Sighișoara, 19 December 2024, a field trip within the eTwinning project "Digital Explorers and Promoters of Cultural Heritage"

 Sighișoara: A Journey Through Time

As part of our eTwinning project promoting European cultural heritage, the nineteen teenage students and one coordinating teachers set out to explore the medieval town of Sighișoara, Romania, on 19 December 2024. Known for its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and towering fortifications, Sighișoara is a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in history and charm. We came together on a really foggy winter day, united by our love for history and culture, to discover the story of this unique gem in Transylvania.

Walking through Sighișoara felt like stepping into a fairy tale. The town, perched on a hill, is one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in Europe. Its 14th-century defensive walls and towers still stand strong, evoking a sense of wonder. We started our exploration at the Clock Tower, the symbol of Sighișoara. This magnificent structure, with its intricate mechanisms and colorful tiles, was once the main gate to the citadel. Inside, we discovered a museum showcasing artifacts from the town's history. Climbing to the top, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside—a patchwork of rolling hills and quaint villages.

The Clock Tower Museum in Sighișoara was one of the most fascinating stops on our journey. Standing proudly at the entrance to the citadel, the tower itself is a marvel, with its intricate clock mechanism dating back to the 17th century. Inside, we explored exhibits showcasing medieval artifacts, weapons, and traditional tools used by the guilds that once thrived in the town. The highlight, however, was the clock mechanism, where we learned how the moving wooden figurines represent different allegorical figures, such as Justice and Peace. As we climbed to the top of the tower, we were rewarded with panoramic views of the town’s vibrant rooftops and the rolling Transylvanian countryside, a sight that truly took our breath away.

As teenagers, the project participants were amazed by the stories behind each corner of the citadel. We visited one of the former houses belonging to Vlad the Impaler and were thrilled to read about the infamous figure who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Born here in 1431, Vlad is remembered both as a national hero and a figure of legend. While some of us shivered at the spooky tales of vampires, others were fascinated by the way Sighișoara embraced its connection to the Dracula myth, with themed souvenirs and festivals.

Another highlight of our visit was the Scholars’ Staircase. This covered wooden staircase, built in 1642, leads to the Church on the Hill and the old school. It was thrilling to imagine how students, centuries ago, climbed those very steps to their lessons. Standing in the churchyard, surrounded by ancient gravestones, we felt a sense of timelessness.

Our project also involved connecting with the local community. We visited local shops where artisans were selling the best pieces of their traditional crafts like blacksmithing, pottery, and weaving. We had traditional Romanian dishes at a local restaurant. It is truly inspiring to see how the people of Sighișoara worked to preserve their heritage while adapting to modern life.

The School and the Church on the Hill offered us a deeper glimpse into the town’s medieval past. Reaching these landmarks meant climbing the Scholars' Staircase, a covered wooden passageway built to protect students from harsh weather on their way to school. At the top, we found the Gothic-style church, an architectural masterpiece adorned with stunning frescoes and a serene atmosphere. Exploring the ancient gravestones in the churchyard, we felt a powerful connection to the generations who had come before us. The nearby school, once a hub of learning for the citadel’s youth, now serves as a reminder of the town's dedication to education and tradition. Standing there, we couldn’t help but imagine what life was like for students centuries ago, walking those same steps on their journey to knowledge.

Sighișoara taught us the importance of preserving history. Its towers and narrow streets hold centuries of stories that transcend borders and time. For us, it was more than a trip - it was a lesson in heritage, identity, and experiential learning. By promoting places like Sighișoara through our eTwinning project, we hope to inspire other young people to cherish and protect our shared European culture. We also learned about the cultural significance of Sighișoara’s annual Medieval Festival. Locals shared stories of how the festival brings the town to life with costumes, music, and reenactments. Unfortunately, our visit didn’t coincide with the event, but it motivated us to share our experience with our peers back home and encourage them to visit.

As we left the citadel, we felt grateful for the opportunity to explore such a magical place. Sighișoara reminded us that history isn’t just something we read in books; it’s alive, waiting to be discovered and shared with the world.