Sighişoara is a marvelous medieval town in central Romania that has been inhabited since 6th century BC. With its ancient cobbled streets, elaborately designed churches, burgher houses and rich history, the beautiful town of Sighişoara is a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site. Surprisingly, the town is also the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, the ruler of the Walachia Province from 1456 to 1462 and the supposedly famous ‘Count Dracula’, as people believed him to be. There is no doubt that his castle is something of a wonder for everyone visiting Transylvania.
The most important landmark of the town is the Sighişoara Citadel, which consisted of the prestigious 14 towers and the numerous bastions. Each of the towers was maintained by a craft guild and they all exceeded the other in their beautiful architecture. The Clock Tower is the most amazing of all these 14 towers of which only five survive today. The 14th century Clock Tower is also the most visited place by tourists arriving in this medieval town. The clock on the tower has been working ever since the Middle Ages.
A little distance from the Clock Tower is the 13th century Church of the Dominican Monastery. The gothic style architecture of the church and the ornate interior of the church are notably very fascinating. The door frame is carved in the typical Transylvanian Renaissance style architecture while the baroque organ and the 17th century altarpiece are all admirable pieces of work. The Church on the Hill, built where there was once a Roman basilica, is another example of fine gothic architecture.
Vlad Dracul’s house is also close to the Clock Tower. The other interesting places to see include the Scholars’ Stairs, the Venetian House, Stag House, Lepers Church and the Orthodox Cathedral among many other places to explore. Museums to be seen include the Torture Room, Weapons Collection and the History Museum. There are several attractions in nearby areas of Sighişoara too that can be included in your itinerary. Visiting this medieval town takes you right back to that very era, making you experience the splendors of that age.
Photo by Paco_Mendoza provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
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Photo by Daniel Vijoi provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Daniel Vijoi provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Daniel Vijoi provided courtesy of Panoramio.com