Why it's time to take a trip to Sibiu, one of the most beautiful cities in Romania

Sibiu is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Romania . Numerous cultures coexist here (Romanian, German, Slovak, Hungarian, and Roma) because, in the past, it was an important crossroads of trade and a cultural center. This is something you'll also notice when you look up and admire the architecture of its historic center, where Saxon buildings coexist with those built in Art Nouveau, Gothic, and Baroque styles.

Thanks to its multicultural identity, it was also named European Capital of Culture in 2007, along with Luxembourg. If you're curious to visit an unusual destination, still far from mass tourism , these are the things to see !

Begin your itinerary of Sibiu's must-sees starting from the Great Square, or Piața Mare . This is considered the city's main square not only because of its size, but also because it was once the center of commerce and city life. It is here that you can admire some of the most important buildings, such as Brukenthal Palace , built in the Baroque style and now a museum with an art gallery and a historic bookshop.

The Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului) is one of the most famous monuments in Sibiu, Romania . Located in the Great Square, it was built in the 13th century as part of the second city wall, thus serving as a gateway. Over the centuries, the tower has served various purposes: a grain warehouse, a prison, and a natural science museum.

Today, the tower can be visited and its summit offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views thanks to the presence of a terrace from which you can admire both the city and the surrounding landscape.

Descend from the Council Tower and reach the second square, called Small Square (Piața Mică) . You can stop at one of the bars or restaurants there, or continue towards the famous Bridge of Lies. Considered the symbol of the city , it was built in 1858, first of wood and then of cast iron, becoming the first in the country to be made of this material.

And the name? It's tied to a whole host of mysteries and legends . Some recommend not telling lies because the bridge senses them and creaks, others tell of lying merchants and witches thrown here following lies and false predictions! Climb up to take some photos: it's a unique location because it's decorated with flowers and wrought-iron gas lamps.

In the Great Square, you'll find the Brukenthal National Museum , one of Romania's oldest museums, housing an extraordinary art collection dedicated to the works of Flemish and Italian masters. In the Small Square, you can visit the History Museum , which traces the evolution of Transylvania , and the Pharmacy Museum , housed in one of the country's first pharmacies, which features a fascinating collection of ancient instruments and preparations.

In the Dumbrava Forest, you'll find the ASTRA National Museum Complex , which includes the open-air Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization. Located in a vast park, this museum is a faithful reproduction of a traditional Romanian village, with wooden houses, mills, and churches offering a unique insight into rural life in the past.

Also worth a visit is the Lutheran Cathedral of St. Mary, considered the city's most famous Gothic building. The cathedral features a 70-meter-tall bell tower and was the burial place of the city's leading figures until the late 18th century, although an exception was made for the governor of the Principality of Transylvania, Samuel von Brukenthal, who died in the early 19th century.

We recommend that you note the four turrets positioned on the top of the cathedral, which warned foreigners of the existence of the death penalty in the city .

One of the peculiarities that makes Sibiu unique is the presence of roofs with eyes . These houses feature slits resembling half-closed eyes , built in the past to keep goods stored in the attic cool without letting in too much light. During the communist era, however, they took on a symbolic role, becoming an expression of the feelings shared by citizens who felt constantly observed, spied on, and monitored.

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