Sibiu

Destination 》Europe 》Central and Eastern Europe 》Romania 》Sibiu

Year Visited: 2018 – August

After few days in Sighișoara, the most beautiful ancient walled city in Romania, I took a Marshrutka to Sibiu.

Sibiu (Hermannstadt in German) was the largest and wealthiest of the seven walled citadels built in the 12th century by German settlers known as Transylvanian Saxons. Old Town retains the grandeur of its earlier days when rich and powerful guilds dominated regional trade. Like Sighisoara and Brasov, it has a distinctly Germanic feeling.

Known for its culture, history, gastronomy and its diverse architecture, which includes its much iconic houses with eyes that gave Sibiu its nickname, the City with Eyes. Sections of the Old City Wall still surround the medieval city center.

Sibiu is a pedestrian-friendly city with two easily accessible levels: the Upper town, home to most of Sibiu’s historic sights; and the Lower town, lined with colorful houses on cobblestone streets and bounded by imposing city walls and defense towers overlooking the river Cibin.

Photos below are from my two days visit to this beautiful and friendly city.

Welcome to the City with Eyes! A beautiful Manhole Cover with City’s Coat of Arms.

City hall and Jesuit Church; the Jesuit Church (the Church of the Holy Trinity), one of the most notable baroque churches in Transylvania was built during 1726 – 1733.

The Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului), originally built in the 12th century, is the most iconic building of Sibiu and the city’s symbol. This tower was used as entrance gate to the second row of fortified walls built around Sibiu. During the course of history, the tower played different roles, being used, among others, as a wheat storage or as an observation point in case of fire, nowadays, it is used for exhibitions.

Piata Mare, the Great Square – the largest square, located in the heart of the old walled city, has been throughout the centuries a quiet witness to the town’s lively merchant activity, assemblies and even public executions.

The Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary, the most famous Gothic-style church in Sibiu, with Its massive 73.34 m high steeple is a landmark of the city. The four turrets situated on top of the steeple were a sign to let foreigners know that the town had the right to sentence to death.

The Sibiu Lutheran Cathedral was built in the 14th century on the location of another 12th-century church. For three centuries it served as a burial place for the mayors, earls and other personalities from Sibiu.

A passage, steps to the lower town.

Old fortified City wall in the lower town.

The lower town, very lively place with many restaurants and bars. The Sibiu Lutheran Cathedral in the backdrop.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral (Catedrala Sfânta Treime din Sibiu), the seat of the Romanian Orthodox Archbishop of Sibiu, was built during 1902 – 1904, in the style of a Byzantine basilica, inspired by Hagia Sophia.

Interior of The Holy Trinity Cathedral (Catedrala Sfânta Treime din Sibiu), built during 1902 – 1904.

A narrow street, a passage-way near The Holy Trinity Cathedral (Catedrala Sfânta Treime din Sibiu)

Beautiful colors after the sunset.

The Bridge of Lies, Romania’s oldest cast-iron bridge built in 1859, guarding the underpass into the lower town. Crossed by a liar the bridge is said to start quaking, and cheating merchants were supposedly thrown off the bridge.

Centuries old buildings in Sibiu.

The city with Eyes: While walking around Sibiu, you will get the sense that someone is watching you. While you gaze at the city’s architecture, you’ll start to realize the houses are staring back at you. Houses in old town Sibiu have one distinct feature, the roofs of the buildings have small, narrow windows that resemble eyes. Though the eyes may look like some sort of sinister Big Brother surveillance program, they’re actually just oddly shaped attic windows, used for ventilation system.