Audio Guide Point

Passing under the Council Tower, you reach the Small Square. Built on the second ring of fortifications, it has a crescent shape. When the defensive walls of Sibiu were expanded, the original ones were included in the new buildings. This explains how the Small Square retains the form of the defensive enclosure built in the 13th century.  In the tall houses built by the craftsmen, the family home occupied the upper floor, while the workshop and the shop were set on the ground level. The merchandise was displayed under the vaults of the loggias, so that the passers-by could admire it even in case of bad weather. It can be said that the Small Square became a sort of city "mall". The tailors took the measurements in their hall. One could buy the day’s remedies at the site of the present pharmacy museum, and there was a butchery in the House of Arts. The facades supported by arches create a renaissance ambiance, typical for the 15th - 16th centuries.  This is where the fairs moved from the Grand Square, and, together with the workshops, they made the Small Square the “universe of commerce”.  Today, the space represents a multifunctional scene for the most interesting events in the city. The Book Fair turns the square into an open-air library. Modern craftsmen meet here at the ”Handmade Products” festival. The fashion shows held during the “Feeric Fashion Days” take place on the most spectacular suspended scenes.  To allow the beautiful volleyball players to play beach volleyball in the heart of the city, the Small Square is filled with 350 cubic meters of sand during the “Sibiu Sands” sporting event.  Whether you discovered the Small Square for the first time, or you visited it countless times, take a break and enjoy something tasty on a sunny terrace, or, in case of bad weather, behind the windows, or under the arches. Only this way you could really feel the bustle of the tourists and locals swarming around.    🤔 Did you know?    🔍 In order to be able to sell in the Sibiu market, the merchants were obliged, besides the tax imposed, to donate a stone as large as possible. The stones were used in the construction of the fortification system. 🔍 Since 1600, the pharmacy „La Ursul Negru" (The black bear) operated in the building now hosting the pharmacy museum. 🔍 During the communist period, the Small Square was named "March 6th Square." 

The historical tint of the Small Square will entice your curiosity. Learn more about homes with legs and eyes. We invite you to go on foot or just with your eyes to the building that clearly draws your attention, the Luxembourg House. The red - orange one to the left of the Bridge of Lies. Nearby, on the same side, you will find the open loggias of the houses preserved since the XV-XVI centuries. Among these, the Shoemakers’ passage connects the Small Square with the Huet Square. Further to the left, you will notice a facade different from the rest, shaped as turreted stairs - the Hermes House.  Across the road, you can see the northern side of the Roman Catholic Church, and the entrance to the former crypt, turned into a café-bookstore in 2007. The Roman Catholic parish, built in the Baroque style in the eighteenth century by Jesuit monks, is attached to the church building.  The row of arches continues to the left of the Council Tower. Until the 19th - 20th centuries, the buildings hosted a grocery store, a cloth shop, a pharmacy, a musical instrument store and a butcher's shop. On the corner, beneath the Goldsmiths Stairs Tower, you can descend to the market with the same name.  Further on, the loggia of the House of Arts will entice you. Take a walk under the picturesque arches, next to the Astra galleries. From here, you can admire and purchase authentic traditional souvenirs.  Upstairs, you can admire the temporary exhibitions of the ASTRA National Museum Complex. A medallion with the city's coat of arms decorates the facade.  It is hard to imagine that you are in a former butcher's house, isn’t it? Just a few steps away, passers-by rush to take a photo on the Bridge of Lies.    🤔 Did you know?    🔍 Until 2019, “Hermes House” hosted the "Franz Binder Museum", the first Museum of Universal Ethnography in Romania. Today, the building is the headquarters of Astra Film Fest. 🔍 Between 1877 and 1883, George Barițiu lived in the Lesser Square, at the number 26. The same building housed the editorial room of the “Transilvania” magazine and the newspaper “Observatorul”, both founded by Barițiu. 🔍 The almond-shaped skylights / roof windows are specific to the historical center of Sibiu. They are known as "Sibiu’s eyes". 

