Nicknamed ôThe Pearl of the TΓrnave,ö Sighi║oara is one of the most beautiful medieval citadels in Europe. Colonized by the Saxons at mid-13th century, the citadel developed after the fashion of a typical German burg.
Lying on both banks of the TΓrnava Mare River, the old medieval citadel includes a network of sinuous narrow lanes, stairways and arched passageways leading to the watchtower that dominates the colourful houses. The architecture of the buildings combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. Most houses have a small balcony made of wood. It is in one of these that WallachiaÆs celebrated prince Vlad the Impaler was born in 1431 and spent his childhood. A wall with defense towers surrounds the old medieval fortress.
