It is said that the local people in Sibiu are too proud when they say that their city is one of the most beautiful in Europe… But is not just us who say that, there are worldwide travelers, articles and tourist guides that can confirm this! Forbes Magazine ranks Sibiu among several other beautiful little towns in Europe on the “must visit” list.
Many stories and legends have been written about Sibiu; stories that captivate us, amuse us and give us the feeling that, while visiting Sibiu, we might travel in the past. Sibiu means history, culture, traditions, architectural patrimony, events, legends with knights, witches, villains, heroes, artists, personalities or simple people.
Sibiu, young since 1191
During 800 years of existence in these places, the dwellers of Sibiu, be they Saxons or Romanians, have worked very hard and contributed to the development of the nowadays city. In the beginning, they created a small community with a little church on a hill surrounded by a defensive wall. The invaders came and destroyed it to the ground, but the inhabitants didn’t give up, they insisted to remain here. More than that, they built a stronger fortress with high walls, strong towers and bastions. They built new churches, massive buildings, they erected a bridge in the middle of the citadel (The Liars’ Bridge), they gave their buildings “eyes” in order to protect them; they constructed a philharmonic, museums, walking alleys – they built the yesterday Hermannstadt, the today’s Sibiu.
I was born in Sibiu and almost my whole family comes from a village close to Sibiu, for at least five-six generations. I lived all my life in the city, did all my studies here and I still live on the same street ever since I was born. Sibiu was always home to me, a witness to all my joyful or sad moments, a town I am always happy to show to my guests.
Sibiu is a medium-sized town whose historic center distinguishes itself through its large squares, high-roof buildings, pale colored houses, buildings that combine various architectural styles. The Large Square, the Little Square, the Huet Square, the Goldsmiths’ Square, the Schiller Square, all of these differentiate themselves through the diversity of elements that connect them: passages, narrow tunnels and even a bridge – Liars’ Bridge that might tremble or even collapse under the weight of big lies or promises.
The city with curious eyes
Quite imposing are also the walls that surrounded the citadel; they were high, built in stone and brick, with a sentry way, towers, bulwarks and bastions; the fortress astonishes today, too. Even now, we can see why the enemies called it the “Red Town”.
Why is Sibiu famous? Due to its high church steeples, the well-known Brukenthal Palace (Art Museum), the Council Tower, the Stairs’ Passageway, the Journeymen House, the Altemberger House, the Evangelical Church, the Orthodox Cathedral, the lovely terraces, the piano and guitar tunes in the Little Square, the street events, the story of the former secret warehouses, the Revolution in 1989 and… the eyes! Yes, the curious eyes on the roofs of the buildings following you at every step, joining you on your adventure exploring the city.
Sibiu was European Capital of Culture in 2007 and yes, we are proud of this! The Green Michelin Guide awarded Sibiu 3 stars and tourist magazines all over the world talk about a surprising Sibiu.
There are enough reasons to come to Sibiu… Of course, to these ones, we may add the unique stories of Sibiu, the merry inhabitants always eager to welcome their guests, all the great events that enliven the squares every summer, the cosmopolite air…
Thus, I invite to an unforgettable journey, we propose you matchless experiences and, in the end, we promise you that you will write your own story…from the storyland!
