Sibiu

Why?

You will find this bohemian Saxon city at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, its history of over 800 years preserved in its medieval walls.

Sibiu, a city of culture and art, leaves an impression on visitors not only with its big squares surrounded by Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings but also by its small and winding streets. The museums full of historical and artistic treasures, important theater and music festivals and many sports events, make Sibiu a tourist attraction and ideal for a city-break.

Discover

Found in the heart of the country on the Cibin River (or Hermannstadt as it is known to the Saxons), Sibiu is one of the most interesting places Transylvania has to offer. This massive city, fortified in the 13th century against the Ottoman threat, became over a short period of time a veritable medieval citadel and important crafts center.

It was the capital of Transylvania under the Austro-Hungarian Empire starting in the 17th century. During this time it went through considerable economical, architectural and cultural growth, transforming it into a true cultural gem.

Given the authenticity of its urban heritage it was proposed for the UNESCO World Heritage list and in 2007 it became-alongside Luxembourg- the European Cultural Capital.

The historic center of the city has two levels, its core consisting of its three major squares. The Big Square (Piaţa Mare), also the heart of the city, has a distinct bohemian air. Here you will find the Brukenthal Museum that houses one of the most important European art collections in the country. The Council Tower, the symbol of Sibiu, it’s the passageway into the Small Square dominated by the Universal Ethnographic Museum and Luxembourg House.

Huet Square, the oldest medieval square in the city is another historically charged place. Here you will find another symbol of Sibiu, the Evangelical Church, built in a Gothic style. Take a stroll down the streets of the “lower city” and admire the specific Saxon architecture, with two storeys and massive roofs. Don’t miss the Bridge of Lies, the “Holy Trinity” Orthodox Cathedral or the “Holy Trinity” Roman-Catholic parish church built in Viennese Baroque style.

Sibiu is a place where various events are always happening, meant to give locals and visitors alike a memorable experience. Some of such events are the International Theater Festival, the International Jazz Festival, the Transylvanian Citadel Festival, the Potter’s Fair or the Fairytale-like Christmas Fair held in the Big Square.

If you find yourself in Sibiu, don’t miss out on visiting ASTRA- the Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization. If you hunger for outdoor adventure, the Făgăraş and Cîndrel Mountains are close by for hikes and alpine sports.

We recommend

Climb the Council Tower for a great view over the city.
Relax at “Baia Populară” (The Common Baths), a building with beautiful architecture that combines elements of Baroque with those of the famous “Jugendstil”.
Rent a bike and ride it to the ASTRA Museum, the biggest of its kind in the country.

Good to know

The train and bus station are next to each other and also very close to the historic center, at 1 Decembrie 1918 Square.
The international Sibiu Airport is directly connected to many European cities, especially with those in Germany and Italy.
The Tourist Information Center is at 2 Samuel Brukenthal Street entrance F from the Big Square. Schedule: Monday-Friday 9:00-20:00, Saturday-Sunday 10:00-18:00.
The post office can be found at 14 Mitropolei Street. Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00-19:00, Saturday 9:00-13:00.
One of the bicycle renting centers is located in Unirii Square, barrack 90.