Sibiu Sights and Landmarks Guide, Romania

Sibiu Sights – The City in the Heart of Romania

As the former capital city of Principality of Transylvania, Sibiu is located right in the heart of Romania, straddling the Cibin River. It is now one of the most important cities in Romania and the capital of Sibiu County. Situated 96 miles from Satu Mare and 136 miles northwest of Bucharest, Sibiu is quite adored by its millions of visitors for its appearance of being one of the well preserved Transylvanian Saxon cities in Romania and Europe as well. It is worth to know that Sibiu was chosen the European Cultural Capital City, together with Luxembourg, in 2007.

Sibiu Sights – Interesting Sites for Visiting

Located on a hill not far from the Cibin River, the old city of Sibiu is formed by the Upper Town, which offers great opportunities for sightseeing and exploring what once used to be the wealthier part of the medieval city, the Lower Town, serving as the industrial zone with modern buildings.

The most impressive passage linking the two sides of the city is The Passage of the Stairs, leading down to the Lower Town, which descends along the city’s fortification under its support arches.

The historical city is beautifully organized around three city squares and a network of narrow streets, most of the sites of major interest being located here.

The Large Square is known as having been the center of the city for almost half a millenium and it is considered one of the largest city squares in Transylvania. One of the most impressive Baroque buildings in Romania is located right on the north-western corner of the city square: Brukenthal Palace. Built in the 18th century, the palace used to be the main residence for the Governor of Transylvania Samuel von Brukenthal. Today, it houses the National Brukenthal Museum, which contains the second largest art collection in the country with major importance for its rare paintings and a library with thousands of volumes, all treasures of art.

Close to the palace, there stands the Blue House, a historical Baroque mansion. Its importance is mainly relevated by its facade, which bears the old coat of arms of Sibiu.

The Small Square is connected to the rest of the city by narrow streets and passages and represents a major place of interest in the city. The main access to the square is through Ocnei Street, which passes under the Sibiu’s famous Liars’ Bridge. It is the symbol of Sibiu. Its name came from the stories of the hagglers hanging around near the bridge. The bridge is also known as being the oldest cast-iron bridge in the country.

The House of Arts, dating from the 15th century, is located to the right of the Liars Bridge and it is considered a symbol of the city as well. Presently this arcaded building houses the Transylvanian Civilization Museum.

On the left of the bridge, you can see the Luxemburg House, recently renovated, which got its name from the carnation. It’s a Baroque four-storey mansion and it used to be the seat of the Goldsmiths’ Guild.

The Huet Square, notably features the Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral, built in the 14th century. Its tower is 73 m high and houses a pipe-organ made in 1672, one of the oldest still playing in the country. Surrounded by Gothic buildings, the square is known as the place where the first fortifications have been built. The Bruckenthal High School lies on the west of Huet Square, as a truly architectural masterpiece in Transylvania.

The Ursuline Church is one of the most beautiful sacral buildings in Transylvania. Built in 1474 as a Dominican church, the buildings were much later given to the Ursuline sisters in 1755, when the church was renovated in Baroque style with the financial support from the Empress Maria Theresa. Though, its former Gothic style can be still observed on the outside walls and on the chapel as well.

The Defensive System still attracts hundreds of tourists as it is still in perfect condition. Long strolls along its defensive thick walls made of bricks and the passing through old gates and entrances impresses each visitor while exploring the medieval atmosphere that the old defensive system can offer to the city. The Advice Tower, Goldsmiths Stairs Tower, Coopers Tower, Gunsmiths Tower, Potters Tower,

The Fat Tower, The Gunpowder Tower and The Tanners Tower are still well preserved in perfect shapes to complete the medieval picture of the defensive system as well.

The Haller Bastion, located on the way down Coposu Boulevard, completes the picture of Sibiu’s fortifications.

Sibiu sights are definitely worth exploring!