Unseen Romania

Sighisoara, medieval heaven

A trip in the past

Legends, myths, dark forces, medieval times covered with bloody, heart-beating tales… So little known about it, but so famous at the same time: Transylvania. The devil’s kingdom, as the legends says is in fact, nowadays a medieval heaven, a town torn from a romantic tale.

 

This marvelous city with an overwhelming historical load, dating from de XII-th century, seems not to be touched by the black years of communism. Central Sighisoara has preserved in an exemplary way the features of a small medieval fortified city, it has been listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Each year in July a Medieval Festival takes place in the old citadel. People from all over the country gather to celebrate one of the most beautiful and best-preserved towns in Europe. The festival comes as a loop hole from the modern, capitalist society you live in, into a Middle Ages story, as a trip in the past.

 

Positioned in the centre of the country, Sighisoara lets the visitor feel Romania’s heartbeat. Each beating comes not only as a moment in time, but as a renewal of old and everlasting pledges. Houses, gates, towers, walls, rocks - are all the guardians of centenary secrets, witnesses of written and unwritten history. They have seen millions of people, and have thousand of stories to tell. The passing of the time has not speared them; the “wrinkles” can be seen. The ageing has glorified them; they are one of the heroes of the medieval time. Their beauty is well-known; their legends are to be spread.

 

 

The citadel square

 

This small square lies at the heart of the citadel. In the old days, street markets, craft fairs, public executions and witch trials were held here. From this square, you can easily access the main attractions of Sighisoara. One interesting fact is that only goldsmiths, carpenters, tailors and tinsmiths were allowed to practice and have their workshops inside the citadel.

Sighisoara’s main biggest and well known hero 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. The four small corner turrets on top of the tower symbolized the judicial autonomy of the Town Council, which could apply, if necessary, the death penalty.

 

On the top of the tower, was set in the 17^th century a two-plate clock, with figurines carved from linden wood; one dial looking over the Lower Town, and the other facing the citadel. Each figurine represents a different character: the Peace holder is on the citadel side, holding an olive branch, along with a drummer who announces the passing of each hour with his bronze drum; above them are Justice and Law, wielding a sword, accompanied by two angels, representing Day and the Night. Each Day, the ritual begins at 6 am with the appearance of the angel. Each night the angel symbolizing the night comes out carrying two burning candles, ending the ritual.

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