entry monomad: scenes from sighisoara

recently we toured parts of Transylvania in Romania. it's a great place to experience old world european charm. perhaps the best known spot is Sighisoara. it is said to be the last remaining walled city in europe where the residents carry on their daily lives much as before. well, because the place is so well preserved and maintained it has become a tourist magnet so it seemed to me that daily life these days is basically tourism oriented one way or another, especially so in the summer. fortunately we were there in the off season so the local allure was not overwhelmed by an onslaught of visitors from all over the world. it's a dilemma facing many towns and cities that strive to preserve their history and for tourists as well.

anyway, there is plenty of appeal on the side streets

the original walled city is on top of a hill while the surrounding lower region is a mix of older and more typically modern architecture. this shot from below the old clock tower is from the steps up the hill before reaching the old town.

one of the entrance arches

the part of the road up the hill that is roofed in features an exhibition from the students of the art academy.

there is a church and a school at the very top of the hill. the easiest access is by this covered stairway
a chest from the museum inside the clock tower