Stepping back in time: Sighisoara, Romania

In the middle of Transylvania, Romania, brightly coloured houses of every colour, paired with cobble stoned streets, a citadel stands stopped in time. A UNESCO world heritage protected site since 1999, this 12th century Saxon colonised town, Sighisoara has changed little since then. 

Used originally as a fortified city to protect the border of the Carpathian Mountains, it separated the medieval world of the Byzantines to the east and the Saxons in the west. 

This towns most famous resident is the “real Dracula”. Vlad the impaler whom Bram Stokers Dracula is based on, is rumoured to have been born here in 1431. 

There are two entrances into the town and is just a short walk up to the town square. Next to the Piata Cetali (main Square) is a wonky looking covered  pathway holding a 172 steep staircase up to the Cetatii hill to the gothic church known as the church on the hill.

Reaching the top, you come across a stunning view of the rolling hills, farms and villages of Romania for miles round. 

Walking around this town was amazing, like I had just been transported back to medieval times.

The Piata Cetali full of coffee shops and bands playing, breath taking views from the church, seeing couples walking around having their wedding photos taken and spotting Vlad the Impalers old house and wandering down the quiet streets off the Piata Cetali, away from the crowds , it is easy to forget a world that exists outside the walls.