Discover the medieval treasures of Sibiu: a journey in time
April 11, 2025
Sibiu, the pearl of Transylvania, invites you on an extraordinary journey in time. This is a city where history comes alive at every turn, and medieval monuments tell fascinating stories of past centuries. Get ready to discover secrets hidden in narrow streets, majestic towers and charming squares. Sibiu, also known as Hermannstadt, is a place where the past harmoniously intertwines with the present, creating a unique atmosphere that will enchant adults and children alike. On our journey, we will discover the city's most important treasures, from the impressive Grand Market Square to the mysterious Liars' Bridge. We will learn stories hidden within the walls of medieval towers, visit magnificent museums and churches, all surrounded by architecture that will take us straight into the heart of the Middle Ages. Welcome to Sibiu - a city where every step is a step into history, and every backstreet hides a new adventure.
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Heart of the city -. The Great Square and its surroundings
Our journey back in time begins at the Grand Market (Piața Mare), which is the heart and soul of Sibiu. This impressive square, surrounded by colorful townhouses with the characteristic 'eyes of Sibiu' - mansard windows, is a testament to the city's rich history. Dating back to the 12th century, the square has witnessed countless historical events and is still vibrant today. It's an ideal place to start exploring and feel the atmosphere of a medieval city. Families with children will appreciate the spaciousness of the square, where toddlers can run freely and parents can admire the architecture. Look out for the fountain and numerous cafes where you can relax and enjoy local delicacies.
Not far from the Grand Market is the Liars' Bridge (Podul Minciunilor), surrounded by a fascinating legend. This cast-iron bridge, the oldest of its kind in Romania, is said by local legends to collapse when someone tells a lie on it. This is a great opportunity to tell your children an interesting story and test their creativity! The bridge connects the Small Market with Albert Huet Square, offering picturesque views of the surrounding townhouses.
The dominant feature of the Great Square is the Town Hall Tower, which rises to a height of 60 meters. For a small fee (2 lei, as of July 2024), you can climb to its top and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. This is a great opportunity to see Sibiu from a completely different perspective and take souvenir photos. The tower, once part of the city's defense system, is now one of its symbols.
Comparing the three attractions, it is worth noting that the Grand Market offers the most space and opportunities to spend time, and is also free. The Liars' Bridge, although smaller, has a unique charm and legend that fascinates both children and adults. City Hall Tower, on the other hand, while requiring a small fee, offers the best views of the city. All three sites are close to each other, making it easy to visit, especially for families with children.
Medieval towers and churches of Sibiu
Continuing our journey back in time, we will discover Sibiu's unique medieval towers and majestic churches, which bear witness to the city's rich history and culture. The first point on our tour is the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an imposing Gothic temple towering over the Old Town. This Lutheran cathedral, with its distinctive soaring tower, is not only a place of worship, but also a treasure trove of art and history. Inside you can admire beautiful stained glass windows, an impressive organ and numerous epitaphs. For an additional fee (10 lei, as of 2024), you can climb the church tower for a breathtaking view of the entire city.
Not far from the church is the Tower of Steps, one of Sibiu's most picturesque defensive structures. This tower, part of the former city fortifications, connects the upper and lower cities. Walking up the stairs leading through the tower is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to take unique photos. The Tower of Steps is especially charming at sunset, when the last rays illuminate its stone walls.
The next points of our tour are the Potters' Tower and the Carpenters' Tower, two perfectly preserved elements of the city's defense system. The Potters' Tower, a distinctive square structure, offers the opportunity to climb to its top for a nominal fee (2 lei, as of 2024). On the other hand, the circular Carpenters' Tower, connected to the Potters' Tower by a section of the defensive wall, allows you to walk around the former fortifications. Both towers are a great place to tell children about the defense system of medieval cities and the life of craftsmen in those days.
Comparing these attractions, it's worth noting that St. Mary's Church offers the richest interior and the best views from the tower, but is also the most expensive option. The Tower of the Steps, while there is no way to climb to the top, is free and offers the unique experience of walking up a historic staircase. The Potters' and Carpenters' Towers are the most 'interactive,' allowing direct contact with the ancient fortification walls, and are the cheapest. All of these places are relatively close to each other, making it easy to visit, but it is worth planning at least half a day to see them in peace and enjoy their atmosphere.
Cultural treasures and charms of the Old Town
At the end of our time-traveling tour of Sibiu, we will discover its cultural treasures and soak in the atmosphere of the charming Old Town. The first point on our tour is the Brukenthal Museum, one of the most important museums in Romania. Housed in a baroque palace from the 18th century, the museum is a treasure trove of European art. The collection includes works by such masters as Titian, Rubens and Van Eyck. For families with children, the museum offers special educational programs that introduce art history in an accessible way. Ticket prices range from 20 to 60 lei (as of 2024), depending on the exhibit chosen, making it one of Sibiu's more expensive, yet best value attractions.
After visiting the museum, it's worth delving into the streets of the Old Town (Old Town, Sibiu). This is the heart of medieval Sibiu, where every backstreet tells a different story. Walking along the narrow cobblestone streets, you can admire the colorful facades of the houses, charming squares and numerous cafes. Special attention should be paid to the characteristic 'eyes of Sibiu' - mansard windows that seem to watch passersby. The Old Town is a place where history mixes with the present, offering an unforgettable experience for both adults and children.
The last point of our tour is the remains of the city's former defensive walls (City Wall). Although only fragments remain, they give an idea of how powerful Sibiu's fortifications once were. A walk along the walls is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to admire the city skyline. We especially recommend the section of the walls on Cetatia Street, where you can walk along a preserved section of the medieval fortifications.
Comparing these attractions, the Brukenthal Museum offers the richest cultural and educational offerings, but is also the most expensive option. The Old Town, on the other hand, is completely free and offers the most freedom to explore the city at your own pace. The fortified walls, while less spectacular than the other attractions, are a great way to learn about the city's history and are also free.
To sum up our time-traveling tour of Sibiu, it's worth noting that the city offers a remarkable combination of history, culture and architecture. From the majestic Great Square, to the mysterious medieval towers, to the charming backstreets of the Old Town, there is something for everyone. Sibiu is the perfect place for a family trip, where history comes alive at every turn and the past meets the present in a fascinating way. Whether you are an art lover, a history enthusiast or simply looking for a picturesque place for a weekend getaway, Sibiu will certainly not disappoint you. It's a city that stays in your memory for a long time, inviting you to visit again and discover more secrets hidden within its medieval walls.
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