The Bridge of Lies can be found on all the lists of landmarks to be visited in Sibiu. It is said to have been the meeting point of young Sibian ladies and the Austro-Hungarian soldiers who came to the city. Here, eternal love was professed, and worthless vows were made. The deceived girls cursed the bridge to crumble with those who uttered a lie while walking on it. Another legend tells of false prophets, hung by this bridge. Other sources believe that the name was due to conflicts between merchants and locals. Being very demanding, the people of Sibiu confronted the producers who sold bad merchandise, and the bridge became a famous bad place. Regardless of period and legend, it is certain that the Bridge of Lies has become a symbol of the city, the first cast-iron bridge built in the country - in 1859. The black structure is embellished with beautiful gothic plant ornaments, along with golden symbols and characters. The present links the bridge to new customs that give birth to other legends, such as the locks. Since the bridge is a historical monument, the locks hanging on its rails are removed periodically. That is the time when the love locked on the bridge will melt in the recycled metal. No matter the legend you believe in, give yourself a moment on this bridge between truth and lie, a bridge which links, or separates the Lesser Square from the Huet Square and the Upper Town from the Lower Town. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 One of the explanations for the name of the Bridge comes from two German homophone words: Liegenbrücke (the “Lain Bridge”) and Lügenbrücke (the “Bridge of Lies”). 🔍 The bridge was inaugurated in December 17, 1860. 🔍 The street below the Bridge leads to the Dragon Square and Ocnei Street.

You have often heard the word "ASTRA", the abbreviation for the “Transylvanian Association for Romanian Literature and the Culture of the Romanian People”, established in Sibiu in 1861. The Orthodox bishop Andrei Șaguna became its first president, while the most famous intellectuals of the time became members. Its goals included supporting research, publishing in Romanian, setting up municipal libraries and organizing exhibitions. Thus, on August 19, 1905 they opened the first exhibition, giving birth to what became the ASTRA National Museum Complex. The temporary exhibitions of the museum can also be visited in the galleries of the House of Arts. The same building also hosted the “Emil Sigerus Museum of Saxon Ethnography and Folk Art”, which is now included in the ASTRA Multicultural Pavilion in Dumbrava Sibiului. The ASTRA open-air museum is among the most well-known and appreciated centers in the world that maintain the authentic traditional spirit. Do not hesitate: the open-air museum is an invitation to explore the pre-industrial rural universe of Romania. You will be able to admire traditional houses from different regions of the country. You will have the opportunity to explore the workshops and learn the secrets of the folk crafts. Above all, you can enjoy the extraordinary atmosphere of a corner of timeless and spaceless Romania. The sight of the windmills reflected in the lake’s mirror will delight you. There's no place for boredom! The agenda of interactive events has surprises for everyone, regardless of age! Depending on your available time you could walk for kilometers on the museum’s alleys, use a carriage or an electric scooter. If, in the meantime, you become hungry or thirsty, try the tasty food of the Folk Fair, maybe even during a gastronomic event in progress. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 In 2019, the ASTRA Museum was awarded three Michelin stars. 🔍 ASTRA is the Latin name for celestial bodies or stars. 🔍 One of the most modern restoration centers in the country operates within the museum. A 2000 years old Egyptian mummy will enter the restoration and conservation process. It was exhibited until 2019 in the "Franz Binder" Museum.

Once you have crossed the Bridge of Lies, look at the pavement stones. You will notice a darker color band that marks the place of the first ring of defense. Step over this line, and you are in Huet Square, the epicenter of Sibiu. The Saxons arrived here in the 12th century, and they began the construction of the first church and the first defensive wall. After city’s fortifications were extended, the houses in Huet Square were built on the first walls of defense. The square took the name of Albert Huet, Sibiu’s Royal Judge in the sixteenth century. Follow the buildings to the left, the reverse of those from the Lesser Square. On the right side, you can admire the outside of the Evangelical Church and the entrance to the sacristy. If you are lucky, you will hear the rehearsals of the Bach Choir. Close to the Shoemakers Passage, the dark gray cubic stones take the shape of a circle. They mark the place of the Graf’s Chapel. Before entering the church gates, the same type of stones marks the outline of another chapel. According to various sources, it was dedicated to Saint Ladislau and / or Jacob. The mystery is still waiting to be solved. In this area, the Priests Gate Tower closed the first ring of fortifications, towards Mitropoliei Street. Nearby, there was a building dedicated to teaching, certified in 1380. In the eighteenth century, the National College "Samuel von Brukenthal" was built on the foundations of this building. Above the main entrance of the high school, there is an inscription reading "ERVDITIONI. VIRTVTI.AC.EXEMPLIS.SACRA "-" A place for culture, virtues and models ". Today, the space is dedicated to various cultural, crafting, or gastronomic events. Every Friday, the "Green Friday” market of the organic producers from Sibiu County takes place here. During summer, the travelling journeymen hold open workshops, to show how the craftsmen of the past worked wood and metal. Sometimes, passers-by can witness outdoor exhibitions or special concerts. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 Baron Samuel von Brukenthal was a pupil of the Samuel von Brukenthal College. In his will, he donated his wealth to the evangelical school and church. The humanist Nicolaus Olahus also studied here in the 16th century, and the pedagogue Stefan Ludwig Roth in the 19th century. 🔍 The school was completed in 1781, as it is written above the main portal. 🔍The school and the church have the same courtyard. During class breaks, the college students share the recreation space with the passers-by and visitors.

