A beautiful medieval town right in the middle of Romania, Sighisoara is renowned for it's atmosphere. The medieval town of Sighisoara is best known for its monuments and medieval landmarks, for it's medieval Festival and as the place of birth for Vlad Tepes, the ruler who would much later inspire the character of Dracula. It is a large and unique place, with long winding streets, buildings and tourist objectives, some very important historical places. According to historians, the place was founded in around 1190, in 1298 was named Schespurch, a German term, becoming a town in 1367. Today's name of Sighisoara first appears in a document dating from 1435. It was a very important city for Romania beginning with those times, and still preserves it's magic.
You can begin your visit with the landmark and main sight, the medieval citadel, wonderfully preserved, entering it throught the impressive Clock Tower, as this is the best place to start. It is important to know that the whole city is on the UNESCO lit of world heritage, and the citadel was built in 1280, and over the following centuries merchants and artisans settled here and built another defense wall, tall and sturdy, reaching even 15 meters. Also, 14 towers were built, each bearing the name of the guild who paid for them, and nine of them survived, including the jewellers, the butchers' or the blacksmith's, wonderful displays of defensive architecture. The Clock Tower itself is more than interesting, as the clock with small medieval figures still works, and you could go up for an incredible view of the city. Also, inside the fable Tower, there is a small museum, worthy of your time. It is 64 meters tall and was completed in the 14th century. Little is known that actually it held at first the ammo depots, as well as the archives and the treasury of the town, hence the strong wall. The first mechanism of the clock was a wooden one, in the 17th century being replaced with a metal one, at the time when also the wooden statuetes were put here.
Another very popular landmark is without a doubt the Vlad Dracu House, the house were - presumably - the feared ruler that would eventually inspire the character of Dracula was born. Vlad Dracu or Vlad Tepes / Impaler was feared in his time for his struggles against the Turks and his cruelty towards the enemies and lawbreaker, never hesitating to give them the most horrific punishements. According to most historians, Vlad Dracu was born in this house, in Sighisoara, around 1431, and would spend the first years of his life here. Today, this surprisingly well preserved house, hosting a memorial, a bar and a restaurant, is one of the most popular tourist attractions.
Among the places of worship in Sighisoara one of the most beautiful is the Dominican monastery, the first oane being finished in the 13th century, then later, in 1484 - 1515, entirely rebuilt. Over the years the church suffered some damages, but still you can admire some sacred items, a small collection of Oriental rugs from the 13th century, the altar in a Baroque style and others.
The Medieval Festival in Sighisoara usually takes place in the summer, in July, and for three days or more the whole city relives it's former charm and glory, as travellers form all over the country - and some from abroad - come here. You can watch theatre and medieval music performances, can attend conferences, can visit exhibitions of art, books, collections, can watch and learn medieval dances, see how the knights played, which were the clothes and customs and on and on.
