Sighisoara Romania Travel Guide A Vagabond Life
Sighisoara Romania Travel Guide
Welcome to Sighisoara, a captivating medieval gem nestled in the heart of Transylvania, Romania. This enchanting town, often referred to as “the jewel of Transylvania,” is a living testament to the region’s rich history, offering travelers a journey back in time.
Sighisoara’s history can be traced back over 800 years to its founding in the 12th century by Saxon settlers. It developed as a fortified citadel, its iconic Clock Tower rising as a symbol of the town’s prosperity and resilience. The town’s historic center, with its well-preserved medieval architecture, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its cultural significance.
One of Sighisoara’s most famous residents was Vlad III, known as Vlad the Impaler, who was born in the citadel in 1431. While Sighisoara’s charming streets may not reveal his dark reputation, the town is proud of its association with this historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend.
Wandering through Sighisoara’s cobbled lanes, you’ll encounter colorful houses, medieval fortifications, and quaint squares. The town’s vibrant cultural scene and friendly locals add to its charm. From the Clock Tower to the Church on the Hill and Vlad’s birthplace, Sighisoara promises a captivating blend of history and timeless beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Romania.
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Sighisoara Romania
Things To See & Do In Sighisoara Romania
Sighisoara Citadel Town
Sighisoara was founded in the 12th century and was a military and political stronghold during the 14th – 16th centuries. The Saxons built fortified towers around the citadel walls to protect the town from Turkish raids. The towers were used to store ammunition and food which allowed the town to survive sieges for many months. The towers also has firing windows for cannons, shells and arrows. Of the original fourteen towers and five artillery bastions, nine towers and two bastions still stand in great condition. Historic building that are in the citadel are;
- Blacksmiths’ Tower
- Butchers’ Tower
- Cobblers’ Tower
- Furriers’ Tower
- Ropemakers’ Tower
- Tailors’ Tower
- Tanners’ Tower
- Tinsmiths’ Tower
- The Clock Tower.
Transylvanian Saxon Churches
Transylvanian Saxon Churches
South-eastern Transylvania region in Romania has one of the highest numbers of fortified churches from the 13th to 16th centuries with over than 150 fortified churches of varying architectural style. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania are seven villages founded by the Transylvanian Saxons that Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania Biertan, Câlnic, Dârjiu, Prejmer, Saschiz, Valea, Viilor and Viscri
Visit Shepherd's in Sighisoara Romania
Visit Shepherds in Sighisoara Romania
If you get the opportunity to visit a working sheep farm grab it a go. Shepherds operate in the same way they have been for many generations and produce the most amazing sheep cheeses and fetta. The shepherds hand milk the sheep daily and watching this process is a great experience and one which I found very interesting. The Romanian Shepherds rely heavily on their sheep dogs who work and live with the sheep to protect the sheep from wolves and bears who live in the mountains and woods of Transylvania. When visiting a Romanian sheep farm you will notice that the working dogs all wear sticks hanging form their collars. I was told by the shepherds we met the sticks were to prevent the dogs from running too fast.
Visit Roma Villages around Sighisoara Romania
Visit Roma Villages around Sighisoara Romania
Everyone who has travelled in Western western Europe has an opinion of the Roma people and it is generally not a good one. In my travels I also have experienced the Roma beggars and pick pockets particularly in Italy. I was so very happy to visit the Roma villages and to meet the Roma people of Translyvania. The Roma people we met were lovely warm people living in villages in the countryside. The Roma historically live in clans and are craftsmen who pass there trade down from generation to generation. We were lucky enough be in Sighisoara during the annual Medieval Festival and watch Roma artisans create beautiful jewellery and other craft items. Such a valuable experience to meet the Roma people pf Transylvania.
Visit Draculas House in Sighisoara Romania
Visit Draculas House in Sighisoara Romania
The infamous Vlad Dracul was rumoured to be born in this house that sits on the town square. It is said that he lived in the house until he was four years old. The ruler of the Wallachia region for some years Vlad Dracul became known as ‘Vlad the Impaler” for the manner he executed his enemies. It is said that he was used as inspiratiin for Bran Stokers Dracula. Perhaps no the best museum in the land however it is good dinner party conversant to say you’ve visited the birth place of the famous Dracula.
Tour With A Local
Tour With A Local
While in Sighisoara we did a stunning tour of the area with an expat living within the Saxon community, this tour was one of the highlights of our 4 month journey across Europe. The tour it’s was small and very personal and gave us an incredible insight to the peoples of the area, the history of both the Saxons and the Roma and the terrible struggles all communities endured through the times of communism and dictatorship, particularly the minority groups of Romania.
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Romania Romania – We caught the night train from Budapest to the small town of Sighisora in Romania. Sighisora is a town that surrounds an