Medias

Mediaș is the second-largest city in Sibiu County, with a population of around 39,500. Located on the Târnava Mare River, it has a recorded history dating to the 13th century when Transylvanian Saxons settled the area. Mediaș has one of the best-preserved historical centres in Romania and is the headquarters of Romgaz and Transgaz, the national natural gas companies. The city administers the village of Ighișu Nou.

By Plane

Mediaș is within reach of three airports:

• Sibiu International Airport (SBZ) — 50 km south-west.
• Târgu Mureș International Airport (TGM) — 60 km north.
• Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport (CLJ) — 120 km north-west.

By Train

Mediaș is an important railway station on CFR Line 300, connecting Bucharest, Brașov, Sighișoara, Cluj-Napoca, and Oradea. Frequent InterRegio and Regio trains serve the station. The journey to Sibiu takes about 1 hour.

By Car / Road

Mediaș is on DN14 between Sibiu (55 km) and Sighișoara (39 km). DN14A branches north toward Târgu Mureș. Roads are well-maintained with signposted parking in the city centre.

Medias is a compact town best explored on foot. Taxis are available for longer journeys. Local buses connect to nearby villages.

• Buglers' Tower (Turnul Trompeților) — a 68.5 m leaning tower built in the 13th century, raised in the 15th century. Its tilt is 2.32 m from vertical. A small wooden figure rings a bell before the hour.
• St. Margaret Church — a Gothic fortified church built in 1488, with 14th–15th century frescoes, a 1480 Gothic altar, and a 1755 pipe organ. Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) was imprisoned here in 1476.
• Franciscan Church and Monastery — built in 1444 in Gothic style, later renovated in baroque style with a rococo altar.
• Stephan Ludwig Roth Memorial House — birthplace of the 19th-century Transylvanian Saxon historian.
• County History Museum — Str. Mihai Viteazul 46, open 9:00–17:00, closed Monday.
• Hermann Oberth Memorial House and Gas Museum — dedicated to the city's industrial and scientific heritage.

Walk the medieval city centre and fortifications. Visit the nearby Saxon fortified churches of Biertan, Valea Viilor (both UNESCO), and Alma Vii. Attend a summer concert at St. Margaret Church — the pipe organ is suited for symphony concerts.

• Binder Bubi — Str. Plopului F.N., a solid choice for traditional meals.
• Noi's — Soseaua Sibiului 38, chicken and salami rolls.
• Zen Chinese Restaurant — Str. St. L. Roth 6.
• Select — Str. Petofi Sandor 3, breaded cutlet and other items.
• Edelweiss — Str. Aurel Vlaicu 5.
• Traube — Piata Regele Ferdinand I 16.
• Han Greweln — Str. Greweln 1, outdoor patio dining.
• Pizzerias: Big Pizza, Mama Mia, Medieval Bistro, Pizzarito, Pizza Roma, Trattoria Roma.

• Art Cafe — Str. I.G. Duca 44, specialty cappuccinos.
• McGowan's Irish Pub — Str. Unirii 7.
• Central Park — Piata Regele Ferdinand I 29.
• Offside Cafe — Piata Regele Ferdinand I 17.
• Prohibition Pub — Str. Stephan Ludwig Roth 1.

• Hotel BiderBubi — Strada Plopului 30, with an indoor pool.
• Hotel Traube — Piata Regele Ferdinand I 16, old-world style.
• Han Greweln — Str. Greweln 1, set in green countryside.
• Hotel Edelweiss — Str. Aurel Vlaicu 23, ochre-toned interiors.
• Hotel Vila Flora — Str. Hermann Oberth 13, pool and massage.
• Hotel Select — Str. Petofi Sandor 3.
• Fabini Apartments — Piata Regele Ferdinand I 5, large rooms.

Traditional Romanian shopping is available in the centre. Modern shopping at Kaufland and Carrefour on the outskirts. Local wines and Salam de Sibiu are good souvenirs.

• Sighișoara — 39 km east, a UNESCO World Heritage medieval citadel.
• Sibiu — 55 km south-west, the European Capital of Culture 2007.
• Biertan — 21 km east, a UNESCO-listed fortified church.
• Bazna — 18 km north-west, a spa resort with mineral water springs.
• Dumbrăveni — 20 km east, with Armenian Catholic heritage.