Sibiu (Hermannstadt in German,
Nagyszeben in Hungarian) is one
of the most important fortified
towns in Transylvania. First
known as Cedonia and destroyed
by the Tartars in a brutal
attack leaving only 100
survivors. It was then
discovered by the Saxons in
ruins in the 12th century.
Later they built a strong
defensive wall surrounding the
city. After many attempted
attacks through the following
centuries by the Turks it was never
conquered. You can find well
preserved parts of the wall and
defense towers still intact
throughout the town.
Sibiu is one of the most
visited towns by tourists in
Romania. It is set in a
valley amongst the mountains
with a beautiful setting.
The
historic centre itself was
declared by UNESCO a
World
Heritage Site in 2004.
It is reminiscent of
medieval towns in Germany
such as Nuremburg.
The town consists of 2 levels;
the upper town and the lower
town. In the upper town you will
find Strada Avram Iancu, one of
the most picturesque streets
that has kept the same
appearance for the past 500
years. The street connects to
the towns large square; it is the
largest square in Transylvania.
Here you will find such
monuments as the Council Tower
(the gate to the town), Brukenthal
Palace, Catholic Church, and
other architectural
monuments with well
preserved medieval styles.
The lower town contains the
towns first fortifications
and older streets. The
Goldsmiths Square (Piata
Aurarilor) has kept the same
appearance since 1567 with
its medieval windows,
doorways, turrets and
stairway. The stairs passage
connecting the 2 levels are
straight out of the middle
ages.
Throughout the years Sibiu has
held some of the most important
events in Romania; such as the
construction of the first
hospital, school, pharmacy,
paper mill (which led to the
first book being printed in
Romania), and more. It was the
second city that rose against
Communism after the revolt in
Timisoara. Sibiu is known as the
cultural stronghold of
Romania. It is scheduled to be
announced as the
"European Capital of Culture"
in 2007, together with
Luxemburg.
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Other Destinations in
Transylvania
Brasov
Sighisoara
Cluj-Napoca
Attractions
City
Walls
Council Tower
Fingerling stairway
Goldsmiths Square
Brukenthal Palace
ASTRA Museum
Click here for Tours
available in Transylvania
