Travel to Romania

Day 6 Gura Humorului - Sighișoara - Viscri - Râșnov (406 Km.)

(in 274 Km.) Sighișoara: Sighișoara offers a unique experience that combines well-preserved architecture, cobbled streets and an atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. The historic core of Sighișoara is the Citadel, a well-preserved fortification dating back to the Middle Ages. Cobblestone streets wind between vibrantly coloured buildings, many of which have facades decorated with unique architectural details. The Clock Tower, an iconic symbol of the city, stands out on the skyline. It was chosen for World Heritage status in 1999 for its 850-year-old testimony to the history and culture of the Transylvanian Saxons.

The Clock Tower is located on the south side of the Sighișoara Market Square, in the heart of the Citadel. The building was constructed in the 14th century to protect the main gate of the city. The tower is a tall, slender structure built in the Gothic style. It is approximately 64 metres high. The tower is adorned with detailed architectural elements, including arches, windows with Gothic tracery and sculpted decoration reflecting the artistic mastery of the period. To access the top of the Clock Tower and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views, visitors must ascend a steep and narrow spiral staircase.

Today the tower houses the History Museum, and nearby is the house where Vlad III the Impaler was born, now a restaurant with a bust of this historical figure who inspired the fictional character Count Dracula. We continue to Piața Cetății, or Citadel Square. Throughout history, the square has had various functions, including being a central space for commercial activities. The buildings surrounding the square reflect the medieval Saxon architecture of the region. Colourful facades and architectural details, such as ornate arches and windows, contribute to the historical beauty of the square.

Perhaps the most interesting thing to do in the city is to stroll through its streets. We liked the colourful Tamplarilor Street the most. On the lower side of this street we see the Shoemakers' Tower, one of the nine defence towers of the fortress of Sighisoara that have been preserved to date (out of a total of 14). Very close to the top of Tamplarilor Street is the Scara Şcolarilor or School Staircase. This is a steep staircase covered by a wooden roof that connects the lower part of the Citadel to the upper part. It was built in 1642, with 300 steps (of which 175 of the original ones still remain). It was covered to protect the children, who climbed up this path to the J. Haltrich High School.

In the upper part of the citadel, in addition to the J. Haltrich secondary school, we find the Church of the Hill. Built in Gothic style between 1345 and 1525, its origin is uncertain, but an earlier tower from the 13th century is mentioned. It is notable for its Gothic mural paintings, the most significant of which is a trifacial representation of the Holy Trinity on the front wall. The German cemetery behind the church reveals Masonic symbols on some graves, suggesting a Masonic presence in Sighișoara. In this upper part of the town we also find the Goldsmiths' tower.

(in 42 Km.) Viscri: The fortified church of Viscri is part of the group of fortified churches in Transylvania that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These churches represent exceptional examples of medieval architecture. They were built mainly in the 13th to 16th centuries to protect the local communities from Ottoman raids and attacks. One of the most notable features is the fortified bell tower, which served both as a place of observation and defence. From here, the villagers could watch the surrounding area for possible threats.

The church is surrounded by defensive walls and bastions that provided additional protection. These fortified elements were essential for the safety of the community in times of danger. Ancient frescoes: The interior of the church houses ancient frescoes, some of which date back to the 15th century. These wall paintings offer a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the region.

(in 90 Km.) Râșnov: Before reaching Râșnov, we stop on the way to take a photo of the Rupea Citadel from the road.