Scholars' Stairs, Medieval covered stairs in Sighișoara, Romania.
Description
The Scholars' Stairs is a covered wooden structure with approximately 174 steps connecting the fortress center to St. Nicholas Church at the hilltop. The narrow passage links the lower and upper sections of the citadel and remains a functional pedestrian route between different elevations of the town.
History
The stairs were built in 1642 to provide a sheltered route for students and teachers between the town center and the school near St. Nicholas Church. This construction responded to the practical needs of the medieval Saxon community.
Culture
The name reflects the students and teachers who once traveled this route daily through the fortress. Walking through today, you can sense how vital this sheltered passage was to medieval daily life in the community.
Practical
The steps can become slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is advisable. The climb is best attempted during quieter morning or evening hours when foot traffic is lighter.
Did you know?
The wooden structure functions almost like a resonating chamber, amplifying the echo of footsteps and voices in unexpected ways. Many visitors notice that the acoustics shift noticeably depending on where they stand or what time of day they visit.
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