The Timeless Charm of Sighisoara: Romania's Medieval Gem

• HelloSalut
  [sah-loot]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [lah reh-veh-deh-reh]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNu
  [noo]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog
  [teh rohg]
• Thank youMultumesc
  [mool-too-mesk]
• Excuse me/SorryScuza-ma
  [skoo-zah mah]
• How are you?Ce faci?
  [cheh fahch]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Si tu?
  [bee-neh. see too]
• Do you speak English?Vorbesti engleza?
  [vor-behs-tee eng-leh-zah]
• I don't understandNu inteleg
  [noo een-teh-leg]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAs dori sa vad meniul, te rog
  [ahs doh-ree sah vahd meh-nyool, teh rohg]
• I don't eat meatNu mananc carne
  [noo mahn-ahnk kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [noh-rohk]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAs dori sa platesc, te rog
  [ahs doh-ree sah plah-tesk, teh rohg]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [ah-yoo-tohr]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [doo-teh]
• Call the Police!Sunati politia!
  [soo-nah-tee po-leet-yah]
• Call a doctor!Sunati un doctor!
  [soo-nah-tee oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostM-am pierdut
  [mahm pye-ehr-dooot]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [soont bohl-nahv]

• I'd like to buy...As dori sa cumpar...
  [ahs doh-ree sah koom-par]
• I'm just lookingMa uit doar
  [mah ooh-eet doh-ahr]
• How much is it?Cat costa?
  [kaht kohs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [ehs-teh preh-ah skoomp]
• Can you lower the price?Poti sa scazi pretul?
  [poh-tee sah skah-zee preh-tool]

• What time is it?Cate este ora?
  [kahteh ehs-teh oh-rah]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [ehs-teh oh-rah oo-noo]
• Half past (10)Zece si jumatate
  [zeh-cheh see zjah-mah-tah-teh]
• MorningDimineata
  [dee-mee-neh-ah-tah]
• AfternoonDupa-amiaza
  [doo-pah ah-mee-ah-zah]
• EveningSeara
  [seh-ah-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayAzi
  [ah-zee]
• TomorrowMaine
  [mah-ee-neh]
• 1Unu
  [oo-noo]
• 2Doi
  [doy]
• 3Trei
  [tray]
• 4Patru
  [paht-roo]
• 5Cinci
  [cheen-chee]
• 6Sase
  [sah-sheh]
• 7Sapte
  [sahp-teh]
• 8Opt
  [ohpt]
• 9Noua
  [noo-wah]
• 10Zece
  [zeh-cheh]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/una...?
  [oon-deh ehs-teh oon-ool/ooh-nah]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [kah-reh ehs-teh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Poti sa ma arati (pe harta)?
  [poh-tee sah mah ah-rah-tee (peh hahr-tah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Cand vine urmatorul (autobuz)?
  [kahnd vee-neh oor-mah-tohr-ool (ow-toh-booz)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (catre ....)
  [oon bee-let (kaht-reh)]

Sighisoara, known in German as Schäßburg and in Hungarian as Segesvár, was founded in the 12th century by Saxon settlers invited by King Géza II of Hungary. The settlers were brought in to defend the frontier and to develop the area economically. This medieval town is one of the few fortified towns in Europe that is still inhabited.

Sighisoara is famously known as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad Dracula, who was born here in 1431. Vlad the Impaler is a historical figure who inspired Bram Stoker's fictional character, Count Dracula. His birthplace is now a museum and restaurant, attracting numerous tourists interested in his legend.

Sighisoara's fortifications, built in the 14th century, include a series of towers and walls constructed to protect the town from invaders. Notable among these is the Clock Tower, which stands as a symbol of the town. Originally built in the 14th century and later modified in the 16th century, this tower served as the main gate of the city and the town hall for centuries.

The Sighisoara Citadel is a well-preserved medieval fortified city, part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. The citadel includes nine towers, cobbled streets, and burgher houses, reflecting the architectural style of the period. It stands as one of Romania's best-preserved medieval towns and is a significant cultural and historical site.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Sighisoara played a significant role in the Transylvanian Principality. It was a center of commerce and craftsmanship, contributing to the region's economic development. Many guilds were established here, and the town became known for its skilled artisans and merchants.

In 1849, during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, the Battle of Sighisoara took place. This battle was part of the larger conflict between Hungarian revolutionaries and the Habsburg Empire. Although the Habsburg forces, supported by Russia, eventually suppressed the revolution, the battle remains a significant historical event.

Sighisoara is renowned for its cultural heritage and vibrant festivals. The most famous is the annual Sighisoara Medieval Festival, held in July. This event celebrates the town's medieval history with reenactments, music, dance, and traditional crafts. It attracts visitors from all over the world, eager to experience the historical ambiance.

Sighisoara is located in the heart of Romania, in the region of Transylvania. The nearest international airports are Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest (approximately 280 kilometers away) and Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport in Cluj-Napoca (approximately 160 kilometers away). From these airports, you can take a train, bus, or rent a car to reach Sighisoara. The train ride from Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca to Sighisoara offers a scenic route through the Romanian countryside and typically takes 4-5 hours.

Sighisoara is a compact town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For exploring nearby areas, local taxis are available and reasonably priced. The regional train network is efficient and connects Sighisoara to other major cities in Romania. Car rentals are also an option for those who prefer the freedom to explore at their own pace. Additionally, buses operate within the town and to neighboring villages.

The official currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are readily available in Sighisoara, and you can exchange foreign currency at banks and exchange offices.

Sighisoara is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Sighisoara, 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 pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, it is customary to cover your head and dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Bună ziua' (Good day) is appreciated. 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, wander through the cobblestone streets of the Citadel and explore its historic buildings. 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 visiting the Clock Tower Museum for panoramic views of the town. For a unique experience, attend the Sighisoara Medieval Festival held annually in July, which features medieval reenactments, music, and crafts.