Sibiu is a city in Transylvania, Romania. It is the capital of Sibiu county and is one of the most important cultural and economic centres in Romania. The city has a population of about 150,000 inhabitants and is located on the valley of the Cibin River, bordered by the Făgăraș Mountains. Sibiu has a rich history dating back to the 12th century and is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city also has many museums, art galleries and theatres, as well as a vibrant cultural scene. Sibiu is also a popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque streets, historical landmarks and scenic views.
The city was first mentioned in historical records in the 12th century as a small fortification built by the Transylvanian Saxons, a group of German settlers who were invited to the region to develop the area economically. They founded several settlements and Sibiu was one of them.
During the Middle Ages, Sibiu became an important trade center, known for its craftsmanship, especially in metalworking and textiles. It also became a major religious center, with many churches and monasteries being built in the city. The city's prosperity attracted the attention of the Ottoman Empire and it was repeatedly attacked, but the city managed to resist the attacks.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Sibiu experienced a period of modernization and urbanization, with many new buildings and public spaces being constructed. This period saw the construction of many of the city's most iconic buildings, including the Grand Square, the Council Tower, and the Brukenthal Palace.
During World War II, Sibiu was occupied by the Nazis and suffered significant damage. After the war, the city underwent a period of reconstruction, and many of its historic buildings were restored. In 2007, Sibiu was designated as the European Capital of Culture, which helped to promote the city's rich cultural heritage and attract tourists.
Today, Sibiu is a vibrant city that celebrates its rich history and culture through a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. It's a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque streets, historic landmarks, and scenic views. The city's Historic Centre is one of the best-preserved historic areas in Europe and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
Sibiu is home to many historic landmarks and cultural attractions that are worth visiting. Some of the top sights in the city include:
- Historic Centre (Centrul istoric): This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of Sibiu's historic center. It is home to many well-preserved medieval buildings, including the Evangelical Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Church. Visitors can also explore the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the colorful traditional houses.
- The Liars' Bridge (Podul Mincinoșilor): This is a famous medieval bridge located in the heart of the Historic Centre. It is known for its ornate wrought-iron railings and the legend that if someone told a lie while standing on the bridge, it would shake.
- The Great Square (Piața Mare): This is the largest and most important square in the Historic Centre. It is surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Council Tower and the Brukenthal Palace, which now houses the Brukenthal National Museum.
- The ASTRA National Museum Complex: This is one of the largest open-air museums in Europe and is dedicated to traditional Romanian village life. Visitors can explore the traditional houses, workshops, and farmsteads from different regions of Romania.
- The Sibiu Botanical Garden: This is a beautiful park located on the outskirts of the city near the ASTRA National Museum Complex. It has a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as a lake, a playground and a small zoo.
- The Sibiu Christmas Market: During December, the city centre transforms into a magical Christmas market, it's an unique experience with traditional food, craftsmanship, and also the Christmas lights illumination.
These are just a few of the many sights and attractions in Sibiu. Depending on your interests, you may also want to visit other cultural institutions like Brukenthal National Museum, Museum of Natural History, and more. The winter resort of Păltiniș is 32 km from the centre of Sibiu and the glacial Bâlea Lake is about 75 km from the city.
There are several ways to get to Sibiu, depending on your location and preferred mode of transportation. No matter how you choose to travel to Sibiu, it's important to plan ahead and check for updates on schedules, routes, and health safety measures.
Photo source
Aerial view of the Great Square: Autor Tudor44 via Pixabay