SIGHISOARA

Sighişoara, a city protected by UNESCO since 1999, included in the world heritage list, prides itself on being a medieval city which is inhabited at presents, as well. A city was built here for the first time in 1280. In the 14th century, tradesmen organised in strong guilds settled at the foot of the citadel, erecting a stone defence wall around the city, which was 930 metres long and 4 metres tall. In the 15th century, the wall was raised by 3-4 metres and, in the following 200 years, the height of the wall came up to as much as 15 metres in some places. 14 towers were erected, bearing the names of their respective guilds. Nine of them can still be seen today: the clock tower, the towers of tanners, tailors, blacksmiths, skinners, cobblers, butchers, ropers, and tinsmiths. The towers of weavers, locksmiths, coppers and barbers no longer exist.

Among the main tourist attractions are:

The Church on the Hill:
The Church on the Hill is one of its main attractions: awarded the Europa Nostra Grand Prix for cultural heritage, for the restoration and structural consolidation, the Church on the Hill was built in the period 1345-1525. Under the church lies a crypt with 16th-17th century tombs. The indoor and outdoor painting saw the light of day owing to the Messerschmitt Foundation from München, with restoration works stretching over 8 years (1991-1999). Genuine masterpieces are hosted inside, sculptures, religious paintings and altars.

The Vlad Dracul House:
The Vlad Dracul House lies in the Council Square, and is allegedly the place where Vlad Ţepes, known as Dracula, was born. Son of the ruler of Wallachia, Vlad Dracu was renowned for the exemplary punishments applied to his opponents, which gave rise to the legend of Dracula. Vlad Ţepeş, who is also known as Dracula, was born in 1431 and, in all probability, he lived here until he turned 4, as his father lived in the citadel of Sighişoara in the period 1431-1436. Currently, the house hosts a bar and a restaurant

The Covered Staircase:
The Covered Staircase or the Pupils’ Staircase, having 300 steps, was built in 1662. It was covered to protect the children who climbed it on their way to school. Following the changes made in 1849, only 175 steps remained.