The Scholars' Stairs in Sighisoara

The Scholars' Stairs in Sighişoara

If you find yourself in Sighişoara and follow either School Street or the line of fortifications, starting from the left or the right, the path seems to lead you to one place: the Scholars' Stairs.

History and Construction

This staircase was built in 1654, at the initiative of Mayor Johann Both, to ease students' access, during harsh winters or rainy days, to the school located near the church on the hill.

Initially, the Scholars' Stairs, constructed of wood and covered, had 300 steps. After a modification in 1849, it retained 175 steps, interrupted by several wide platforms.

Architectural Features

This stunning staircase, resembling a tunnel, through which beams of sunlight filter through its wooden slats, leads to the top of the hill, where an ancient Gothic church and the Evangelical school stand.

Local Legend

One of the legends of the stairs says that a boy must kiss the girl he loves on each step of the staircase and pronounce her name without making a mistake. If he succeeds, it means he is the right boy for her.