Sighioara

Sighișoara, also known as Sighisoara in English, is a city in Mureș County, in the historic region of Transylvania, Romania. The historic center sits on a hill and is surrounded by preserved medieval walls. Founded by Transylvanian Saxons in the 12th century, Sighișoara grew as a fortified trade town and retains a cohesive medieval urban fabric, including timber-framed houses, narrow streets, and defensive towers.

The citadel is anchored by the Clock Tower, a dominant landmark dating from the 14th century. Adjacent landmarks include the Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal), a Gothic church dating from the 14th–15th centuries, and remnants of the town walls and several towers. The historic center remains a living town with residents, shops, and a robust tourist trade.

The town is best known internationally as the birthplace of Vlad III Dracul (Vlad the Impaler), the 15th-century ruler of Wallachia; his purported birthplace house is preserved within the historic center and operates as a museum.

In 1999, the Historic Centre of Sighișoara was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved example of a medieval fortified town in Transylvania. The site is recognized for its cohesive medieval architecture, intact fortifications, and significance to the region’s Saxon heritage. Tourism, culture, and crafts are central to the local economy, and the city hosts an annual medieval festival that draws visitors worldwide.