A fortified medieval town in the historic Transylvania Region...
During our travels through Romania, we set off for our next stop, to the Transylvania region where the true beauty of this country lies. Now besides the must see historic sites, this is also said to be home to Vlad Dracula. You can travel by bus or train, we decided on a train ride across Transylvania from Bucharest. The trains in Romania are very fairly priced at just under $12USD for a one way ticket for one adult from Bucharest to Brasov, from Brasov you can head to Sighisoara for a similar cost. It's a beautiful train ride across the Transylvania country side and mountains, about 2 1/2 hrs from city to city.
Sighisoara may be one of the most colorful and beautiful towns we have seen in our travels through Europe, a truly authentic medieval town. Famously known for Vlad (Dracula) the impaler's birthplace, which can be visited to the day at Casa Vlad Dracul and even stop in for Dinner. This town is truly magical, something straight out of an old black and white Dracula movie, the history and Legend alone of Vlad Dracula himself is enough to give this town a cool and creepy Halloween vibe! Which we were told they even throw an awesome halloween party in the medieval citadel!
There is no need for any transportation here as everything is within walking distance, sitting on top of a hill with the Clock tower of Sighisoara towering above. Once inside the fortified citadel walls, you get a glimpse of the colorful and well preserved 300+ year old structures and homes. We spent hours walking through all the medieval streets through out the town. We have never taken so many pictures in one single town, it is breathtaking, the colors are so beautiful in Sighisoara.
There is lots of small cool restaurants in the town, some even hidden within the cobblestone streets and homes in the town, which gave us more of a reason to stop by for a beer or lunch and check out these cool mysterious hidden bars and eatery's. Explore deeper into the town and you can't miss the Church on the Hill which is the actual name of the church that can be reached by a set of 176 steps through the covered creepy staircase known as The Pupils stairs that lead you to the top of the hill. Once reaching the top, you can stop by the Sighisoara Saxon cemetery, a hauntingly beautiful cemetery where the towns blacksmiths, weavers, Taylors, and more are buried.
We spent three days in Sighisoara and we could have stayed another three to four days. The town is so relaxing and is not over ran by tourism. We noticed very few tour buses arriving through out the day and the town never felt over crowded. You can see all the attractions in a single day, including the individual site tours within the town, yet you can still spend days just repeatedly walking the streets or just relaxing at the towns square at one of many restaurants enjoying some wine and soaking in the medieval views. Make time for a dinner in the evening as the town is lit up beautifully for a romantic dinner or just a night out for drinks in the town square in Dracula's childhood neighborhood!
Dracula fan or not, Sighisoara is one of the top destinations to visit while exploring Romania. Stay tuned for our next stop in the Transylvania region... When we explore Brasov and the famous Bran Castle!
A Tip when visiting Sighisoara
* When looking for a hotel in Sighisoara, we recommend staying at the Double Tree by Hilton which has very fair prices and will have all you need during your stay in Sighisoara. It is a minutes walk away from the old city walls and the hotel is very nice. It is very important to reserve or ask for a room facing the old town of Sighisoara on the 1st or 2nd floor, as these rooms have an incredible view of the old town and you can literally enjoy the view from your hotel room while enjoying some wine when the city is lit up at night.
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