Guide: 7 must-see attractions and monuments in Sibiu

Guide: 7 must-see attractions and monuments in Sibiu

April 11, 2025

Sibiu, one of Romania's most beautiful cities, is a true treasure trove of history, culture and architecture. It's a place where medieval walls sit side by side with Baroque townhouses, and modern museums tell fascinating stories of the past. In our guide we will present 7 must-see attractions and monuments that will make your family trip to Sibiu an unforgettable experience. From the majestic Grand Market Square to the mysterious Liars' Bridge to the impressive Astra Museum Complex, each of these sites offers unique experiences and history lessons. Get ready for a fascinating journey back in time as you discover the charms of this Transylvanian gem!

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The heart of the city and its secrets

Start our adventure from the very heart of Sibiu - the Grand Square. This central square, surrounded by beautiful, colorful townhouses, is the heart and soul of the city. It is a place where history meets the present and tradition meets modernity. The square bustles with activity until late in the evening, offering numerous restaurants, cafes and stores. It's an ideal place to start exploring the city, feel its atmosphere and marvel at its architecture. Children will certainly be interested in the characteristic windows on the roofs of the townhouses, resembling eyes - this is one of the symbols of Sibiu.

Not far from the Great Square is one of the city's most intriguing attractions - the Liars' Bridge. This cast-iron bridge, the oldest of its kind in Romania, is surrounded by a fascinating legend. It is said to collapse when a liar walks across it. Although the bridge is still standing, the legend is a great excuse to talk to children about the value of truthfulness. The bridge itself, though small, is picturesque and a popular gathering place for locals and tourists.

The next point on our tour is the majestic Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Sibiu. This Gothic temple, which is a Lutheran cathedral, impresses not only from the outside, but especially inside. Note the magnificent organ and the tombstones of the city's residents, at which there are QR codes with historical information. This is a great opportunity to combine learning history with modern technology, which is sure to interest younger visitors. For a small fee, you can also climb the church's tower, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the entire city and its surroundings.

Each of these attractions offers something unique. The Grand Market Square impresses with its atmosphere and architecture, the Bridge of Liars intrigues with its legend, and the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary impresses with its majesty and history. All these places are close to each other, making it easy to visit with children. Keep in mind, however, that entry to the church and the tower involves a small fee, while walking around the market and the bridge is free. It is advisable to plan to visit these places in the morning or afternoon, when there are no crowds and the light is best for taking photos.

Travel through time and nature

The next point on our tour is the 'Astra' National Museum Complex - one of the largest outdoor museums in Europe. It's a place that will take us back in time and give us an insight into traditional Romanian culture and way of life. The huge grounds contain relocated homesteads and huts from all over Romania, as well as artisan workshops, mills and other facilities related to traditional industry. It's a fascinating lesson in history and ethnography that is sure to interest both children and adults.

The Astra Museum offers many interactive attractions. Here you can see how old machines worked, take part in craft workshops or taste traditional foods. This is a great opportunity for children to experience history with all their senses. It's worth planning at least a couple of hours, and preferably a whole day, to visit the museum. The complex also has a restaurant serving traditional dishes, which can be an added attraction for the whole family.

From the city center, you should also head to the City Hall Tower, which is one of the symbols of Sibiu. This landmark building, which dates back to the 14th century, offers a magnificent view of the entire city. Entering the tower is not only an opportunity to enjoy the panorama, but also to learn about the city's history. Inside there are interesting expositions that tell the history of Sibiu in an accessible way. The tower clock is worth noting - it is one of the oldest working clocks in Romania.

Not far from the center is also the Potters' Tower - part of the former city fortifications. It's a great place to learn about the city's medieval history and see what Sibiu's defense system was like. The tower is connected to a section of the fortification walls, on which you can walk, which is sure to appeal to children. Inside there are interesting expositions on the history of the potters' guild and the city's defense system.

Each of these attractions offers a unique experience. The Astra Museum is a fascinating journey through time, ideal for families with children of all ages. The City Hall Tower and the Potters' Tower, on the other hand, are great places for history buffs and lovers of beautiful views. It is worth remembering that visiting these sites involves fees - however, ticket prices are affordable, and discounts are often offered for children and families. When planning your visit, it's worth checking opening hours - especially for the Astra Museum, which requires more time to visit.

Nature and relaxation in the heart of the city

To conclude our tour of Sibiu, we suggest a visit to Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park. This is a unique place, combining natural values with cultural and recreational attractions. Located just a few kilometers from the city center, the park is an ideal place to rest and relax after a busy sightseeing tour.

Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park is not only beautiful nature, but also home to the previously mentioned Astra museum complex. This makes the park an ideal day trip for the whole family. Here you can combine visiting an open-air museum with relaxing in nature. The park offers many walking and biking paths, which is a great opportunity for active outdoor activities.

One of the park's main attractions is the lake, where you can rent boats or pedal boats. This is great fun for children and adults, especially on warm days. The park also has a mini zoo, which is sure to appeal to the little ones. Here you can see various species of animals, including those characteristic of Romanian fauna.

Dumbrava Sibiului Park is also a place where various cultural events and festivals take place, especially during the summer season. It's worth checking the calendar of events before your visit - you may come across an interesting event that will spice up your stay in Sibiu.

To sum up our tour of Sibiu, it is worth noting that each of the described attractions offers something unique. The Great Market and the Bridge of Liars allow you to feel the atmosphere of the city and learn about its legends. The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the defense towers take us back to medieval times. The Astra Museum is a fascinating journey into the depths of Romanian culture and tradition. And the Dumbrava Sibiului Park offers a chance to relax and get in touch with nature.

When planning a trip, it's worth keeping in mind the differences in ticket prices and the time needed for sightseeing. While a walk through the Market Square or Liars' Bridge is free and doesn't require much time, it's worth reserving a full day to visit the Astra Museum or Dumbrava Park. Ticket prices vary, but are generally affordable, and many places offer discounts for children and families.

Sibiu is a city that has a lot to offer families with children. It combines fascinating history, beautiful architecture and modern attractions. It is the perfect place for an educational yet fun-filled and relaxing trip. Whether you are interested in history, culture or just want to have a nice time, Sibiu is sure to meet your expectations and leave you with unforgettable memories.

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