Thanks to its elevated setting high above town, the Church on the Hill is one of Sighişoara's most visible landmarks. Walking tours around Sighişoara’s medieval citadel often incorporate a trip up to the Church on the Hill. The church is also visited as part of day trips and multi-day tours around Transylvania’s medieval villages. Multi-day tours typically combine a visit to Sighişoara with villages such as Viscri and Feldioara, as well as important historic attractions such as Bran Castle and Rupea Fortress.
The Church on Hill can be reached on foot by climbing the 175 steps up Scholar’s Stairway. The stairs are situated south of Citadel Square (Piața Cetății), Sighişoara’s main square. The stairway may leave less-than-fit travelers a little breathless but should be a manageable climb for most.
The Church on the Hill sees most visitors during the peak months of July and August, though even then, it is rarely crowded. With its ancient gravestones and overgrown ivy, the cemetery is a little eerier; go at dusk for spooky thrills.
Sighişoara locals have been climbing up this covered stairway since the 1640s, when it was built to help protect local schoolchildren from the elements. The school on the hilltop still stands, and indeed is still functioning, known nowadays as Joesph Haltrich High School. Buskers often station themselves at the top of the stairs.
