Everything within Sighisoara's medieval walls and protected by its nine towers seems perfectly preserved from another time. Along its cobbled streets you'll find merchant's homes, ornate churches, and the birthplace of Vlad Dracula. You'll certainly want to visit the Citadel, Clock Tower, and Scholars’ Stairs. The city built the covered staircase in 1642 to protect citizens on their winter climb to school and church. One of the few European towns to have kept its medieval fortifications intact, its UNESCO listing is no surrpise. There’s much to discover. The Church on the Hill has 500-year-old frescoes. The Church of the Dominican Monastery is famous for its renaissance carved altarpiece, baroque pulpit, and 17th century organ. We recommend taking a walking tour in Sighisoara to get acquainted with the city.
Vlad the Impaler's birthplace.
Draculas inspiration is the best-known resident of Sighisoara. But leave the legend behind and discover one of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns.
It’s odd how such a colorful and uplifting place can have a legend like Dracula attached to it. But Sighisoara embraces its darker side. There's both a Weapons Collection (housed in Vlad Dracula’s house) and a Torture Museum. There’s a Festival of Medieval Arts and Crafts in July, but year-round you can experience Transylvanian craftsmanship in the History Museum. Spending an extra day here means you’ll get to discover Sighisoara at night. It's calm and quiet after many of the travelers have moved on. You could cover the sights in a few hours. But Sighisoara is an excellent place to have some relaxing downtime. With its central location, why not stay here overnight between visits to Brasov, Sibiu, Cluj, and places even further north?
Things to do in Sighisoara
Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Sighisoara
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Where to stay in Sighisoara
What we love about Sighisoara
Trip Planner Team Leader
Sighisoara is like a magic fairy-tale town each child would instantly fall in love with, but adults are not immune either. Part of UNESCO heritage and one of Europe’s last inhabited medieval citadels, Sighisoara always put a spell on me with its “frozen in time” feeling. The 16th-century clock tower, the guild towers, the covered staircase leading to the church on the hill, the colorful old houses, the cheese pies, and even the weird smoked beer all stick with you. The July annual medieval festival is when the past really comes to life and costumed knights, princesses & lords, craftsmen & bards put up various shows like sword fighting, horse tourneys, folk dancing & singing, crafting or cooking
Glowing Reviews from Our Guests
The JayWay staff put together a personalized itinerary with excellent guides that was prefect for our family. I felt like we really go to experience Romania knowing we had support if anything came up.
Visited : Romania
Itinerary : Bucharest, Danube Delta, Brasov, Sighisoara, Sibiu
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Our trip to Hungary and Romania far exceeded our expectations. It was wonderful to know that everything was taken care of for us, and we could relax and enjoy ourselves. It was an absolutely perfect trip!
Visited : Hungary, Romania
Itinerary : Budapest, Sighisoara, Brasov, Bucharest
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This is the ONLY way to travel! Relax and let JayWay do all the planning for you.
Visited : Romania, Hungary
Itinerary : Bucharest, Brasov, Sighisoara, Sibiu, Sighetu Marmatiei, Budapest
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Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Sighisoara
How long should I spend in Sighisoara?
We recommend spending a full day in Sighisoara. Nevertheless, if your time is limited, we can include a stop and a guided tour in Sighisoara on your way between Brasov and Sibiu.
What are Sighisoara's must-see sights?
Start your walk through this UNESCO-protected medieval fortified town in front of the 14th century Clock Tower, the city’s symbol and the former town hall, now a history museum. Right next to the tower is the Dominican Order Church, initially a 13th century Gothic monastery, converted by 16th century Transylvanian Saxons into a Lutheran church. From the church and tower, continue straight ahead for a few minutes on Piata Cetatii street and pass by House Vlad Dracul, where the Vlad the Impaler was born. You will reach the main square, where you can turn left and head to the Covered Stairway. This passage leads to the fortress hill, where the town's schools and cathedral are located. Once you climb the stairs, you should definitely go inside the Church on the Hill. This is one of the most famous Gothic churches in Transylvania, and home to very old paintings, original chests where people kept their valuables in times of siege, and the catacombs of the Romanesque church buried beneath.
Are mobility issues a concern in Sighisoara?
Yes, unfortunately. Sighisoara is a medieval citadel located atop a hill. The streets and alleys are sometimes narrow and uneven with cobblestones. To get to the main attractions, you must climb many stairs. Therefore, we don't recommend Sighisoara for those with mobility problems.