ROMANIA
Here is some interesting background information about some of the photos (below) of the places we visited in Romania.
Sighisoara - A Medieval City
Sighisoara is a city that was founded by Transylvanian Saxons during the 12th century and still stands as one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. It is designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It remains a perfectly intact 16th century gem with nine towers, cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches.
Sighisoara’s main point of attraction is the Clock Tower, also known as the Council Tower, built in the second half of the 14th century and expanded in the 16th century. In the 14th and 15th centuries, craftsmen and tradesmen constructed 14 towers and several bastions which provided a strong defense system for the city with gunnery directed to all four cardinal points. Each tower was built, maintained and defended by a craft guild. Among the most striking is the 14th century clock tower. This tower controlled the main gate of the half-mile-long defensive wall and stored the city’s treasures. What is even more amazing is that the ornate German clock in the tower has actually been functioning since the middle ages! Many of the photos included were taken from inside the clock tower looking out over the rooftops of Sighisoara. (see photos)
Dracula?
Vlad Dracul’s House The Vlad Dracul House is located in the Citadel Square, close to the Clock Tower. It is also the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, also known as Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), ruler of the province of Walachia from 1456 to 1462. It was he who inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional creation, Count Dracula. A wrought-iron dragon hangs above the entrance. The ground floor of the house serves as a restaurant, while the first floor is home to the Museum of Weapons. (see photos)
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