Top 10 medieval cities not to miss in Romania

Romania is a country rich in history and culture, and one of the best ways to explore this richness is to visit the medieval towns that have retained their charm and authenticity over the centuries. If you’re a travel enthusiast and want to go back in time, we recommend you explore these 10 magical medieval towns during your vacation. Each one has a unique story to tell and is full of fascinating sights that will capture your attention.

1. Sighișoara – one of the most popular medieval towns in Romania
2. Brasov – the city for history lovers
3. Sibiu – the city of impressive architecture
4. Alba Iulia – a combination of history and culture
5. Medias – the town that retains the charm of yesteryear
6. Cluj-Napoca – the perfect combination of medieval charm and modernism
7. Oradea – cultural and tourist center
8. Iasi – the city of seven hills
9. Targu Mures – another medieval town in Romania
10. Suceava – the perfect destination for tradition lovers

1. Sighișoara – one of the most popular medieval towns in Romania

Our first medieval town in Romania is Sighișoara – one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are a few of the sights you can visit here to step back in time for a few moments:

• Clock Tower – this historic landmark, visible from anywhere in the city center, houses a museum of local history and an old clock mechanism that still works;
• Vlad Dracul House – located near the Clock Tower. Legend has it that this is the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș, known as the inspiration for the character Dracula;
• The covered staircase leading up to the Church on the Hill – an impressive Gothic building which originally had 300 steps in 1662, but later, after alterations in 1849, was reduced to 175 steps.

In addition to these unmissable sights, Sighisoara’s authentic atmosphere is complemented by the medieval festivals and fairs that take place every year, bringing to life the traditions of yesteryear.

2. Brasov – the city for history lovers

Brasov is also a charming medieval Romanian city, part of any history-loving tourist’s itinerary. Here you can visit:

• The Council Square – the vibrant center of the city, where you’ll find the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe, famous for its impressive organ;
• Sforii Street – one of the narrowest streets in Europe;
• Brasov Fortress – which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city;
• The Towers of Brasov – The White Tower, the Black Tower, the Shoemakers’ Tower and the Cutlers’ Tower are the 4 outer towers of the Citadel of Brasov which had a historical role in defending the city against attacks.

👉Discover other interesting places to visit near Brasov in our article Top 30+ places to visit near Brasov: adventures for the whole family.

3. Sibiu – the city of impressive architecture

Another medieval city in Romania is Sibiu, with its impressive architecture and atmosphere. Here’s what you can visit:

• Piazza Mare and Piazza Mica – areas full of well-preserved historic buildings, ideal for feeling the pulse of the city;
• The Bridge of Lies – a symbol of the city, is shrouded in interesting legends. According to one of the most popular legends, when someone told a lie while crossing the bridge, it would shake and bring the liar “down to earth”.

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4. Alba Iulia – a combination of history and culture

Alba Iulia is a medieval Romanian city steeped in history and culture. Here you can visit:

• Alba Carolina Fortress – one of the best preserved fortresses in Europe. Here you can explore the ramparts, moats and imposing gates that mark this place steeped in history;
• The Cathedral of the Reengrat – this is where King Ferdinand was crowned in 1922 as the sovereign of Greater Romania;
• The Three Fortifications Trail – a walking trail that takes you through the three stages of fortification: from the Roman fortress period, to the Saxon bastion incorporated into the Eugene of Savoy bastion and the Vauban fortification.

5. Medias – the city that retains the charm of yesteryear

Since we are talking about places in the heart of Transylvania, one of the medieval Romanian states, it is important to mention Mediaș. It is known for its rich history, cob cobbled streets and old buildings that retain the charm of yesteryear. With an impressive architectural heritage and a peaceful atmosphere, this medieval town in Romania offers many sights to visit:

• King Ferdinand Square – the central point of the city, where the Tailors’ Tower, one of the emblematic symbols of Mediaș, stands. This massive tower is part of the city’s old defensive system and offers an insight into the military history of the region;
• St. Margaret’s Evangelical Church – built in Gothic style, is one of the most important tourist attractions. This imposing church houses one of the oldest organs in Transylvania and has a leaning tower, a fascinating detail that attracts curious visitors;
• The Old Town of Mediaș – an architectural treasure, with narrow cobbled streets, colorful houses and Gothic details that will catch your eye. These include the Town Hall, a historic building reflecting the architectural influences of the time;
• The Roman-Catholic Church and the Reformed Church – two other important buildings that complete the medieval cityscape. These churches are impressive for their architectural elegance and interiors decorated with Gothic elements;
• The fortress walls and defense towers – still encircling part of the city, they are testimonies to the strategic importance of Mediaș in the medieval period. A walk along these walls will give you a clear picture of the city’s defensive role in the past;
• Schuller House – a special historic building that hosts cultural events and exhibitions, bringing local traditions and customs to life.

