Sibiu In Transylvania, Romania – An Important Cultural Center

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A vital city in Transylvania and the capital of Sibiu County, Sibiu is located in the Cibin Depression with the Cibin River running through it. Due to its strategic positioning, Sibiu is one of Romania’s prominent transportation hubs besides being a significant cultural center of the country. Sibiu’s history dates back to 1191 when German settlers inhabited this part of Romania. By the 14th century it had turned into an important German city. The city has significant history marking its importance and was even nominated the European Capital of Culture in the year 2007.

The old city is on the right bank of the Cibin River and comprises of the Upper and the Lower Towns. The Upper Town, which was the wealthy commercial region, is set around three large city squares with streets running alongside the hill. The Lower Town lies between the hill and the river and is developed around tiny squares and has a rural appearance as far as its architecture is concerned. The main city center or the Grand Square is the largest in the city and one of the largest in Transylvania, dating back to the 16th century.

The Baroque architecture Brukenthal Palace, the chief residence of the Governor of Transylvania between 1777 to 1787, stands at the northwest end of the square. It houses the National Brukenthal Museum. The 18th century Blue House in Baroque architecture stands beside the palace. To the north are the Jesuit Church and the 14th century Council Tower. On the southern and eastern sides are houses from the 15th to the 19th century, mostly in Baroque architecture with tall attics and small windows, getting them the name, the ‘eyes of the city’.

The Piată Mică or the small square leads on to two smaller squares. The House of Arts and the Luxemburg House are to be found in this square. The Huet Square, another chief square of the city consists of the Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral while the buildings in this area are largely in the Gothic style. Sibiu also offers a number of museums to explore if you are interested. Being a culturally important city, it is but obvious that it plays host to several cultural festivals, besides having a philharmonic orchestra and three grand theatres.

As mentioned earlier, Sibiu is a major transportation hub of the country and therefore it is well connected as far as transport is concerned. It has its own international airport with flights taking off to major parts of Europe. Sibiu has a good railway and road network too. So getting to the city is not a problem.