Medias, Romania - the Hidden Gem of Transylvania (2024)

Most people who visit Medias, Romania, come there by accident. Located right in the center of the Transylvania region, Medias is an important travel hub, and chances are you will end up there as well when exploring this popular area of Romania.

That’s how I found myself in Medias for the first time, too. I was traveling from Sighisoara to Sibiu and had a longer change between trains in Medias. Since I don’t like wasting time, I went to the center of the city and was quickly impressed with Medias attractions and how neat and pretty this place is.

My second trip to Medias was more conscious as it was a planned stop when traveling from Sibiu to Sighisoara. Again, I enjoyed the place so much; this visit only solidified my opinion that Medias might be one of the hidden and overlooked gems of Romania.

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If you plan a trip to Transylvania, be sure to visit Medias along the way; you will not regret it. Here’s your guide with the best things to do in Medias to help you plan your trip.

Where is Medias, Romania

Medias, a city of around 45 thousand inhabitants, is located in the very center of Romania. Bucharest, the capital of the country, is 330 km away from Medias. The nearby popular places are Sibiu (50 km), Sighisoara (40 km), and Cluj-Napoca (120 km).

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How to get to Medias

You can easily get to Medias by train as that’s where the main railway lines cross. There are direct trains from Medias to Sibiu, Sighisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, Bucharest, and even Vienna.

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What to see in Medias

Medias is one of the oldest cities in Romania, founded in 1146. When the German settlers came to the region in the 13th century, Medias developed from a craftsman village to one of the most important towns in Transylvania.

Today, Medias has one of the best-preserved historical centers in Romania, initially surrounded by walls built between 1490 and 1534. When wandering around, you will easily find their remnants, as well as a few towers and gates leading to the center. It is easy to imagine how majestic the fortifications were back in medieval times, as they can still impress today.

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The center of Medias is the charming square Piaţa Regele Ferdinand I, with a nice park in the middle and surrounded by neatly restored old houses, a quintessence of Transylvania. Life here goes by lazily; no one is in a hurry, and locals have time to sit down and relax, either in the park or in one of the few cafes and restaurants surrounding the square.

If you are looking for a good coffee, try The Bean, located right off the main square – the quality of the drinks there was exceptional.

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The most important landmark in Medias and the symbol of the city is the fortified St. Margaret Church from the late 15th century. It’s impossible to miss it as the majestic church’s tower dominates the area and is clearly visible from numerous points in the city.

Its 70-meter high tower is also known as the Trumpeters Tower. It was used to observe the area and warn against danger with the sound of a trumpet. The legend says that if a trumpeter raised a false alarm, he was punished by being thrown out of the tower.

In 1476, for a short time, the infamous Vlad Tepes – Dracula – was imprisoned there. In 1880, a huge clock that also shows moon phases was added to the tower.

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St. Margaret Church is located slightly higher than the rest of the center and is surrounded by massive walls and towers, protecting the premises: the church itself and accompanying buildings. It feels like time has stopped there, with cobbled pavement, idyllic gardens, and somehow neglected buildings.

In one of them – a freestanding chapel – you will find beautiful old frescoes. The church itself has a rather raw interior, but nevertheless, you can admire the amazing Gothic features of the structure.

To get to the church premises, you can either take the covered stairs from the main square or go through the fortification next to the high school building – a beautiful structure that looks like from a fairy tale.

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When you are done visiting the fortified St. Margaret Church, the best thing to do is simply wander around the center and enjoy its peaceful vibe. Just follow your intuition, look curiously around, and you will be surprised by how many gems you might find.

Some of the houses have interesting details or quirky gates, some of the towers hide cool bars – Medias is full of surprises and charming corners. And, in contrast to more popular destinations in Transylvania (like Sibiu, Sighisoara, or Brasov), there are hardly any tourists around.

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Where to go next

From Medias you will most likely continue your trip either to Sibiu or to Sighisoara – both are stunning places, the highlights of Transylvania.

You can also go to underrated Alba Iulia – a citadel city- and then further north to the fascinating salt mine of Salina Turda and the vibrant Cluj-Napoca – the capital of Transylvania.

The area around Medias is also packed with medieval fortified churches, including two listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Valea Viilor and Biertan.

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Further reading

I published many articles about Romania that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

  • 25 Best Places to Visit in Romania
  • 23 Great Things to Do in Bucharest, Romania
  • 10 Awesome Places to Visit on Day Trips from Bucharest
  • 15 Best Things to Do in Brasov, Romania
  • How to Get from Bucharest to Brasov
  • Visit Sinaia, Romania – home to the amazing Peles Castle
  • Why you should visit Timisoara, Romania
  • and many more!

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Balkans and ask your questions there.

Travel Resources

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Medias, Romania - the Hidden Gem of Transylvania (2024)

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