6 great medieval locations you need to visit in Transylvania

Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by

If someone would have told me a year ago that on a sunny week of July 2019 I would have wondered around Transylvania, I wouldn’t believe it. But, hey! Here we are, one month later, writing about this still unknown, mysterious and beautiful region. I finally checked off Transylvania from my infinite bucket-list and I am very satisfied about it. In fact, as a medieval historian, I felt incredibly privileged to visiting places that, until a couple of years ago, were part of my studies. These were described as a sort of mythical forgotten past in my dusty history books. In such way, Transylvania was somehow familiar to me, but at the same time it was an incredible surprise. I hope you will be surprised like me in discovering this 6 great medieval locations to visit in Transylvania for your next trip! Let’s start from the beginning!

The Land Beyond the Forest

The Dacian Kingdom

A strong Gothic-horror imaginary linked to Transylvania, dominates popular culture since the late 19th century. In fact, it is probably for this reason that Dracula, and a generally dark overview of the region, appear as the first things people associate to the name “Transylvania”. However, Transylvania is a modern adaptation of the Latin words ultra silvam. These means something like “beyond the forest”. Historically, the Transylvanian region was the central area occupied by the Kingdom of Dacia (82 BC – 106 AD).

As the famous Column of Trajan can tell, the arrival of the Romans in this area signed the end of great part of the Dacian Kingdom. After that, loads of populations invaded Transylvania . These were Carpi, Visigoths, Huns, Gepids, Avars, Slavs and, nonetheless, Bulgarians. Bulgarians ruled for more than 2 centuries. However, since 1003, Transylvania became a “voivodeship” (something similar to a duchy but administered by a voivode instead of a duke) of Hungary until 1526.

From Principality of Transylvania to Dracula Kingdom

After this period, Transylvania was famous as “Principality of Transylvania” (1570–1711), a semi-independent state, ruled primarily by Hungarian princes. In the following centuries, Transylvania was a theatre for numerous battles. From 1800 to the end of the WWII these left the region some still evident scars (or as Telegraph call them “trauma evidences”). Nowadays Transylvania is a kind of lost paradise, surrounded by rural villages, mountains and castles full of charming fairytale vibes. As the myth Transylvania= vampires continue to be popular, I can assure you there is much more to see than the Dracula Castle and you will love it.

Medieval locations to visit in Transylvania

Brașov

The picturesque city of Brașov, capital of the Transylvanian Saxon, is located at 166 km from Bucharest. This beautifully preserved medieval town, is surrounded by the beauty of the Southern Carpathians. Located just a step away from some of the most stunning Romanian castles. Brașov is one of those cities which is ideal to explore on foot to catch its very essence. In fact, cobbled streets lined with colourful buildings, an imposing Gothic cathedral and incredible views from the Tampa mountain seems that they need to be discovered on a peaceful walk. In this regard, Brașov has it all and it’s perfect also as a day trip from Bucharest.

What to do in Brașov

Start your walking tour from the old town of Brașov, the very essence of its medieval heart. Here, you will see the magnificent Piata Sfatului, home of the city market since 1364. The most important building in the square is Casa Sfatului. This is currently hosting the Brașov County Museum of History. However, in the past, it used to be a Town Hall. After that, proceed towards the Black Church (Biserica Neagră). This is the largest Gothic church in Transylvania. The church dates back to the late 14th century. Unfortunately, it was partially destroyed after a fire in 1689. The church still preserve some of precious features like the famous “Scorpion Carpet” donated by the Saracens or the biggest organ in Southern Europe.

While strolling on the picturesque medieval streets of Brașov, it’s impossible to not cross one of the narrowest streets in Europe, Strada Sforii (also known as Rope Street). Initially used as a “fire escape”, it’s now one of the city’s main attractions. Finally yet importantly, don’t miss a peaceful walk on the Brașov fortified walls and visit the fairytale Catherine’s Gate.

Are you staying longer? Don’t miss these activities.

If you have more than one day in Brașov, why don’t you take a cable car to the top of Mt Tâmpa and see the city from another perspective? The ride is not more than 3 minutes but the view is breathtaking. Price? Only 18 LEI. Complete the tour with a visit to the St. Nicholas Church in the district of Schei (Brașov). The church was built initially in the XVI century and shares the ground with the First Romanian School, built in the late 15th century.

