Around Transylvania

I've been weaving in and out of Brasov now for a week. It's been a grand time, from wedding festivities to a yoga retreat. This was the fun, big city nearby with the Brasov sign up on the hill. To go anywhere, all roads seem to lead here. Even after leaving the yoga retreat to head further north, back to Brasov I went, already knowing the roads and city layout. And then it would be back out on the same roads before finally making a new turnoff and heading north. 

Sibiu was the first destination, another town with a fantastic old town, filled with church towers and remnants of past city walls. The history just walking around this area, knowing how long the towns have been around and what people lived there is impressive. From Vlad Tepes fighting off the Turkish to the Saxons settling and building fortified churches to the Austrian Hungarian empire having major towns, Transylvania has been an important place. Sibiu had some amazing sights, but left me wanting more. Too much clustered together in a decent sized city and after a 15 minute stroll, I'd seen most. Still some great views from a church tower, a nice city park and fun shops to explore made for a decent experience. 

Next up was Sigihisoara, the birthplace of Vlad Tepes. Finally a connection to Vlad the Impaler aka Dracula in folklore. He has been everywhere even with little connection to the area. His birth house is available for tours and there is a bust of him overlooking a square. Even more souvenirs being pushed here, but at leas they have a reason. 

Quite the fun medieval town, Sighisoara has some of the best architecture, with the old city being up on a hill overlooking the land. Even higher up, through a 400 year old covered staircase is a church at the top. I came here for the Medieval Festival, an annual event showcasing the city and embracing the past. Sword fights, maidens dancing, old time food, medieval music with lutes, lots of costumes and tons of people. Quite fun!  Lots to explore and enjoy and quite nice to learn the city in two days there and make some new friends. I even got in a good hike to a nearby hill to do some yoga and have city views. Good times in Sighisoara!