Old Cities in Central Transylvania

Images from Central Transylvania (Mediaș and Sighișoara old Saxon cities)

Cities in central Transylvania are recovering and exploiting their historical past and their cultural and architectural heritage.

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While Sighișoara is the world-famous star, Mediaș is its quieter, more understated, but equally authentic sibling.

Here is a detailed look at both cities, their shared heritage, and what makes each unique.

The Transylvanian Saxons: A Brief History

To understand Mediaș and Sighișoara, you must first understand the “Saxons” (in Romanian: Sași). They weren’t actually from Saxony but were ethnic Germans from the Rhineland-Moselle region. In the 12th century, the Hungarian King Géza II invited them to settle in Transylvania (then part of the Kingdom of Hungary) for two main reasons:

1. To defend the borders of the kingdom against invaders from the east, like the Tatars and Ottomans.
2. To develop the region through their skills in mining, crafts, and agriculture.

They established a network of seven main fortified towns known as the Siebenbürgen (Seven Fortresses), along with hundreds of villages, each centered around a magnificent fortified church. Sighișoara (Schäßburg) and Mediaș (Mediasch) were two of the most prominent of these towns.

Sighișoara: The Fairytale Citadel

Often called the “Jewel of Transylvania,” Sighișoara is arguably the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval town in Europe. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and, most impressively, is still inhabited today.

The Vibe: Stepping into the Sighișoara Citadel is like entering a Grimm’s fairytale. You are immediately surrounded by cobblestone streets, pastel-colored burgher houses, and a sense of perfectly preserved history. It is a major tourist destination, so it can be crowded, but its magic is undeniable.

Key Sights & Attractions:

• The Clock Tower (Turnul cu Ceas): The iconic symbol of the city. For centuries, it was the seat of the town council. You can climb to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view of the citadel and the Târnava Mare River. Don’t miss the unique clock mechanism with its wooden figurines representing days of the week and various allegories.
• The Scholars’ Stairs (Scara Școlarilor): A beautiful covered wooden staircase built in 1642. It has 176 steps and was designed to protect students and churchgoers on their way up to the Church on the Hill and the old school, especially during harsh winters.
• The Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal): At the top of the stairs, you’ll find this magnificent Gothic church, one of the most valuable historic and architectural monuments in Transylvania. It contains beautiful 15th-century frescoes and an eerie, atmospheric crypt.
• Vlad Dracul’s House (Casa Vlad Dracul): Sighișoara is the birthplace of Vlad III, the historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend. The house where he was born (around 1431) is now a restaurant and a small weapons museum. While touristy, it’s a must-see for the history.
• The Guild Towers: The citadel’s defense system was maintained by the city’s powerful craft guilds. You can still see many of their towers, such as the Tinsmiths’ Tower, Butchers’ Tower, and Cobblers’ Tower, each with its own unique architecture.

Mediaș: The Authentic, Hidden Gem

If Sighișoara is the polished jewel, Mediaș is the uncut diamond. It was once a rival to Sighișoara and Sibiu in importance and wealth, primarily due to its status as a major wine-producing center. Today, it offers a more “lived-in” and authentic Saxon town experience with fewer crowds.

The Vibe: Mediaș feels like a real, working Romanian town that just happens to have a stunningly beautiful and historically significant core. The main square is grand, the defensive walls are impressive, and the atmosphere is much more relaxed and local.

Key Sights & Attractions:

• St. Margaret’s Church (Biserica Sfânta Margareta): This is the heart of the old city. It’s a massive fortified church with beautiful Gothic architecture, precious winged altarpieces, and the oldest bronze baptismal font in Romania.
• The Trumpeter’s Tower: The church’s bell tower is the city’s most famous landmark. It has a distinctive tilted or leaning appearance (like a mini Tower of Pisa!) and is topped with four smaller corner turrets, a symbol that the town had the “right of the sword” (jus gladii), meaning it could administer capital punishment. The last trumpeter of the town, who would sound the alarm from the tower, died in 1934.
• The Fortified Citadel: Mediaș has one of the best-preserved fortification systems in Transylvania. You can walk along large sections of the 15th-century walls and admire the original towers, like the impressive Forkesch Gate Tower.
• Piața Regele Ferdinand I: The main town square is a beautiful, expansive space surrounded by historic houses with classic Transylvanian Saxon architectural features, including the typical “eye” windows in the roofs.
• The Franciscan Church and Monastery: A beautiful Baroque complex just outside the main citadel walls, offering a different architectural style.

Comparison: Sighișoara vs. Mediaș

Practical Advice for Visiting

• Getting There: Both cities are on the main railway line connecting Brașov and Sibiu, making them very easy to visit by train.
• Combine Them: They are only about an hour apart by train or car, so you can easily visit Mediaș as a day trip from Sighișoara or Sibiu.
• Don’t Miss the Villages: The true magic of the Saxon region lies in the fortified church villages surrounding the cities. Near Sighișoara is Biertan (a UNESCO site with an incredible fortified church and marital prison) and Viscri (a beautifully preserved village championed by King Charles III).

In summary, visit Sighișoara for its breathtaking, world-class beauty. Then, visit Mediaș to see what a great Saxon city feels like without the crowds, and to appreciate its own unique and powerful history. Together, they provide a perfect picture of the legacy of the Transylvanian Saxons.