When the cemetery is part of life

Sighișoara, the city where death isn't scary

Cool light filtered through tall branches, shadows of leaves reflected on the stone tombstones lining the hillside of the old town of Sighișoara, a small Romanian city once home to Saxons from Central Europe since the 12th century.

In Central Europe, cemeteries weren't built to scare people, but rather as peaceful spaces where the living and the deceased shared the same air. Children walked, ran, laughed, and learned that silence wasn't scary, but a different kind of sound of life.

Looking back at our home, we often grew up with the word "no entry." Fear kept us away from death, even though it was all around us, just like breathing.

If death weren't something to be avoided,
we might understand "life" more than we thought.
I saw the boy brush his hand after he finished something and continue cycling up the hill, like a small picture that said, "Life and death are not on opposite sides."

Sighișoara was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 for its beautiful, intact medieval architecture. The city's history began in the 12th century, when King Géza II of Hungary invited a group of German craftsmen called The Saxons of Transylvania settled there to help protect their kingdom.
In the past, Sighișoara was known in German as Schäßburg, meaning "Castle in the Forest." The city was built on a hill with nine towers and fortifications to protect it from enemies. Each tower was manned by a different group of craftsmen.

But the city's greatest fame stems from a prominent historical figure, Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia, also known as Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the legend of Dracula. Historical records suggest that Vlad III was born in a house in the old town, which is now a restaurant.

The German cemetery we visited is a glimpse into the lives of Sighișoara's inhabitants, reflecting the vibrant and memorable history of the city.

#Sighișoara #CentralEurope #TravelCulture

Post by Mr. Choon | Oct 14, 2025