"Sighisoara - Schaessburg - Segesvar" Sighisoara by Andraf

Sighisoara Travel Guide: 392 reviews and 1,070 photos

Sighisoara is probably the best preserved fortified town in Transylvania, being built by the Saxons between the 12th and the 17th centuries. It is located on the Tarnava Mare river in a picturesque setting. The citadel, a beautifully preserved medieval complex, dominates the town with its hilltop setting. The old town enclosed within the citadel walls has narrow cobblestone streets and brightly painted 16th century Saxon houses. There are nine surviving towers; the most beautiful is the striking Clock Tower, the main gate into the citadel. From its balcony one can see beautiful views over the whole town and countryside. I took about 20 pictures of the Clock Tower and looking at them now, it looks like none is good enough and none looks as beautiful as the original in the afternoon light.

The Clock Tower

Sighisoara fame is drawn mainly from being the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler which some still believe served as the inspiration for the novel "Dracula". The house in which he was born lies at the foot of the Clock Tower. Since I don't care too much about the myth of Dracula, I prefer other sights of Sighisoara, like the above mentioned Clock Tower or The Church on the Hill, with its beautiful 500 year old frescoes; to get to it you can climb the Covered Stairway, which was built in the 17th century. Or see the Church of the Dominican Monastery which has been built and rebuilt for 800 years. You can also have fun by trying to find all the towers that are still standing or simply just by walking inside the citadel and looking at the old houses in which life still goes on after so many centuries (Sighisoara citadel is still inhabited).

Saxon houses, Sighisoara

If you want to know how much time to budget for Sighisoara, I believe a day is enough. Some even stay here half day, but I don't like to rush things.

Sighisoara is usually very quiet but in the first or second week of July an annual Medieval Folk Festival takes place here. This festival attracts hundreds if not thousands of young Romanians and if you come to visit during that time expect to find some hippie-looking crowds hanging out all around the town.

Finally, if you like to collect UNESCO World Heritage Sites Sighisoara is one of them so you can add one more to your list :-)

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful medieval complex
Cons:None that I can't think of
In a nutshell:If you came all the way to Romania it will be a pity to miss Sighisoara

Last visit to Sighisoara: Apr 2004
Intro Updated Jun 11, 2004
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Reviews (17)

Richis Off The Beaten Path (2)

Very close to Biertan lies the village of Richis. They have a beautiful Gothic church which I've only seen from outside... more travel advice

Biertan Off The Beaten Path (2)

In the countryside around Sighisoara stands another UNESCO's World Heritage site, the village of Biertan with its... more travel advice

Hotel Rex Hotels (1)

Rex is a relatively modern hotel whose only disadvantage lies in its location. It's located in a drab residential area... more travel advice

Vlad Dracul House, Sighisoara - Sighisoara

Casa Vlad Dracul Restaurants (1)

The house in which Vlad the Impaler (Tepes) was born is now used as a restaurant and beer cellar. The menu is what you... more travel advice

Things to Do (11)
See All The Covered Stairway

Favorites (2)
See All Sighisoara's Towers

Comments (19)

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HORSCHECK Jun 21, 2010 at 1:47 PM

Andreea, fabulous page with brilliant photos of Sighisoara. Although we have already visited many places in Romania, Sighisoara is still on our must visit list. I especially like the Orthodox Cathedral.
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Jim_Eliason May 1, 2010 at 5:32 AM

great tips!
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BruceDunning Mar 3, 2010 at 3:40 PM

The architecture and beauty of this town really looks like a place not to miss, as you state. WE hope to get there someday, and will be close in Croatia in May, but maybe next trip. You did a wonderful job of presenting the town.
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lotharlerch Feb 13, 2010 at 6:00 AM

a great page recalling nice memories of my trip in this area - it was still under the time of the infamous "conducator" couple Nicu si Lena ...
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planxty May 24, 2009 at 10:32 AM

Andreea, thank you very much for a well-written and informative page. I am planning a visit and these tips were most helpful. fergy.
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iaint Dec 14, 2007 at 2:42 PM

looks interesting
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adema29 Aug 26, 2007 at 1:25 AM

Foarte frumoasa pagina Sighisoarei! Spre rusinea noastra nu am ajuns inca acolo! Speram ca la anul sa reusim sa o vizitam!
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basstbn Feb 6, 2007 at 1:29 PM

Birthday greetings from Kansas! I read through your Sighisoara page with interest as I know several people who have done volunteer work there in schools and an orphanage. This page is excellent! Your command of English is outstanding.
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zrim Nov 23, 2005 at 11:37 AM

Interesting old town. I like the dilapidated look of some of the buildings. I especially like the Shoemaker's Tower, what a neat place.
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Ben-UK Jun 23, 2005 at 10:32 AM

Your tips are very informative -- another excellent page.