Medieval Magic in Sighisoara

• HelloSalut
  [sah-loot]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [lah reh-veh-deh-reh]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNu
  [noo]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog
  [teh rohg]
• Thank youMulțumesc
  [mool-tsoo-mesk]
• Excuse me/SorryScuzați-mă
  [skoo-zah-tsi muh]
• How are you?Ce faci?
  [cheh fahch]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [bee-neh. shee too]
• Do you speak English?Vorbiți engleză?
  [vor-bee-tsi eng-leh-zuh]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [noo in-tseh-leg]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [ush doh-ree suh vud meh-nyool, vuh rohg]
• I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne
  [noo muh-nunk kar-neh]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [noh-rok]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [ush doh-ree suh pluh-tesk, vuh rohg]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [ah-yoo-tor]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [doo-teh]
• Call the Police!Sunați poliția!
  [soo-nahts po-lee-tsia]
• Call a doctor!Sunați un doctor!
  [soo-nahts oon dok-tor]
• I'm lostM-am pierdut
  [mahm pyer-dooot]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [soont bohl-nav]

• I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...
  [ush doh-ree suh koom-pur]
• I'm just lookingDoar mă uit
  [doh-ar muh ooit]
• How much is it?Cât costă?
  [kaht kohs-tuh]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [es-teh prah skoomp]
• Can you lower the price?Puteți să scădeți prețul?
  [poo-teh-tsi suh skuh-deh-ts preh-tsool]

• What time is it?Cât este ceasul?
  [kaht es-teh chyas-ool]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [es-teh oh-rah oo-noo]
• Half past (10)Jumătate (la zece)
  [zhoo-muh-tah-teh (lah zeh-che)]
• MorningDimineața
  [dee-mee-neh-tsa]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [doo-puh ah-mee-ah-zuh]
• EveningSeara
  [seh-ah-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-reh]
• TodayAstăzi
  [ah-stuhz]
• TomorrowMâine
  [muh-yeh-neh]
• 1Unu
  [oo-noo]
• 2Doi
  [doy]
• 3Trei
  [tray]
• 4Patru
  [paht-roo]
• 5Cinci
  [cheen-chee]
• 6Șase
  [shah-seh]
• 7Șapte
  [shahp-teh]
• 8Opt
  [opt]
• 9Nouă
  [noo-uh]
• 10Zece
  [zeh-che]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/o...
  [oon-deh es-teh oon-ool/oh]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [ka-re es-teh ah-dre-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puteți să-mi arătați (pe hartă)?
  [poo-teh-tsi suh-mi ah-rah-tsa-tsi (peh har-tuh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Când este următorul (autobuz)?
  [kund es-teh oor-muh-toh-rool (ow-toh-booze)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (spre...)
  [oon bee-let (spreh)]

Sighisoara was founded by Transylvanian Saxons during the late 12th century. Initially, it served as a strategic outpost in the region, becoming one of the most important and fortified towns in Transylvania. The town's establishment was part of a broader effort by the Kingdom of Hungary to defend against invasions and to consolidate its control over the area.

Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, Sighisoara evolved into a significant medieval stronghold. The construction of its defensive walls, fortified towers, and bastions began during this period. The most notable of these is the Clock Tower, which served as the main gate to the citadel. The fortifications were essential in defending the town from various threats, including Tatar invasions and internal conflicts.

During the medieval period, Sighisoara's economy flourished under the Saxon guild system, which organized tradesmen and craftsmen into various guilds. These guilds controlled trade, maintained quality standards, and played a significant role in the local governance. Each guild also took responsibility for the maintenance and defense of specific sections of the town's fortifications.

Sighisoara is famously known as the birthplace of Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Dracula. Born in 1431, Vlad III was a member of the House of Drăculești. His father, Vlad II Dracul, lived in a house in Sighisoara, which has now become a popular tourist attraction known as the 'Casa Vlad Dracul.' Vlad III's life and legacy have significantly influenced the cultural and historical narrative of Sighisoara.

The 16th century brought significant religious changes to Sighisoara with the advent of the Protestant Reformation. The town witnessed the spread of Lutheranism among its Saxon inhabitants, leading to religious strife and the establishment of Lutheran churches. This period also saw conflicts between different Christian denominations, impacting the town's social and political landscape.

In the late 17th century, Sighisoara came under the control of the Habsburg Monarchy following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the region. This period marked the beginning of modernization, with improvements in infrastructure, trade, and education. The town continued to evolve, balancing its historical legacy with the pressures and opportunities of modernity.

In the 20th century, efforts to preserve Sighisoara's rich cultural heritage gained momentum. Significant restoration projects were undertaken to maintain the medieval architecture and fortifications. In 1999, Sighisoara's historic center was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its unique cultural and historical significance.

The Sighisoara Medieval Festival, initiated in the early 1990s, has become a hallmark of the town's cultural calendar. Held annually, the festival celebrates Sighisoara's medieval heritage with reenactments, performances, and crafts. It attracts visitors from around the world, offering a vibrant and immersive experience of medieval life.

Sighisoara is located in the heart of Romania's Transylvania region. The nearest international airport is Târgu Mureș International Airport, around 60 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Sighisoara. Alternatively, you can fly into Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca and take a train or bus to Sighisoara. Train services are frequent and offer a scenic journey through the Romanian countryside.

Sighisoara is a small town, and most of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, taxis are readily available and reasonably priced. Public buses operate within the town and connect to nearby villages. Renting a car is also an option if you plan to explore the wider Transylvania region at your own pace.

The official currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available throughout Sighisoara, so withdrawing cash should not be a problem.

Sighisoara is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Sighisoara. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Sighisoara like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Romanian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss the Clock Tower, which offers panoramic views of the town, and take the time to explore the cobblestone streets and colorful houses of the medieval citadel.