Historic Centre of Sighişoara in Romania

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
The historic centre of Sighisoara (CIMEC)
Cetatea Sighisoara - Schaessburg - Segesvar
Sighisoara - Patrimoniu Mondial UNESCO

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1999
Size of heritage: 33 ha
- Buffer zone: 145 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 24,792°
Latitude: 46,218°

Summary

Founded by German craftsmen and merchants known as the Saxons of Transylvania, Sighişoara is a fine example of a small, fortified medieval town which played an important strategic and commercial role on the fringes of central Europe for several centuries.

Location on Map

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Historic Centre of Sighişoara

The Historic Centre of Sighişoara, located in Mureş County, in the region of Transylvania, Romania, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds significant historical and cultural value. This well-preserved medieval town is renowned for its unique architectural ensemble and its association with the legendary figure of Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula.

History

The history of Sighişoara dates back to the 12th century when it was founded by German craftsmen and merchants known as the Transylvanian Saxons. The town quickly flourished due to its strategic location on trade routes between Central Europe and the Ottoman Empire. Throughout the centuries, Sighişoara became an important cultural and economic center, attracting settlers from various backgrounds.

During the 14th century, Sighişoara became a significant political stronghold and was granted the status of a free royal town by the Hungarian King Louis I. The town's fortifications were reinforced, and the iconic Clock Tower, a symbol of Sighişoara, was constructed. The Clock Tower served as a defensive structure, a town gate, and a symbol of the town's autonomy.

One of the most famous residents of Sighişoara was Vlad the Impaler, who was born in the town in 1431. Vlad's association with Sighişoara has contributed to the town's popularity and its connection to the Dracula legend. Although Vlad's reign was marked by cruelty, his birthplace remains an important historical site.

Current State

The Historic Centre of Sighişoara is remarkably well-preserved, showcasing a harmonious blend of architectural styles from the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. The town's fortified walls, towers, and bastions have survived the test of time, providing visitors with a glimpse into its rich history.

The Clock Tower, standing at the heart of the town, is a major attraction. It houses the Sighişoara History Museum, which exhibits artifacts and documents that shed light on the town's past. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the town and its surroundings.

Walking through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Historic Centre, visitors can admire the colorful houses with their distinctive architectural features. Many of these houses have been converted into charming guesthouses, restaurants, and craft shops, offering visitors a chance to experience the town's unique atmosphere.

The Church on the Hill, another prominent landmark, is a Gothic-style church that dates back to the 14th century. Its interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes, and the churchyard provides a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the town.

Address
Distance: 0,1 mi
Scolii 4-6
545400 Sighisoara
Romania

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Biking to Dracula's Birthtown of Sighișoara, Romania

Published: March 31, 2015
Length: 46:08 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Bicycle Touring Pro

Check out my best-selling book with ALL the BEST tips and tricks for conducting your own bicycle touring adventures: http://bicycletouringpro.com/blog/resources/?ap_id=youtube EPISODE #007...

GEOCACHING by Bike... in Sighișoara, Romania

Published: April 06, 2015
Length: 39:37 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Bicycle Touring Pro

Check out my best-selling book with ALL the BEST tips and tricks for conducting your own bicycle touring adventures: http://bicycletouringpro.com/blog/resources/?ap_id=youtube EPISODE #009...

Southern Panorama from Council Tower in Sighisoara, Romania

Published: September 21, 2014
Length: 01:38 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Zvi Peretz Cohen

Sighisoara's main point of attraction is the Clock Tower, also known as the Council Tower in direction of Biserica din Deal.

Sighisoara - prezentare

Published: August 25, 2010
Length: 04:03 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: fericitnefericit

Sighisoara prezentarea cetatii.

Sighisoara motoare

Published: March 26, 2014
Length: 38:02 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Myrel Puma

Sevcente inmormantarea unui motociclist Sighisorean !!D-zeu sa-l ierte!!!

Tours-TV.com: Sighisoara

Published: November 15, 2014
Length: 00:00 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: ToursTV Com

Sighisoara - a remarkable beautiful town - was founded in XII century as a fortress guarding an approaches to mountain passes in the Carpathians. Romania (锡吉什瓦拉, シギショアラ,...

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