Sibiu – medieval city
Along with Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara and Arad, Sibiu, is one of the most beautiful cities from Transylvania.
It has a special charm, as it is a "city museum” evoking through the tower defense walls, bastions of the former fortress of Sibiu's,
times of a beautiful history. Sibiu is in the Cibin Depression and close to the following mountain ranges: Fagaras Mountains,
Cindrel Mountains, and Lotrului Mountains. It is the capital of Sibiu county. Prior to this, Sibiu had been
the capital of Principality of Transylvania from 1692 to 1791 Sibiu was orginally named Cibinium. The climate in Sibiu
is temperate-continental.
By the 14th century Sibiu was already an important trading center and in 1376, the craftsman were divided
into 19 guilds.
Today in Sibiu total population is 169,670 of which, 158,903 Romanians, 4159 Hungarians, 5511 Germans, 90 Germans,
688 Gypsies and others.
The “Old Town”, situated right in the center of the city, is surrounded by ancient walls
as it used to be a fortress. By tradition, the city of Sibiu is divided into upper and the lower part of the city. Sibiu is known
as a strong tourist center with many and various tourist attractions. Also, its surroundings are beautiful and attractive places.
Monuments in Sibiu:
1. High Market - "The big Ring" as they called it once, was the meeting place for celebrations. Picturesque
festivities were held here during the ceremonies to put in place the rulers of the fortress. Here people meet and were advised on
how to protect the city in times of struggle. This was also the place where the crowd looked stunned at beheadings, hangings and even
burnings at the stake by the end of the eighteenth century.
2. Council Tower -Situated between Big and Small Square markets.
The construction was completed in 1588. Two arches enter it, opening the way to down town. The story of the tower was not spared of
dramatic moments. It collapsed in 1586 and buried painter Lohan David under pieces of concrete the one who tried to decorate the arches.
At the reconstruction the top four little towers were added around it. It was restored in 1824 and it was then when the tower was
given the look it has today.
3. "Brukental" Palace - Built upon a plan of a Viennese architect around the year’s 1781 - 1785
in late baroque style. The massive stone portal is decorated above the entrance with the emblem of Samuel Brukenthal. The corridor
of entry is supported by strong columns of stone. The museum was first opened to the public in 1817. The art gallery includes paintings,
graphics, sculptures from XV-XIX century made by: Nicolae Grigorescu ,Stefan Luchian,Nicolae Tonitza ,Theodor Aman,Ion
Andreescu,Theodor Pallady,Iosif Iser, all famous Romanian artists.
4. Lutheran Cathedral - Built on the ruins of a Roman
basilica in mid XIV and finished in 1520. In XV century suffered a series of transformations. At the beginning of XVI century were
made two entry porches. Modest belfry until then was built with two floors then they added a little tower with stairs for access to
the tower and galleries where they are present elements of the Renaissance.
5. Catholic Church (Main Square) - built in Baroque
style in the years 1726-1728 by Jesuit monks. Made in the shape of a church hall, it is covered by a dome and supported by abroad
arches that are supported by strong columns.
6. Orthodox Metropolis (Street Mitropoliei No. 35) - built between 1902 – 1906.
There are architectural characteristics similar to byzantine church Sf.Sofia from Constantinople.
7. Passage of the Stairs -
arranged lately. The wall of the third string of defense, extends northward, supported by strong springs. Built in the XIII century
it also called “wall with needles”. It is the most picturesque and typical place of the old Sibiu town
8. City wall and
defensive towers (street .Cetatii) - the wall was built in XIV century, like the third belt of fortifications. Strengthened, for the
city, in the XVII century and restored in 1963.
Bibliography
The travel guide of Romania - Publisher Publirom, 2008
Beyond the ruins - medieval
fortresses (Author: Husar, Alexander, Publisher European Institute)
Institutul de Memorie Culturala "Poarta
catre patrimoniul cultural românesc" 2009. Institutul de Memorie Culturala 26 Dec 2009 <
http://www.cimec.ro>
