The visit to Transylvania, Romania continues to:
3)Sibiu
After Brasov, we traveled by bus to Sibiu. Sibiu is a historic city known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Founded by German Saxons in the 12th century, it became a key cultural and trade hub in the Middle Ages. The city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features many important landmarks. Sibiu is also famous for hosting festivals such as the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, the Sibiu Jazz Festival and when we were visiting we caught the end of the Sibiu Cycling Tour.
Here’s my list of great things to do in Sibiu:
Explore the Old Town
The heart of Sibiu is its charming Old Town, where you can wander through narrow cobblestone streets, discover beautiful squares, and admire well-preserved buildings in Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Key areas to explore include Large Square (Piața Mare), Small Square (Piața Mică), and the Huet Square.
Visit the Brukenthal National Museum
Located in the former Brukenthal Palace, this museum is one of the oldest and most significant art museums in Romania. It houses an impressive collection of European art, including works by old masters, as well as Romanian art and historical exhibits.
Stroll through the Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary
Located in Huet Square, this stunning Gothic church is one of Sibiu’s oldest and most important religious buildings. We also opted to climb the church tower for impressive views of the city.
Climb the Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului)
For panoramic views of Sibiu we climbed to the top of the Cathedral tower. Alternatively another option would be to climb the Council Tower, located in the Large Square. This medieval tower once served as a watchtower for the city’s defenses and offers great photo opportunities from the top.
Cross the Bridge of Lies (Podul Minciunilor)
This iconic Bridge of Lies is one of Sibiu’s most famous landmarks, known for its folklore legend. According to the one of the legends, the bridge will collapse if anyone tells a lie while standing on it. It’s a great spot for photos and a piece of local history.
Visit the Sibiu Gate (Poarta Sibiului)
The Sibiu Gate (known as Poarta Sibiulu in Romanian) originally formed part of the city’s medieval fortifications. It is one of the few remaining gates from the city’s defensive walls, which the inhabitants built to protect Sibiu from invasions during the medieval period. The Saxon settlers constructed the gate in the 13th century, fortifying the city with a series of gates, towers, and walls.
Admire the architecture of Sibiu’s unique homes
One of the things I found the most charming about Sibiu were the houses with their distinctive “windows with eyes”. This unique architectural feature is found in many of the city’s medieval buildings. These windows, typically located on the upper stories, have small rounded or arched openings at the top, resembling a pair of eyes, with a larger central window underneath. This anthropomorphic design gives the impression that the buildings are “watching” passersby. The feature, tied to Saxon architecture, is thought to symbolize the idea of houses being “alive” and protective. Today, these windows are a beloved and iconic part of Sibiu’s charm, contributing to the city’s whimsical atmosphere and cultural identity.
I just loved Sibiu and the charming colorful buildings there. I loved wandering around (despite the extreme heat) to enjoy the sights.
Discover the local cuisine
I ate pretty well during my visit to Transylvania, Romania. Sibiu has a fantastic food scene, with many restaurants offering traditional Romanian dishes like sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), mămăligă (polenta), and ciorbă (sour soup). Don’t miss trying desserts like papanasi, fried dough served with cream cheese and chocolate sauce.
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