Where to Eat in Brașov

Restaurants in Brașov are full of charm. You can find plenty of choice from local Romanian dishes to international cuisine. A place to try if you like reinterpreted Italian cuisine is surely Cucinino. A new pasta bar in central Brașov where the unique taste of Italian pasta is mixed to the savours of the best Romanian freshly-prepared ingredients.

If you want to taste some of the best traditional food of Transylvania, the place to go is La Caeun. This Brașov restaurant is specialised in soups and grilled meals. They use local, fresh ingredients to cook typical grandma recipes.

Feldioara

Stuck in the middle of the Transylvanian countryside since 1255, Feldioara is the least, still unknown, medieval location of Romania. During the Middle Ages, the town of Feldioara was one of the most important settlements of the Burzerland region. A great wall belt surrounding the town and the towering Feldioara Fortress dominated its landscape. This is also famous as Marienburg Fortress.

What to do in Feldioara

Marienburg Fortress

The, recently renewed, Marienburg Fortress is Feldioara’s main attraction. Situated at the top of a steep-sloped plateau, this fortress have one of the most attractive views of Transylvania. The fortress itself was founded by the Teutonic Knights between 1211-1225. After that, the German community in Romania used it for hundreds of years . Unfortunately, centuries of natural decay and neglect of the surviving structures reduced the fortress to a useless ruin. This until 2013, when the Brașov County Council started a rehabilitation project (completed in 2017). What you can visit today, is a perfect reconstruction of the medieval fortress that incorporates the oldest surviving elements.

Churches of Feldioara

Along with the Marienburg Fortress, Feldioara has three important churches you can visit. The first and oldest is the Evangelical Church of Feldioara. This dates back to the 13th century. It was built contemporary to the fortress as a point of main religious expression for the Teutonic Order. The second, is the Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist. This dates back to 1788 and has a mix of roman-gothic style and Wallachian influences. The last church, is the Orthodox Church of Rotbav. This dates back to 1790, built by two merchant brothers from Brașov to be used by Rotbav Romanians.

How to get to the Marienburg Fortress

The Marienburg Fortress is located at Str. Octavian Goga, cod 507065, Jud, Brașov. It is just a 24 mins drive from Brasov via DN13/60 or 3 hour drive from Bucharest via the A3 motorway.

Opening Hours

Opening hours: Tues – Sun 9.00-17.00 (Winter schedule from October to March) 10.00-18.00 (summer schedule from April to September).

Sighisoara

With its colourful streets and storybook aspect, Sighisoara is the ultimate fairytale city! Historically, Sighisoara arise as one of the seven Siebenbürgen. These were 7 fortified citadels built and inhabited by the Transylvanian Saxons during the Middle Ages. Dating back to the 12th century, Sighisoara is one of the most (if not the most) well-preserved inhabited citadels of Europe. In fact, it still preserves its original medieval architecture. For this reason, UNESCO designed Sighisoara as World Heritage Site since 1999 .

What to do in Sighisoara

Sighisoara is located at the top of a hill, still surrounded by its medieval fortified walls. Colourful crooked houses, cobbled streets and wooden towers makes this city a little gem of a lost medieval world. Walking on the streets of Sighisoara will grant you a pleasant experience and gives you the opportunity to discover some of its most incredible landmarks. Among the most striking features of Sighisoara, there is the impressive Clock Tower. Built in the 15th century, the tower used to be the main point of access to the city.

Sighisoara is famous also for being the birthplace of Vlad III the Impaler, aka Dracula. Here, at Str. Cositorarilor n° 5, you can still visit his house. In fact, Vlad Dracul house is now a restaurant and souvenir shop!

Towers, towers, towers!!!

In addition to the main Clock Tower, Sighisoara still preserves more than eight medieval towers. These are disposed strategically around the citadel. The most scenic to visit are the Turnul Cizmarilor or Bootmakers’ Tower; the Turnul Croitorilor or Taylor’s Tower and the Turnul Frânghierilor or Ropemakers’ Tower. The peculiarity of Sighisoara’s towers is that they worked not only as defensive structures of the city during the Middle Ages, but they were designed to be independent strongholds.

