Welcome to Sighisoara (Schassburg in German). Saxons settled Sighisoara in the 12th century with it becoming a crafts and trading center.

It had been 5 years since our driver had visited Sighisoara for the annual Medieval Festival. (The fest is usually the last weekend of July. We witnessed the noise and crowds of the festivities, as we were enroute south during that time. Happily, we had enjoyed a much quieter, reflective visit earlier in June and July.) The town is also enjoying somewhat of a renaissance with the recent local and German investments in the city—renovated residences, new hotels, and street side cafes.



The 14th century citadel is on the UNESCO World Heritage List with its remaining nine towers and two bastions. Its clock tower stands 64 meters tall. The fascinating 1648 clock with its revolving wooden carved figurines strikes the hour. The figurines represent the Saxon pantheon (Peace – olive branch; Justice – scales; Law – sword) and the executioner and drummer. Overhead are seven figures representing each day of the week. We were up close to the clock figurines and mechanisms with our visit to the History Museum. The museum not only has a spectacular view of the medieval city from its tower, but has a fascinating collection of furniture, pottery, medieval instruments and a scale replica of the city, which made for a worthwhile afternoon experience. Admission is a bit over US$1.50. There is also an exhibit highlighting one of the fathers of space travel, Hermann Oberth who spent his childhood years in Sighisoara.



The house of Vlad Tepes (1431) is now a restaurant and denoted as such with a sign which encourages at least a tourist photo opportunity. Apparently, he lived here until the age of four. There is also a Vlad Tepes statue a bit down the street.



More than 170 steps (1642), the Scholars’ Stairs lead to the Church on the Hill (1345). The Lutheran Church stands at 429 meters with a fascinating collection of wooden chests in restoration and an eerie crypt containing thirty bodies. For less than US$1, you have a guided introduction of the church by a local student.

The Saxon cemetery stands behind the church on the sloping hillside. The Goldmith’s Tower allows an up-close encounter with a well-preserved tower. The guilds were in existence until 1875.




The medieval city is certain to capture your heart with its worn cobblestone streets, sidewalk artists, terraces, pastry shops (Brutarie Eldi anyone?), old churches, and museums as well as providing marvelous opportunities for people watching. – HSR & BGR