Sighişoara – one of the most interesting Romanian cities and birthplace of Dracula
Sighisoara is one of the most interesting cities in Romania. If you should choose for your trip just one town, go there. It’s not a big city (approx. 32,000 inhabitants), but it is located on the main railway and most international trains are passing through it. Although Sighisoara at first glance looks like most Romanian cities (dug up, dirty and neglected), a closer look to show you that this is a really beautiful town. Sighisoara is located right in the center of Romania.
The city was founded sometime in the late of 12th century by rich Saxon merchants. Its strategic importance gradually grew and the fortifications were improved. Sighisoara is well known because of Vlad Tepes or Vlad III the Impaler (known as Dracula) was born here around the year of 1430.
Historical center is located on a hill, and it is thoroughly fortified. From the train station it takes for about 15 minutes to get there. At the courtyard there is the landmark of the city – Clock Tower, a 64m high tower built in the 13th century where is now museum. There is also Dracula’s family house, which is now one of the best (and most expensive) local restaurant.
There is a medieval festival in the courtyard and city events.
What else you can see in Sighisoara?
- Sighisoara Citadel – a 12th Century Saxon edifice, is the historic center of the city. Still inhabited, the citadel is listed as a World Heritage Site
- Weapon Museum – next to Vlad’s birthplace. Very small, but it contains an interesting selection of medieval weapons (swords, arrows, etc.)
- Covered Staircase – a very old stone staircase with a wooden roof along the whole span. This leads up to the Church on the Hill and the cemetery
- Church on the Hill – contains many frescoes and a crypt. Built on the location of a Roman fort. Located on the side of the hill next to it is one of the Lutheran cemeteries in the city, which contains many tombstones of Germans.
- Bust of Vlad Tepes – Located around the corner from his birthplace, within sight of the Clock Tower
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