Art, crafts and antiquities in Sighisoara

If you have more than one day in Sighisoara, why not to take an art and craft tour? In fact, Sighisoara offers plenty of shops where to admire authentic examples of Transylvanian handcraft. Woodcarving, glass painting, knitted traditional clothes and beautiful antiques shops are some of the nicest things you can find. Among the most famous shops, there is Arts & Crafts. A place run by Mark Tudose, known as “The Spoonman”, one of the most important wooden artisan of the area. In addition, the antiques shop Antichitati has some of the most unique objects you can find in Sighisoara. Moreover, if you are travelling in July, don’t miss the traditional Festival of Medieval Arts and Crafts. This is an incredible occasion to immerse yourself in medieval ceremonies, handicraft fairs and dances.

Transylvanian Highlands

Transylvanian Highlands have been deemed by WWF as the “last authentic medieval landscape in Europe”. An area of pristine beauty, where wild landscapes, medieval villages and folklorist traditions harmonically stand the test of time. As you can anticipate, the Transylvanian Highlands is not a single location, but a vast area bordered by Tarnava Mare, Hartibaciu and Olt rivers. Because it is one of the finest examples of surviving medieval landscape, I thought it was appropriate to insert it in this list of medieval locations to visit in this region.

What to do in the Transylvanian Highlands

To have a proper understanding of the Transylvanian Highlands, you would probably need one or two weeks. In fact, there are about 44 settlements, 300 Km of marked trails for biking/walking/hiking and over 90 fortified churches to visit! However, if you have a shorter time, you can always decide among one of these activities.

Follow the trail of the fortified churches

Fortified churches dating back to the Middle Ages are part of the beautiful landscape of the Transylvanian Highlands. Stunning their visitors for their excellent preservation status, most of them are now listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Among the most important fortified churches of Transylvania there are the Biertan Fortified Church, dating back to the 15th century; the Fortified Church of Saschiz that still preserve its massive defence tower and the Fortified Church
of Valea Viilor, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Its construction started already in the 12th century.

Hiking in the Transylvanian Alps

Hiking (or biking/walking) in the Transylvanian Highlands can be a really fantastic experience. In fact, the wild landscape, the clean air and biodiversity of wildlife make this area one of the most unique places in Europe. There are over 300 trails to follow and more than 10 protected areas that includes old trees aged between 400 and 600 years old. Among the most popular trails, there is the Mihăileni Canyon trail stretching within a 17km long trail between Mediaș and Sibiu.

Have lunch in a Eco Farm

The Transylvanian Highlands are famous for being an eco-sustainable destination promoting ecotourism. In fact, many farmers of the area have become more aware of the environmental aspects of their cultures. This means that they are promoting a more sustainable farming and food system. One of those places is Ferma Ecologica Topa. Here, typical fresh products like cheese, vegetables, dairy and traditional jams are produced according healthy principles and from ecologically certified plots of land.

Me and other people travelling with Experience Romania had the pleasure of having lunch at Ferma Ecologica Topa. I was really impressed by the freshness of the products and their amazing taste!

Corvin Castle

When I think to Transylvania, this is the first location that comes to my mind. The Corvin Castle. Beautiful, timeless and with a bit of fairytale vibes. I wanted to visit it since long time and I am very glad I finally made it!

History of Corvin Castle

Corvin Castle is famous also with many other names: Hunyadi Castle, Hunedoara Castle or Castelul Huniazilor, if you want to keep its Romanian name. It dates back to 1446, ordered by John Hunyadi who, during that period, was Voivode of Transylvania. The castle initial purpose was mainly military but, with time, it became one of the most sumptuous residences in Transylvania.

It was enlarged significantly during the centuries, although a major restoration happened in 1854. This because a devastating fire destroyed part of the castle. However, the castle was restored again in 1870, 1965-70 and 1993-95, gradually assuming the current Gothic aspect and becoming one of the largest castles in Europe.

Visiting the Corvin Castle

Corvin Castle is considered one of the seven wonders of Romania. When visiting, make sure to visit its impressive Knight’s Hall, the white tower, the Diet All and the circular staircase. Corvin Castle is quite popular, especially in summer! When I was visiting it, there were lot of people (almost impossible to have good pictures!). Make sure to go early to avoid the crowd!

Getting to Corvin Castle

Corvin Castle is located at Strada Castelului 1-3, in the town of Hunedoara. The castle is pretty far from Bucharest, but if you are up for a 5/6 hour drive you should go via the E81 and A1. Visiting Corvin Castle from Sibiu is much easier, as the city is at a convenient distance. Just 1h and 25 minutes drive via A1.

Opening Hours and Admission

The Corvin Castle castle opening hours are Monday 12.00-8.30 and Tue-Sun 9.00 am-8.30 pm. Tickets fee is 30 LEI (students with ID 7 LEI). There is also a Photo tax of 5 LEI.

