Geo answer

The Carpathians figure in today’s Geo Quiz.

Carpathians may refer to Romanian sheep dogs or to a hardcore Australian band. But let’s stick to geography for the moment shall we?

Carpathian MountainsCarpathian Mountains

The Carpathian Mountains stretch across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine and Romania. Now zoom in on central Romania — we’re looking for the name of a 12th century city famous for its medieval citadel.

The towers and spires of this fortress city are an imposing sight. All the more imposing when you consider that it was once the residence of one Vlad the Impaler.

Vlad DraculVlad Dracul

He’s the Romanian prince who handed out brutal punishments during his 15th century reign. He inspired the blood thirsty vampire in Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula.

Seems like it might be a good place to visit on Halloween night.

So for today’s Geo Quiz, we’re looking for a small medieval city nestled in the Carpathian Mountains in Romania.

The answer is: the Sighişoara Citadel, a UNESCO world heritage site, in the historic region of Transylvania built in the 12th century by Saxons.

SighişoaraSighişoara

It’s also the birthplace of Vlad III the Impaler, the Romanian prince who inspired Bram Stoker’s blood thirsty Dracula.

Vlad IIIVlad III]

RomaniaRomania

Listen to our interview with a Romanian tourguide who’s leading a Halloween tour (www.visittransylvania.us) of this walled city in Transylvania.