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6. Cluj-Napoca – the perfect combination of medieval charm and modernism

The sixth medieval city in Romania worth including on your vacation bucket list is Cluj-Napoca. It combines medieval charm with the energy of a modern and vibrant city and entices you to visit numerous tourist attractions, such as:

• Union Square – dominated by St. Michael’s Cathedral, the heart of the historic city;
• Matei Corvin House – the birthplace of King Matei Corvin, which preserves a part of medieval Transylvanian history;
• Old city walls – gives you a glimpse of the city’s defensive system.

Besides its historical sights, Cluj-Napoca is known for its vibrant cultural life, music and theater festivals, as well as its museums, so it can be visited at any time of the year.

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7. Oradea – cultural and tourist center

Located in north-western Romania, near the Hungarian border, Oradea is also an important cultural and tourist center. Here’s what you can visit:

• Oradea Fortress – an impressive fortification in the shape of a five-pointed star. It is one of the most important medieval sights in the city. The fortress was built in Renaissance style and now hosts cultural events, exhibitions and festivals;
• Baroque Palace – one of the largest palaces in Eastern Europe. It’s an outstanding example of Baroque architecture. And while you’re passing by, keep in mind that nearby is the Roman Catholic Cathedral, which is sure to impress you with its size and artistic details;
• City Hall Tower – offers a panoramic view of the city and is an ideal place for memorable photos.

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8. Iasi – the city of seven hills

Iasi, Romania’s medieval city known as the “City of Seven Hills”, is also an important cultural, historical and spiritual center of the country. Although it is best known for its modern and inter-war period, Iasi also has many attractions dating back to the Middle Ages. These are:

• The Palace of Culture – built on the site of an old medieval royal courtyard, it is the city’s landmark and home to several art, history and science museums;
• Church of the Three Hierarchs – a unique monument with its exterior stone embroidery. It is one of the most important examples of Moldavian architecture;
• Golia Monastery – a 17th-century building in Renaissance style. It is surrounded by imposing walls and offers an insight into the city’s medieval past;
• The Princely Court of Iasi – preserves the ruins of a medieval residence of the rulers of Moldavia, a place that evokes the power and influence of the city in the Middle Ages.

9. Targu Mures – another medieval town in Romania

And Târgu Mureș is a medieval city in Romania located in the heart of Transylvania, one of the Romanian medieval states, known for the harmonious combination of its historical past and modern energy. Here’s what you can visit here:

• Târgu Mureș Medieval Fortress – one of the city’s main attractions, built in the 17th century. The fortification includes strong walls, bastions and a Gothic Reformed church;
• Palace of Culture – an impressive building with secessionist influences, although more recently built. It’s a beautiful addition to the city’s historic atmosphere;
• The Reformed Church in the Citadel – an example of Gothic architecture from the medieval period that has stood the test of time;
• The old city center – a place full of cobbled streets, historic buildings and a relaxing air, perfect for a stroll.

10. Suceava – the perfect destination for tradition lovers

Suceava, the former capital of medieval Moldavia (one of the Romanian medieval states), is another historical city in Romania full of history, suitable to visit if you are a lover of Romanian traditions. Here you can visit:

• The old center of Suceava – offers a historic atmosphere with old buildings and squares, where tradition and modernism blend harmoniously;
• Suceava’s Citadel – the most famous symbol of the city. Built during the reign of Petru Musat and extended by Stephen the Great, the fortress is an outstanding example of medieval military architecture;
• Mirăuți Church – the oldest church in Suceava. It is the place where the rulers of Moldavia were crowned;
• The Monastery of St. John the New – included in the UNESCO World Heritage, is a masterpiece of Moldovan art and architecture;
• The Princely Inn – an example of traditional architecture, which now houses the Ethnographic Museum of Bucovina.

Finally, from imposing fortresses and Gothic churches to bustling central squares and streets that are a reminder of bygone eras, each city featured in this article has its own special way of revealing a piece of the country’s history.

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