
Church on the Hill Sighisoara
A historic Gothic church atop a hill, accessed by a medieval covered staircase, offering stunning views and an adjacent atmospheric cemetery.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light

Church on the Hill Sighisoara
Best Time
Golden hour light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Gothic church atop a hill, accessed by a medieval covered staircase, offering stunning views and an adjacent atmospheric cemetery.
"The climb up the Scholar's Stairs is demanding but rewarding, leading to a beautiful church and cemetery with rich history."

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb up the Scholar's Stairs is significant. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the church and cemetery.
💰 Inexpensive Admission
Entry to the church is affordable, usually around 15 RON, and includes an information sheet.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scholar's Stairs
Ascent to the Church on the Hill
A historic, covered wooden staircase with 175 steps, built in 1642 to protect students from bad weather.

Church on the Hill
Top of the hill, Sighisoara Citadel
A large Gothic Lutheran church with a medieval lower church serving as a crypt, featuring beautiful frescos and wooden altar panels.

Saxon Cemetery
Adjacent to the Church on the Hill
A picturesque cemetery with ornate headstones and winding paths, offering a fairytale-like atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Climb is Part of the Charm
Beyond the Church Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb up the Scholar's Stairs is significant. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the church and cemetery.
💰 Inexpensive Admission
Entry to the church is affordable, usually around 15 RON, and includes an information sheet.
📸 Capture the Views
The hilltop offers stunning panoramic views of Sighisoara, especially beautiful at sunset.
📜 Get the Info Sheet
The printed information sheet provided at the ticket counter is helpful for understanding the church's history and exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb up the Scholar's Stairs is significant. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the church and cemetery.
💰 Inexpensive Admission
Entry to the church is affordable, usually around 15 RON, and includes an information sheet.
📸 Capture the Views
The hilltop offers stunning panoramic views of Sighisoara, especially beautiful at sunset.
📜 Get the Info Sheet
The printed information sheet provided at the ticket counter is helpful for understanding the church's history and exhibits.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush the visit. The cemetery alone is worth exploring, and the climb can be demanding.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Church on the Hill offers a significant historical and architectural experience, with many praising its Gothic beauty, the unique Scholar's Stairs, and the atmospheric Saxon Cemetery. However, some visitors feel recent renovations have diminished its historical character, and the demanding climb up the stairs might not be suitable for everyone.
"Unfortunately, the church was not as interesting as we expected. Like some other churches we’ve visited, the renovations have erased much of its historical character, leaving it looking more like an amusement park than a heritage site.
The ladies at the ticket counter, who also hand out printed information, were unable to tell us where the memorial to the German soldiers (located next to the church) was — we had to find it ourselves.
Overall, it didn’t meet our expectations. And to be honest, if you’re short on time and don’t want to tackle a long climb through a tunnel with many stairs — which is quite demanding even for a fit person — I would not recommend it."
Nina M
"The Church on the Hill is one of the largest Gothic churches in Transylvania and it's located on top of the highest hill in Sighișoara, at about 429 meters above sea level.
The church can be visited for 15 RON (~€3) per person and the price includes a small printout that contains information about the church's history and most important exhibits that can be seen inside, including a small crypt."
Liviu-Cristian Mihon
"This beautiful church was my favorite stop on a whirlwind tour of Romania. Yes, it is a long walk up the covered stairs. The admission to the church is inexpensive, and when we went, the man and woman working there were wonderful and friendly. We were treated to an excellent presentation on the church's history and the area. There is so much rich history and they were able to provide so many details."
Marc Carmen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Church on the Hill is located within the Sighisoara Citadel. To reach it, you'll need to ascend the historic Scholar's Stairs, a covered wooden staircase with 175 steps.
The climb is considered demanding by some, especially if you're short on time or not accustomed to stairs. It's a significant ascent, so comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
While the Scholar's Stairs are the primary and most iconic route, there might be other less direct paths within the citadel. However, the stairs are an integral part of the experience.
The Scholar's Stairs were built in 1642 by the municipality to protect students walking to the oldest school in the city center from bad weather.
The Sighisoara Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage site and largely pedestrianized. Driving directly to the church is not typically possible or recommended. Parking is available outside the citadel walls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Church on the Hill is generally inexpensive, around 15 RON (approximately €3) per person. This fee usually includes a printed information sheet.
The ticket price typically includes access to the church interior and a small printout detailing its history and important exhibits, including the crypt.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or with your accommodation for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, the church ticket usually includes access to the small crypt located within the medieval lower church.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Church on the Hill. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the church, but it's always good practice to be respectful of ongoing services or other visitors. Some specific areas might have restrictions.
The Scholar's Stairs offer a unique photographic opportunity. The views from the hilltop, especially at sunset, are spectacular. The Saxon Cemetery also provides a moody and atmospheric backdrop.
The church itself, with its Gothic architecture, medieval lower church, and wooden altar panels, offers rich photographic subjects. The surrounding citadel also provides a medieval setting.
Late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the citadel and the church. The covered stairs can be darker, so a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be useful.
Drone usage is often restricted in historical and urban areas. It's essential to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone near the church or citadel.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The Church on the Hill is a significant example of Gothic architecture, with a medieval lower church that serves as a crypt.
The church's origins date back to the 13th century, though it has undergone various renovations and expansions over the centuries.
The Saxon Cemetery surrounds the church and contains ornate headstones of the Saxon community that settled in Sighisoara, offering insights into their history and traditions.
While specific notable figures aren't always highlighted, the cemetery is a testament to the historical Saxon presence in Sighisoara. There is also a memorial to German soldiers nearby.
Inside, you can find some frescos, beautiful wooden altar panels (like St. Martin), and choir stools. The acoustics are also noted as being great.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scholar's Stairs: A Medieval Marvel
While the stairs are a marvel, visitors should be prepared for the physical exertion. The climb is described as demanding by some, and comfortable footwear is essential. However, the effort is widely considered worthwhile, offering not just access to the church but also a tangible connection to the past. The enclosed nature of the stairs also provides a sense of anticipation as you approach the summit.
Exploring the Saxon Cemetery
The cemetery provides a tranquil yet evocative space for reflection. The detailed carvings on the tombstones and the natural beauty of the setting make it a compelling area to wander through. It’s a place where history feels palpable, with each stone telling a silent story. For photographers, the cemetery offers a wealth of atmospheric shots, especially with the interplay of light and shadow through the trees.
The Church on the Hill: History and Interiors
While the church is historically significant, some recent reviews suggest that extensive renovations may have altered its original character, leading to a less 'historical' feel for some visitors. However, others have found the restoration to be well done, preserving its Gothic representation. The personnel at the entrance are often noted for being helpful and providing informative sheets about the church's history and exhibits. The church's location atop the highest hill in Sighisoara also provides commanding views of the surrounding citadel and landscape.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit