Sibiu was once known as Cedonia, a Daco-Roman metropolis. Cibinium, the city's subsequent Latin name, was taken from the river, a tributary of the Olt that springs throughout the Cabin Mountains southwest of the city. In the 12th century, Saxon (German) immigrants refounded Sibiu as Hermannsdorf. The ancient mediaeval town is divided into two sections: the upper town on a balcony and the downtown on the shores of the Cibin, which are linked through a historic area by small, cobbled lanes known as the Fingerling Stairway.

The Saxon immigrants erected a fortress in the 13th century, which was damaged by the Tatars in 1241 and reconstructed in the 14th century. Massive brick walls built around the upper town earned it the moniker "Red Town" because of the colour of the fortifications, which repulsed multiple Turkish raids in the 16th century. Sibiu was an essential artisan and cultural hub of the German people in Transylvania at the time, with 19 guilds in 1376. Transylvania became an independent Turkish vassal state in 1541; however, once the Turks departed from Hungary, Austria reclaimed Transylvania following a brief Romanian rebellion in 1699. Sibiu was then Transylvania's military centre and, for two times (1703–91 and 1849–65), the capital. It was handed to Romania as well as the rest of Transylvania in 1918. 

Good to Know About Sibiu in Romania

Sibiu is notable for having homes with eyes. Sibiu's unusual blend of German and Hungarian influences resulted in a unique type of building with a tiny window installed in the attic for cooling purposes. 

The result is fantastic as if the home is alive and gazing at you. According to some reports, they were designed in this manner to instil dread in people. After a while, you'll grow used to it and admire the eccentric flair that makes Sibiu so unique.

Sibiu is a wonderful place to explore. The colourful houses and meandering pathways make it easy to wander aimlessly and perhaps get lost. The city is separated into upper and bottom towns, and while they are comparable, one would find them to be slightly different, particularly in terms of atmosphere. The upper town, which includes the famous Piata Mare, is neater and more ordered, whilst the downtown has a more edgy air.

When to Visit Sibiu

Summer temperatures range from 24 degrees Centigrade during the day to roughly 15 degrees Celsius at night. This may be too intense for you, you may cool down by visiting the neighbouring mountains!

Sibiu weather is cooler in the spring and fall than in the summer, and there are more rainy days. Nonetheless, now is a fantastic time to explore the city. The main disadvantage of visiting Sibiu during these seasons is that the Transfagarasan is inaccessible, therefore you will miss one of Europe's most beautiful highways. If you want to take a short city holiday to Sibiu, Christmas is a wonderful time to visit. There is never a terrible moment to explore this city. Each weather has its unique charm. If you want to see more than simply the city, the ideal time to book Sibiu Romania is in the summer. The days are longer, and Transfagarasan is available, so you may explore the entire place and take in the scenery as you like.

Things to Do in Sibiu in Romania

Piata Mare

Since the 15th century, the plaza has served as the heart of Sibiu. Piata Mare is now home to several Sibiu sights, cafes, and cultural events including concerts and festivals. Because Sibiu is less well-known than other European locations, a guided Sibiu tour may teach you more about the city's features and history. If the Mediaeval ambiance of Sibiu has piqued your interest, embark on a self-guided tour of the city's 7 towers. You'll be given hints that will lead you to your next destination!

Bridge of Lies

According to legend This Bridge of Lies possesses ears and can detect whether one stepping on it is lying. Throughout history, stories of creaking and sounds when somebody is lying have remained.

Brukenthal Museum

The Brukenthal National Museum, located in the Piata Mare, is an art museum housed within the mansion of Samuel von Brukenthal, a mediaeval Transylvanian Governor. The museum exhibits work by Romanian and European painters, but the grandeur and interiors of the palace are just as appealing as the paintings. People enjoyed seeing the Anatolian rugs up close and discovering more about the styles of Romanian painters throughout history.

Religious Landmarks

The modest exterior of the Catholic Basilica, which is likewise situated in Piata Mare, deceives. Take some time to admire the magnificent interior of this historic monument. You’ll appreciate the historical backdrop of the many groups of people that moved into Sibiu, the Saxons, the Hungarians, and the Romanians, and their places of worship all within walking distance from one another. 

Strada Nicolae Bălcescu

Strada Nicolae Balcescu is the primary pedestrian route getting away from Piata Mare. It's bordered by beautiful pastel buildings contending for your attention, as well as streaming flower exhibits in full bloom on the glass walls.

The Gothic Lutheran Cathedral of Sibiu

Continue onto Huet Square, which is dominated by the majestic Cathedral. Take a circle tour around the plaza to see old residences before arriving at the beautiful Cathedral's entrance. Sibiu's Lutheran Cathedral towers over the city, its spire soaring more than 200 feet into the sky. If you've been to Brasov before coming to Sibiu, you'll know that the four turrets surrounding the steeple were a warning to mediaeval visitors about the town's power to execute you if you stepped out of line. The Gothic Cathedral was erected in the 14th century and is in good shape. Climb the tower after seeing the cathedral for stunning views of Sibiu.

Sibiu's Old Town

Look for stairways and passages leading to Lower Town, such as the Steps Tower in Huet's Square or the stairs passageway, reached by going out of Piata Mare forward towards the Lutheran Cathedral, where you may view parts of Sibiu's historic defences. Without seeing Lower Town, you would not have properly experienced Sibiu.