Are you thinking of visiting the medieval towns of Romania ? Excellent idea! With a rich historical past, the country is brimming with fortresses, fortified churches and medieval villages. Between vestiges and beautiful architecture, here's an overview of the must-see stops for all history enthusiasts – and lovers of ancient stones…

Timisoara: The City of Roses
   

Located in the historic region of Banat, Timisoara is nicknamed the City of Roses, due to the many gardens that bloom throughout the city. During your stopover, you'll be charmed by the piata Uniră (Union Square) and its colorful buildings, in neoclassical style.

Among its finest medieval heritage? The Huniade Castle! Located less than a ten-minute walk from the square, this edifice – built between 1443 and 1447 – today houses the Banat Museum... Note that the castle and museum are often undergoing renovation.

Alba Iulia: the former capital of Transylvania
   

Located in Alba County, Alba Iulia was once the capital of the Principality of Transylvania. The city is renowned for the preservation of its medieval buildings, including the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Michael. Built in various periods, the monument today showcases architecture from several artistic movements, such as Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance art.

Alba Iulia is also celebrated for its fortifications and its superb Alba Carolina citadel! Known for its star-shaped layout, the citadel was initially erected in the 13th century (though the vestiges still present date from the 18th century).

Cluj Napoca: the city with eclectic architecture
   

Romania's fourth-largest city, Cluj Napoca is considered one of the country's most important industrial and cultural hubs. The heart of the old town features Baroque and Gothic style. One tip? Don't leave without reaching the summit of Cetățuia hill – located just a five-minute walk from the city center…

Once at the top, you'll discover a fortress built between 1715 and 1735, as well as a breathtaking view of the city. You'll be able to admire the Rococo-style architecture of the National Theatre and the Romanian Opera, standing below… as well as the beauty of the surrounding nature.

Mediaș: one of Romania's medieval towns among the least touristy
   

If you're traveling through Sibiu County, make a stop in Mediaș ! Less touristy than other medieval towns, this one preserves a superb historic center, with some buildings dating back to the 15th century. A true open-air museum, it boasts an architectural heritage with diverse styles, including Baroque and Gothic (as well as more recent movements like Secession style).

Among the medieval buildings, don't miss the fortified evangelical Church of Saint Margaret (renowned for its splendid frescoes created between the 14th and 15th centuries) and Renaissance-style houses. A few kilometers away, you'll find the communes of Moșna and Agnita, which also have medieval vestiges…

Sibiu: a medieval town listed by UNESCO
   

Founded in the 12th century by German settlers, Sibiu was an important cultural center during the Middle Ages. Today, its historic center is among the best-preserved in Europe! Despite its colonial history, Sibiu preserves exceptional medieval heritage, which has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status since 2004.

In the heart of the old town, you can admire the evangelical cathedral, as well as houses built between the 17th and 19th centuries. Their distinguishing feature? They are renowned for their unusual roofs – the famous Sibiu's eyes, which seem to watch over the city…

The magnificent Brukenthal Palace houses the national museum. You can admire numerous works of art there, and actually visit several museums: history, pharmacology, natural history – all housed in non-religious Gothic architecture.

Sighișoara: the birthplace of Dracula
   

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999, Sighișoara is "a remarkable example of a small fortified town in a region that marks the boundary between the Latin culture of Central Europe and the Byzantine Orthodox culture of southeastern Europe", according to UNESCO.

Still inhabited, the medieval town is also the birthplace… of Dracula! As you stroll through its streets, you'll spot here and there nods to the famous count from Bram Stoker's tale, while wandering through charming cobbled alleys.

Brașov: the fortified city of Bran Castle
   

Located in the county of the same name, Brașov is a fortified city designed in the 13th century. Experiencing great economic growth between the 16th and 17th centuries, the city expanded and saw the birth of numerous buildings (with colorful facades).

Among the must-see spots? The citadel (which was modified over the centuries, then renovated in the 1980s), Tâmpa hill (with its superb panoramic views), and the legendary Bran Castle (the home of Dracula), classified as a historical monument!