Beyond the Vampire Myth: Exploring the Enchanting Castles and Towns of Transylvania

Brianne Lamie
Oct 9, 2025
3 min read

When you hear the name "Transylvania," images of Count Dracula, bats, and eerie fog-covered castles probably come to mind. While the region’s connection to Bram Stoker's famous vampire is a fun part of its lore, the real Transylvania is far more captivating. It's a land steeped in rich history, where medieval fortified churches, majestic Gothic castles, and perfectly preserved Saxon towns tell a story far more compelling than any myth.

For an unforgettable autumn trip, leave the Halloween clichés behind and immerse yourself in the authentic magic of this Romanian region.

The Medieval Heart of Transylvania

Transylvania was heavily settled by German colonists, known as Transylvanian Saxons, starting in the 12th century. They built a network of fortified towns and churches to defend the region from invaders. These settlements, often called the "seven citadels," are a UNESCO World Heritage treasure and the true soul of Transylvania.

1. Sighișoara: The Last Inhabited Citadel

This is the crown jewel of Transylvania. Sighișoara is a perfectly preserved, inhabited medieval citadel, and it's easy to see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its cobblestone streets wind up to a hilltop fortress, where colorful burgher houses, guild towers, and the iconic Clock Tower stand as a testament to centuries of history. Sighișoara is also the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the 15th-century prince who inspired the Dracula legend. While the vampire connection is a great talking point, the real pleasure is simply getting lost in the enchanting, narrow alleys and soaking in the atmosphere of a living medieval town.

Don't Miss: The Clock Tower and the Church on the Hill.

2. Brașov: A City Fringed by Mountains

Nestled at the base of Mount Tâmpa, Brașov is a larger city that offers a perfect blend of medieval charm and modern vibrancy. Its main square, Piața Sfatului, is surrounded by baroque architecture, and the Gothic-style Black Church—named for the damage it sustained in a 17th-century fire—dominates the skyline. The city’s old town is a delight to explore, with a rich history as a major trading hub. You can take a cable car up Mount Tâmpa for a panoramic view of the city's red-tiled roofs and the surrounding Carpathian peaks.

Don't Miss: The Black Church and a walk along Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in Europe.

3. Sibiu: The City with Eyes

Designated a European Capital of Culture in 2007, Sibiu is famous for its unique "houses with eyes." The attics of the city's buildings have distinctive, eyelid-shaped windows that seem to watch you as you wander through the squares. The city is divided into an Upper Town, with its grand squares and historical sites, and a Lower Town, with its colourful, cobblestone streets and defensive towers. Sibiu’s history as the wealthiest of the Saxon citadels is evident in its grandeur and well-maintained architecture.

Don't Miss: The Great Square (Piața Mare), the Bridge of Lies, and the ASTRA Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization, one of Europe's largest open-air museums.

Castles and Fortresses: A Glimpse into the Past

While Bran Castle is famous for its tenuous ties to Dracula, Transylvania is home to many other spectacular castles and fortresses that are worth a visit.

4. Corvin Castle: The Gothic Fairytale

If Bran Castle is a little too crowded for your taste, head to Corvin Castle, a stunning Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece. With its imposing drawbridge, tall towers, and inner courtyard, it looks exactly like something out of a medieval epic. It was one of the largest castles in 15th-century Europe and served as a fortress, a residence for a Hungarian king, and even a prison. Its intricate details and grand scale make it a truly unforgettable sight.

5. The Fortified Churches of the Saxon Villages

Beyond the major towns, the Transylvanian countryside is dotted with hundreds of fortified churches. These unique structures were built by the Saxons not just as places of worship, but as community refuges against invasions. The villages of Biertan and Viscri are particularly beautiful and well-preserved. In Viscri, you can still see traditional rural life in action and even visit a property owned by King Charles III, who has been a passionate advocate for preserving the region's heritage.

Transylvania in October, with its crisp air and the surrounding forests just beginning to turn, offers a perfect setting to explore this fascinating and beautiful region. It's a journey not into a world of myth, but into a living, breathing history.