Seven Fairytale Destinations Near This Summer's Medieval Festivals in Transylvania
This summer, Transylvania dresses itself in enchanting medieval armor. Medieval festivals transform cities into period scenes, while "Attractive Romania" reveals seven captivating destinations located right near these major events.
After witnessing spectacular tournaments and courtly dances, embark on exploring forgotten citadels, romantic castles, and villages with authentic Saxon charm. History and culture aren't merely a show-they're an invitation to discovery.
Medieval Days in Bistrița Citadel (June 20-22, 2025)
Three days filled with court dance performances, knightly parades, and craftsman workshops. This is how history comes alive in Bistrița every summer. According to romania-atractiva.ro, one of Bistrița's most beloved festivals returns this Friday, running from June 20-22, 2025, featuring a comprehensive and dynamic program that stages unique moments, interactive and creative activities transforming the audience into genuine "participants" of the event.
Between tournaments and exhibitions, take time to explore three cultural tourism destinations from the "Attractive Romania" program, located near the festival.
Bistrița Medieval Citadel
The Bistrița Medieval Citadel, which Giovanni Botero called "the most beautiful among cities" in 1596, preserves its ancient charm. Here awaits a journey through its 22 passages, medieval walls, and the legend of craftsmen outwitted by clever Bistrița residents. Explore the citadel with Transylvania's tallest medieval stone tower, discover buildings with stories carved in stone, such as the Lion House or the Silversmith's House, and enjoy festivals, live music in the Synagogue, ancient arts and new stories in the Arcade Gallery or the Culture Palace. Bistrița isn't simply a destination to "check off" during Medieval Days, but an entire experience that carries you across centuries, with powerful Gothic charm and contemporary energy.
Arcalia Castle
Arcalia Castle is an architectural treasure nestled in the heart of Transylvanian nature. Hidden within a fairytale dendrological park containing over 150 tree and shrub species, the castle surprises with its eclectic charm due to Moorish and Byzantine influences. Transformed in the 19th century by Count Béla Bethlen into a romantic castle, later nationalized in 1949 and converted into a village store, agricultural machinery station, pioneer camp, and research center, Arcalia is reborn today as a space dedicated to education and cultural events. It's where nature, history, and architecture join hands for a complete experience. Travel tip: the wooden church in Șieu-Măgheruș is a unique architectural gem included in UNESCO's heritage.
Medieval Festival Oradea (July 4-6, 2025)
At the beginning of July 2025, Oradea Citadel comes alive with medieval battles, dances, and craftsman demonstrations during a festival where legends interweave with impressive historical settings. "For three days, you'll encounter knights, maidens, skilled craftsmen, minstrels, and fire tamers, ready to transport you into an adventure-filled world," write specialists on the Romanian tourism promotion website. If you venture beyond the festival, you'll discover fortifications whose stories will fascinate you.
Bologa Citadel
Hidden atop a hill in Călata Land, Bologa Citadel has watched over the Crișul Repede valley for over 700 years. With its spectacular circular donjon, one of Transylvania's best-preserved examples, Bologa offers a living medieval history lesson. It served as refuge against enemies and as noble pride. At one point in its distant past, Bologa Citadel was under Mircea the Elder's rule, and today, the citadel ruins, along with the Water Mill, Roman Castrum Resculum ruins, and the nearby black stone church, invite you to step onto a path filled with history and tradition, dotted with traditional houses and carved gates. Bologa offers all visitors an experience with medieval soul and modern energy.
Almașului Citadel
Once among Transylvania's most powerful citadels, Almașului Citadel is said to have been built with stone brought from the Roman Castrum Optatiana and passed hand to hand. From noble palace and ladies' residence to the last great Tatar siege of 1658, the citadel witnessed turbulent history. If you venture through the area, don't miss Csáky Castle, once a symbol of noble elegance, or the reformed church in Stana, with its stone tower gazing across centuries.
Sighișoara Medieval Festival (July 25-27, 2025)
The Sighișoara medieval festival is certainly one of the most anticipated historical-cultural festivals throughout the year. Sighișoara isn't just a perfect festival setting, but also a living citadel, unique in Europe. The festival offers a complete spectacle, while the surroundings are a treasure of history and Saxon architecture. If you wonder what else you could visit in the area, we recommend starting right with...
Sighișoara Citadel Wall
Included in UNESCO heritage, Sighișoara Citadel awaits you to discover its mysteries on foot and climb the steps to the Church on the Hill. Tourism specialists encourage us to admire the Town Hall Palace, the so-called "Two-Room House" (now the documentary library), the Covered Stairway, the Archers' Gallery (or Guard's Path), the Clock Tower, the Shoemakers' Tower, the Tailors' Tower with its former barbican, the Furriers' Tower, the Butchers' Tower and bastion, the Ropemakers' Tower, the Tinsmiths' Tower and bastion, the Tanners' Tower, and the Enclosure Wall. Prepare for an unforgettable experience among stories and legends from Transylvania's heart, and lose yourself in the medieval atmosphere that has fascinated entire generations.
Traditional Households in Saschiz
The village that impressed King Charles invites you to discover the charm of traditional households and streets organized linearly around the citadel. Here, Saschiz ceramics incorporate natural elements—plants, flowers, animals—painted in intense blue, and every corner of the village breathes history and stability. Surrounded by hills, Saschiz, with its traditional households, represents an authentic Transylvanian experience where past and present interweave under the sign of harmony and a united community.
Rhédey Castle
Rhédey Castle is a restored neo-baroque jewel where history comes alive through a unique multimedia exhibition telling the tragic love story of Countess Claudia Rhédey and Duke Alexander von Württemberg. You'll step into rooms with "talking" mirrors and walls full of secrets, accompanied by a professional guide, and learn how Claudia's heart remained a living memory in this place full of romanticism and legend, closely tied to British royal blood. Additionally, explore other local tourist attractions, such as the reformed church with 700 years of history, landscapes at Bezidu Nou, and the Straw Hat Museum in Crișeni, where you can see the world's largest straw hat, recorded in the Book of Records.
