Sighisoara

Monday
Today we were moving on from Brasov to Sighisoara, but en route we stopped to visit Rasnov fortress, which is located on a rocky hilltop in the Carpathian Mountains, 650 ft. above the town of Rasnov. First mentioned in an official document in 1331, the fortress was built by Teutonic Knights as protection against invading Tartars and was later enlarged by the local Saxon population. Strategically located on the commercial route linking the provinces of Transylvania and Walachia, Rasnov differs from other Saxon fortresses in that it was designed as a place of refuge over extended periods of time. As such, it had at least 30 houses, a school, a chapel and other buildings more commonly associated with a village.
We continued our journey, arriving in Sighisoara mid to late afternoon. Our accommodation here was in a Pensionat, guest house, which turned out to be very pleasant, and the guy in the office very friendly and helpful. Having dropped off our bags we walked the short distance into the old town, stopping in a cafe for a drink on the way. Founded by Transylvanian Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara still stands as one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, and Is designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Walking round this perfectly intact 16th century village, with its nine remaining towers, cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches, is truly like stepping back in time. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the economic growth recorded by Sighisoara's industrious craftsmen and tradesmen ensured financial means for the construction of a strong defense system provided with 14 towers and several bastions. Each tower was built, maintained and defended by a craft guild. Among the most striking is the 14th century Clock Tower. This tower controlled the main gate of the half-mile-long defensive wall and stored the city's treasures. We just wandered around the cobbled streets soaking it all up. We climbed up the 175 steps of the "Scholars staircase" to the Church on the hill and the school. Built in 1642, this covered stair-passage was built to facilitate and protect schoolchildren and churchgoers on their climb to the school and church during wintertime. The students must have been fit!
For dinner we had what must be the world's slowest pizza! The place had been recommended by some of Laura's colleagues, and it was a charming place, and the pizza was good when it finally came, but I don't know that we've ever waited longer for a meal!