Sighisoara

We arrived in a downpour of rain. But dear Monica was waiting to help us with our bags at the bottom of the steps. She pointed up into the gloom and said `Citadel`. Can't see a thing but we believe her. Once up the uneven stone steps (worn smooth by countless feet) and through the sturdy green door, we have wooden steps going down. Our apartment. This is a sophisticated place, calm and quality all around. Straight from the pages of `Country Living`, I love it. Supermarket 5 minutes walk away for provisions. Sleep like a log.

We wake up to glorious sunshine. Sighisoara is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is so pretty! The origins of the city go back to the Roman times, then the Dacian (ancient settlers who became Romanians) times in 1st century AD. Then in the 12th century Saxon Transylvanians built what is considered one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. Cobbled streets wind around houses built at funny angles (guess no one had a set square or plumb line).

The Clock Tower. Set into an alcove on one side there are two figurines. `Peace` holding an olive branch, and a Drummer who beats the hours on his drum. Above is depicted Justice (scales) and Law (sword). And two Angels (day and night) who swap places at 6am and 6pm. On the other side, overlooking the old city, there is an alcove with seven figurines showing the days of the week. Monday - Diana, Yuesday - Mars, Wednesday - Mercury, Thursday - Jupiter, Friday - Venus, Saturday - Saturn and Sunday - Sun. Above is a meteorological clock which forcasts the weather. And, of course, there is a clock to tell the the time. A glance at the tower tells you all you need to know! Inside the tower is a museum with the creakiest floor I have ever trodden on. However carefully you walk, it sounds like a herd of elephants passing through. Ha ha. Very interesting museum of local artifacts. Finished off with fabulous views from the top. As in so many places, there are plaques showing how many kilometres to major cities. Its 1,872 to London. A quick calculation tells me we would have to walk 27k a day to get home. Normans response to this revelation is unrepeatable, needless to say we will stick to buses and trains.

The Citadel square. A beautiful cobbled square with lovely old building surrounding it. Once the site of markets, executions and witch trials, it is now a pleasant place to enjoy a coffee and do a spot of people watching. There are the inevitable craft shops, all selling the same thing, embroidered blouses, fridge magnets and t shirts. The house where Vlad the Impaler was born is here. Now its a restaurant and bar downstairs, but for 10 lei (£2) you can go upstairs to see the room Vlad was born in. Its laughably touristy, a huge furry spider drops on your head on the landing for a start. The lights are all dim with red bulbs, and a man (yes, a real live man) in a black cloak is lying in a coffin on the floor. For a couple of extra lei you can take photos of him. Its cringly cheesey, but what the hell, got to make a living somehow.

The scholars steps. There are 179 of them. Built in 1642 to protect schoolboys and church goers on the trek from the citadel square to The Church on the hill from the weather. The climb was worth it as the view was lovely and we were treated to the sight of a field of primroses and little blue irises. Signs of spring at last.

The church of the Dominican Monastery. The church is all that remains of the original monastery. Part of the site was used to build the council offices which is a lovely building in its own right. There is a lovely paved walkway with benches and flower beds, perfect for a stroll admiring the view.

We have said it so often, but we wish we had stayed longer here!