun.: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Closed Mon.

September 16 – May 14
Tue. – Fri.: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.;
Sat. – Sun.: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Closed Mon.

Casa Vlad Dracul

Vlad Ţepeş (aka Dracula) was reputedly born in this house in 1431 and lived here until the age of four. It’s now a decent restaurant, but for a small admission, the staff will show you Vlad’s old room (and give you a little scare). Bubble-burster: the building is indeed centuries old, but has been completely rebuilt since Vlad’s days.

Scholars’ Stairway

From Piaţa Cetăţii, turn south up Str Şcolii to reach the 176-step covered stairway, which has tunnelled its way up the hill since 1642. With light dappling through the roof and buskers at the top, it’s a charming ramble.

Church on the Hill

Don’t miss hiking up the covered stairway to ‘School Hill’ (418m) to admire this evocative late-Gothic, triple-naved church. Originally a 13th-century Romanesque basilica, it was restored in Gothic style across the 14th and 15th centuries. Inside, find traces of 15th-century frescoes, Renaissance furnishings, and an impressive Gothic altarpiece (1520).

There’s an atmospheric cemetery behind it. This lofty cemetery with views over Sighişoara is a suitably spine-chilling spot to ramble after visiting the church and covered stairway. (Lonely Planet)

Breite Ancient Oak Tree Reserve

Escape the crowds and visit the enchanting Breite Ancient Oak Tree Reserve, 2km west of town. Its 133 hectares boast 800-year-old oaks, with circumferences of 400cm to 600cm.