Sibiu
Sibiu – this walled town in the heart of Transylvania was one of the most powerful and prosperous strongholds in Europe for hundreds of years. Built in the 12th century by German settlers, is was also known as Hermannstadt. Surrounded by a high-rise newer portion, we spent our time in the historical, older part of town.
Piata Mare
Piata Mare, (the big square), has been nominated to become a UNESCO site. On the square is a combination of Medieval, Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Once again I am captivated by the beauty and variety of this ancient city.
Part of the old defense walls
Sibiu was an important fortified city for Central Europe. Clay bricks were used to build multiple rings around the city. Towers used for lookout stations and underground tunnels connected the positions of defense and several remain today.
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- Carpenter’s Tower
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- Attic Windows are common and are called “girl” or “cat eyes”
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- Gheorghe Lazar statue in the Great Square
The gothic style Evangelical Cathedral was built in the 14th century. The church originally had a cemetery where the elite of Sibiu were buried. Starting in 1796, burials were no longer allowed and in 1853 the gravestones were removed and built into the church walls. Mihnea cel Rau (son of Dracula) is buried here.
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- The Evangelical Cathedral of Sibiu – Huet Square
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- Evangelical Cathedral
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- Gravestone built into the wall
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- Gravestones are built into the walls
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- Liar’s Bridge
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- Entrance to shops
Besides the history, there is an artistic, raw, decaying yet strangely mesmerizing and colorful side to this city.
Massive columns guard this entry door
Love these colorful doors
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- Hidden passageway
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- Balcony with flowers
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- Glass figurine
Did I love Romania? Yes, I did. And this was just the starting point of several more wonderful, busy days. Next stop Biertan…
