Sighisoara Citadel Guide
Step Back in Time: Exploring Sighisoara Citadel Guide
Sighisoara Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a remarkably well-preserved medieval citadel located in the heart of Transylvania, Romania. This fortified city, with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and imposing towers, offers a captivating glimpse into the past. It's a place where history comes alive, inviting visitors to wander through its ancient walls and discover the secrets of its rich heritage. Sighisoara was founded by Saxon colonists in the 12th century and quickly became an important trading and craft center. The citadel was built to protect the town from invaders, and its defensive walls and towers have stood the test of time. Sighisoara is also famous as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. His alleged birthplace, a yellow house in the citadel, is now a restaurant and a small museum. The citadel's Clock Tower, a symbol of the city, has been keeping time for centuries and offers panoramic views from its upper levels. Tourists can explore the citadel's narrow streets, visit the Clock Tower Museum, climb the Scholars' Stairs to the Church on the Hill, and discover the many artisan shops and restaurants within the walls. You can also visit Vlad the Impaler's birthplace and learn about the legend of Dracula. Sighisoara hosts several festivals throughout the year, including a Medieval Festival that recreates the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Traditional Romanian cuisine is readily available in the citadel's restaurants, featuring hearty dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled minced meat rolls), and various stews.
Transportation
Sighisoara is accessible by train from major Romanian cities like Bucharest, Brasov, and Cluj-Napoca. From the train station, it's a 15-20 minute walk to the citadel. Local buses also run from the train station to the city center, but walking is the most convenient way to reach the citadel. If arriving by car, parking is available outside the citadel walls.