Bran Castle

Emerging scenically from the top of a mountain pass, the Bran Castle (aka the Dracula Castle) still impress its visitors. They probably hope to see bloody scenes, mysterious creatures emerging from the fog and probably some good-looking vampires. I’m sorry to disappoint your expectations, but you won’t see any of those.

Historically incorrect

In fact, this castle never seen a vampire since the time it was only a wooden palisade on the top of a hill in 1212. And, I’m sorry to disappoint you again, it’s likely that it never seen Dracula (or better Vlad Țepeș) either. In fact, Bram Stoker as location of its novel randomly chose Bran castle . However, historically, there are no evidences that Vlad Țepeș ever step a foot in this location.

There are many tales about Vlad Țepeș that see him depicted both as both an evil cruel man and a national hero. Stories that are disseminated in popular narrative since 1462. However, none of them connect Dracula with the Bran Castle. There are some tales connecting the ruler with the, now ruins, of Poienari Castle. However, even here, the real history was lost in the centuries. Ergo, keep this in mind when visiting!

Visiting Bran Castle

Despite the whole Dracula story, Bran Castle is a Romanian national landmark since the Middle Ages and it worth a visit when around Transylvania. You won’t be disappointed by the stunning outlook and fine interiors of Bran Castle. Moreover, if you have spare time, you can pop in one of the many “secret” viewpoints to admire the castle from a scenic perspective.

How to get to Bran Castle

The castle is located at Strada General Traian Moșoiu 24 in the small village of Bran. From Brasov to Bran Castle, there is a 45 minutes drive across the Route 73. From Bucarest to Bran Castle, you have to follow DN1/E60, pass by Ploiesti for a 3h drive.

Opening times and Admission

The castle is open Monday: 12PM – 6PM (4 PM in Winter time Oct-Mar) and Tuesday-Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6PM (4 PM in Winter time Oct-Mar). Adult ticket is 40 LEI (25 LEI for students with valid ID).

Where to eat in Transylvania

Stana Turistica

Framed by enchanting mountain views, the restaurant Stana Turistica in Poiana Brașov is one of the most charming places where to eat in Transylvania. At the restaurant Stana Turistica, you can taste some of the best Transylvanian specialities cooked with fresh local ingredients. This place really caught me with surprise. In fact, I didn’t expect so much beauty in the middle of the mountain! Food was fresh and delicious. I loved especially the polenta with fresh Romanian cheese.

Conacul Archia

Conacul Archia is a mansion near the towns of Hunedoara and Deva, in the middle of the Transylvanian countryside. Here, you can taste some of the most delicious Romanian and Hungarian dishes. At Conacul Archia you can also enjoy different leisure activities. Specifically, horse riding and hiking. All the food is coming from local productions and the mansion work also as a main hotel. Their grilled dishes were exceptional and really enjoyed my lunch.

Where to stay in Transylvania

Teleferic Grand Hotel, Poiana Brașov

I can easily say that Teleferic Grand Hotel in Poiana Brașov was absolutely my favourite place where to stay in Transylvania! The hotel is situated in the idyllic location of Poiana Brașov, surrounded by breathtaking views on the Mount Postăvaru.

The hotel was newly decorated following the style of the traditional wooden mountain cabins. It is a perfect location for winter activities. In fact, the Teleferic Grand Hotel is at the foot of a ski slope. Moreover, the wellness centre, with its spacious spa and sauna provides a valid alternative for those who want to relax in a fantastic location. Prices starts from £96 per night for a Economy Double Room and 167£ per night for a Junior Suite.

Hotel Continental Forum Târgu Mureș

For a brief stay, Hotel Continental Forum in Târgu Mureș is the best option. In fact, this is a 4 star hotel conveniently located in the centre of Târgu Mureș. The hotel was renovated completely in 2019 and its’s perfect to explore the town or as a base to explore more of Transylvania. The lovely Mondo Restaurant inside the hotel offers many local and international specialities. Our stay was very brief, however, it was pleasant and with an excellent service.

Read More: would you like to know more about other locations in Romania? Read my Bucharest guide here.

Conclusions

That’s all folks! I hope you enjoyed this 6 great medieval locations to visit in Transylvania. I believe this blog might be useful for your upcoming Romania plans or for your future travel plans! If you have additional questions, as always, do not hesitate to ask!

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