Transylvania Medieval Towns

The region of Transylvania (Central Romania) brings to minds of many the legend of Count Dracula.
While the legend is certainly intriguing, the region has much, much more to offer. Some of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns, most notably Sighisoara, Brasov and Sibiu, are located in Transylvania.
Visitors can marvel at Transylvania's unique architectural treasures, such as castles, fortified churches and centuries-old residences and administrative buildings, while exploring sites where more than 900 years ago Saxon craftsmen and merchants established powerful and rich citadels.

During the middle of the 12th century Saxon settlers came to central Transylvania from the Luxembourg, Lorraine, Moselle, Rhine and Wallonia regions (northwestern Europe). They called their new home 'Siebenburgen' (Septem Castra in Latin) after the seven major walled towns they have founded:   Bistrița (Bistritz),   Brașov (Kronstadt),   Cluj Napoca (Klausenburg),   Mediaș (Mediasch)  Sebeș (Mühlbach),   Sibiu (Hermannstadt),   Sighișoara (Schassburg).

Bistrița

Located at the foot of the Bargau Mountains, not far away from Borgo Pass which connects Transylvania to Bucovina, town of Bistrita is one of the oldest in the region. Saxon colonists, who settled in the area in 1206, helped develop the town into a flourishing medieval trading post. The old town's quaint 15th and 16th century merchant houses, the remains of the 13th century fortress walls, and the town's unhurried pace have preserved some of Bistrita's once-thriving medieval atmosphere. Not to be missed attractions include: the 14th century Saxon Evangelical Church; the arcaded Sugatele row; the Silversmith's House; Coopers' Tower; and the County History Museum.

Brașov

Fringed by the peaks of the Carpathian Mountains and resplendent with gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture, as well as a wealth of historical attractions, Brasov Old Town, located less than three hours north of Bucharest, provides a great introduction to Transylvania region. Among Brasov's best know attractions are the Council Square, the beautiful St. Nicholas Church, the Black Church – the largest Gothic church east of Vienna – so named because of its dark walls which survived a devastating fire in 1689, and Brasov Fortress. In close proximity to Brasov are the fortified churches Harman, with its massive 13th century defending towers, and Prejmer, the biggest fortified church in Southeastern Europe. Visit Brasov's many historic sites before heading west to Sibiu.

Cluj Napoca

The largest city in Transylvania, Cluj Napoca (Cluj for short), traces its origin back to the Dacian settlement of Napoca in 2nd century A.D. Cluj is today a vibrant cultural and university center. The main square, resplendent with 18th and 19th century buildings, is dominated by the 15th century St. Michael's Church, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Romania. The square is also home to the 18th century baroque Banffy Palace, housing the weaponry and Romanian painting collections of the Art Museum. Visitors who want to learn more about the region should check out the open-air section of the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania, a true display of folk architecture. Spend an enjoyable evening at the Opera or attend a classical concert offered by the Cluj State Philharmonic.

Mediaș

The medieval centre of the ancient settlement of Medias has a particular charm, with narrow winding lanes, centuries-old houses and a large pedestrian square. The fortified St. Margaret Evangelical Church, erected in the 15th century on the ruins of a Roman basilica, dominates the old town. The church, enclosed by two rows of walls and several defense towers (one of which served as prison cell for Vlad the Impaler in 1467), features three superb Gothic altarpieces, a colorful Baroque organ and some early 15th century frescoes.

Sebeș

During the middle ages, Sebes was a flourishing economic and political centre. Like all Saxon medieval citadels, the town was renowned for its crafts and trade, serving from 16th to 18th century as a seat for the Transylvanian Diet. Main attractions include: the 12th century Evangelical Church; the 14th century Fortress and the 15th century Zapolya House.

Sibiu

Designated European Capital of Culture in 2007, Sibiu retains the grandeur of its earlier days when rich and powerful guilds dominated regional trade. Explore the old city center with its upper town, home to most of Sibiu's historic sites, and lower town, lined with colorful houses on cobblestone streets and bounded by imposing city walls and defense towers overlooking the river Cibin. Sibiu makes an ideal base for the exploration of the nearby countryside and villages. Located at the foothills of the Cindrel Mountains, a half-hour drive from Sibiu, is Marginimea Sibiului - a string of 18 villages, rich in architecture, history and heritage.

Sighișoara

Transylvania is also home to the charming town of Sighisoara, a perfectly intact 15th century gem with nine towers, narrow passageways and cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sighisoara is also the birthplace of Vlad Draculea, nicknamed Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Tepes), ruler of Walachia - southern Romania - from 1456 to 1462. It was Vlad who inspired Bram Stoker's fictional creation, Count Dracula. His house is just one of many attractions here. Others include: the Church on the Hill, with its 500-year-old frescoes; the Church of the Dominican Monastery, known for its Transylvanian Renaissance carved altarpiece, baroque painted pulpit, Oriental carpets and 17th century organ; and the Venetian House, built in the 13th century. In the nearby countryside, another UNESCO World Heritage town, 13th century Biertan , stands high on a hill as one of the largest and most impressive medieval strongholds in Transylvania.