The church is a listed monument built between 1345 and 1525, and the Covered Stairway holds 4.7 on Google from more than 3,700 reviews.
About the place
The Covered Stairway (Scholars' Stairway) was built in the 17th century so pupils could reach the school on the hill in any weather; it starts at the end of Școlii Street. At the top stands the Church on the Hill, dedicated to Saint Nicholas and built in stages between 1345 and 1525. It is the fourth-largest Gothic church in Transylvania and has the only known crypt in the region beneath the choir.
Its frescoes from 1483–1488 were painted over after the Reformation and uncovered during the restorations of 1934 and 1992–2003; the latter won a Europa Nostra award in 2005. The church also serves as a museum of Saxon art, with altars, fonts and tombstones brought from villages whose congregations had left. Next to it, on the slope, is the Lutheran cemetery.
Good to know
- The climb is short but has many steps; take it slowly.
- There is an entrance fee, and the church cannot be visited during services.
- On the way down, walk through the Lutheran cemetery beside the church.
Opening hours
Opening hours are not confirmed. Check the venue's website before you go.