Sighișoara, Medieval citadel in Transylvania, Romania
Sighișoara is a medieval hill town in Transylvania with nine defense towers connected by stone walls and crossed by narrow cobblestone lanes. A main square in the center is surrounded by restaurants, shops, and accommodations within easy reach of historical monuments.
Saxon craftspeople and merchants from the Holy Roman Empire were invited by King Géza II of Hungary to establish this settlement in the 12th century. The town grew into a major trade center whose fortifications protected it from repeated attacks.
The Clock Tower displays collections of coins, household items, and everyday objects from different periods, reflecting how people lived in this region across centuries. These artifacts show the daily life and work of former inhabitants.
The best time to explore is early morning or late afternoon when fewer tourists are around and the narrow lanes feel less crowded. Wear sturdy shoes since the cobblestone streets are uneven and slope steeply in places.
The birthplace of Vlad Draculea stands on the main square and now serves as a traditional restaurant marked by a wrought iron dragon on its facade. Visitors can dine there and experience the rooms where this 15th-century ruler spent his early years.
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