9 Delightful Ways To Spend Your Time In Sighisoara, Romania

If you are interested in the Medieval Ages, famous vampires, and Transylvania or are simply looking for an opportunity to experience slower travel, Sighisoara (pronounced siggy-shore-ah) should be on your list.

Sighisoara is so much more than the birthplace of Dracula. The region is rich in cultural history and is a popular tourist destination. Historically, groups such as Hungarians, Germans, and, of course, Romanians have called Sighisoara home.

The historic center of Sighișoara is situated on a hill and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is essentially the high ground that overlooks the newer part of the city and the surrounding countryside. Most of what I will offer here refers to this part of the town.

This well-preserved part of the town is like stepping back in time. It is a walkable town, and you will find it a delight to experience the colorful architecture, the fortress, and the towers that rise above the city.

It is a slow town that allows travelers to pause, step back, and imagine what life might have looked like hundreds of years ago in this Romanian hill town.

Here are nine delightful ways to spend your time in Sighisoara, Romania.

1. WALK THE DELIGHTFUL COBBLESTONE STREETS

Walking the cobblestone streets of Old Town Sighisoara is a great way to start your visit. It isn't a large town, and walking the winding alleyways and streets will give you a feel for its atmosphere.

You might notice early in Sighisoara that life is slower, and the people are welcoming. Being a popular tourist location, it doesn't have that hustle and bustle feel you might find in other towns.

However, Sighisoara has plenty of things to explore, including cobblestone streets, the town square, tall towers, parks, restaurants, shops, and churches.

To view a map of the town, go here.

2. SEE THE CITADEL

At the heart of Sighisoara is the Citadel fortress, rich in fascinating history. Most of the UNESCO history can be found by exploring this area.

The Citadel is surrounded by medieval walls and filled with tall towers. It is the heart of the City.

Viewing the area from one of its entrances might give you an initial glimpse of what life might have looked like. You can't miss the tall towers, each having its own personality and appearance.

3. EXPLORE THE MEDIEVAL TOWERS

There were originally 14 medieval towers in Sighisoara; today, there are 9.

One of the most popular towers is the Clock Tower. It was built in the 14th century and rises 64 meters (210 feet). This is the main tower that served as the town hall until 1556 and the main defensive station in the town. The clock was installed in 1648.

The towers were built and maintained by the various guilds in town. A few included the ropemakers, ironmakers, blacksmiths, butchers, weavers, leather tanners, and tailors' guilds.

Two towers worth a visit include the Tinsmith's Tower and the Bootmakers. Each has its own unique and preserved history to explore.

4. VISIT THE MONASTERY CHURCH

This church is also known as the Church of the Dominican Monastery. Although the monastery was demolished in 1888, the Church remains iconic in Sighisoara.

This Gothic monument is located near the clock tower.

5. VISIT DRACULA'S BIRTHPLACE

Known by most as the birthplace of Dracula, this iconic location is worth visiting. The building is located between the clock tower and the Citadel Square.

6. WALK UP THE SCHOLAR STEPS

If you're looking for a great walk, the Scholar's Stairs feature over 170 steps. This wooden tunnel was built years ago to protect children and teachers from the weather on their way to church and classes.

It begins in the Citadel and ends at a church on the hill.

7. EXPLORE THE LOCAL SHOPS

As a traveler, there is nothing better than making a difference in the local communities we visit. Buying from local artists and vendors not only allows us to give back, but we may also find one-of-a-kind treasures.

Shops are scattered around randomly through town.

8. TASTE THE LOCAL CUISINE

The national dish of Romania is called "Sarmale." Each region tweaks it to its liking, but if you want to try this famous dish, Sighisoara serves it up.

Sarmales are cabbage rolls stuffed with rice, vegetables, and pork.

Several restaurants around Citadel Square serve traditional Western cuisines that are popular with tourists. However, if you venture off the main town square, you can find some great authentic Romanian cooking.

Transylvania is known for its sausages and smoked meats. Most Romanian dishes contain vegetables, cereals, fruits, honey, milk, dairy products, meat, and game.

Check out the locally sourced ingredients for seasonal salads and meat.

9. PHOTOGRAPH THE COLORFUL MEDIEVAL TOWN

The town of Sighisoara is very picturesque. The colorful streets and alleyways make for some beautiful photographs. If you rise early, you will have a much higher chance of finding the streets of Sighisoara without tourists.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO SIGHISOARA

HOW TO PRONOUNCE SIGHISOARA: Sighisoara is pronounced like siggy-shore-ah. I messed up the pronunciation many times. It wasn't until I got home that I realized I didn't know how to pronounce it.

HOW TO GET TO SIGHISOARA:

By car: Sighisoara is about 300 km (139 miles) from Bucharest and is about a 4-hour drive. The drive passes through Brașov, which isn't far from Bran Castle (also known as Dracula's Castle).

By train: About a six-hour train ride will also get you to Sighisoara. Trains depart from Bucharest daily for Sighișoara and cost approximately $30.

By bus: The least expensive option is to take the bus. The price is approximately $14-$20, and the process takes around 5 hours.

By plane: The nearest airport is Târgu Mureș. It is located about 50 km north of Sighisoara. You can take a taxi to Sighisoara or the bus upon arrival. It takes about an hour.

I hope you enjoyed these nine delightful ways to spend some time in Sighisoara, Romania. My best to you wherever your travels take you.

XOXO

Marla

FINE ART PRINTS: To view my complete collection of images from Romania, visit my Art Shop.