You are in front of the tower marking the highest point in the city. It is the tower of the Evangelical Church of Augustan confession "St. Mary”, and it reaches a height of about 74 m.  Considered by architects a "Gothic jewel" of Transylvania, the construction probably began in the thirteenth century. During the fourteen century, the present church was built over the foundations of the first building.  The church was improved in both structure and style. The walls were raised and the nave widened. The tower was gradually heightened, receiving the four turrets in the fifteenth century. Different flags were raised on the turrets to send messages to the community (black in case of mourning).  You can hear the sound of the three huge bells (they have over 5 tons!) through the stone windows below the rooftop. The current clock was put into operation in 1881. It is regarded as the most precise clock in Sibiu, so now is a good moment to set your watch ... to the time of the city.  At the beginning of the 20th century, the roof was decorated with glazed tiles. The current model is due to a recent, thorough restoration. The motifs of the facade restore the elegance and harmony of the mature Gothic style.  The statue of the evangelical bishop George Daniel Teutsch was raised in front of the church.    The interior will impress you with its high vaults, its columns supporting the choir, and the stained windows. The details of the facade of the pipe organ, the baroque altars and stuccos will draw your eyes.  The conversion of the Saxon community to the evangelical religion after the Protestant Reformation in 1517 is reflected in some details. For example, the fresco painted in 1445 by the master Johannes de Rosenau was modified. Today we can see Mary with baby Jesus in her arms, but also the sun with which they covered this detail. Although the evangelical religion has removed the Cult of Saints, the church is still known as the Evangelical Church of Augustinian Confession "Saint Mary", an antagonistic expression in this context.  On the western side, the nave houses an impressive collection of funerary stones. They are worth a visit, if access is allowed. From the inside, the enclosure is separated from the main nave, and from the outside, it seems to support the tall tower.    🤔 Did you know? 🔍 The tower to the left of the main entrance houses the spiral stairs leading to the roof and to the church tower. There is an inscription under the roof: 1520 - the year when the tower was finished. 🔍 In 1803, Baron Samuel von Brukenthal was the last personality buried in the church, after such burials were banned in 1796. 🔍 One of the oldest funerary stones in the nave dates from 1510, and it belongs to the son of Vlad Țepeș, Mihnea vodă cel Rău, assassinated in the Huet Square.  • The church and the tower are closed for restoration until 2021. 

Keep going westward and look for the huge portal, which was one of the former main entrances to the church. From the top of the wall in front of it, you can enjoy the view of the brick roofs with eyes and furnaces. Looking down, notice the buttresses and the interlocking of three defense walls flanking the Huet Square. Nearby, an interesting pillar will draw your attention. Stung by many nails, buttons and other metal objects, and with a stone dragon on top, it holds the memories of the traveling journeymen. In ancient times, they stayed at the House of the Journeymen during their initiation journey. According to tradition, before becoming a master craftsman, an apprentice had to go to another guild city to gain experience by working in the local workshops. Only with a letter of recommendation, the apprentice deserved his place in the guild. In Sibiu, this house preserved its function, being the birthplace of today’s journeymen. During summer, young craftsmen dressed in the traditional costumes and hats of their guilds, fill the historic center with the atmosphere of the crafts from the old days. The sound of their tools tells the workshops apart: blacksmiths, carpenters or stonemasons. Before departing the city, leave a small souvenir or lucky talisman in the pillar of the Journeymen. Before you walk down the stairs below the tower, look at the buildings on the right. You will certainly notice a facade with a gothic stone filigree portal. There is a Renaissance coat of arms above it, made for the priest Johannes of Alțâna by the most famous stonemason of the time, Andreas Lapicida. The facade of the upper floor has three mural paintings on it, representing St. John the Baptist, the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus, and the coat of arms of the King of Hungary, Matei Corvin. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 Before leaving on his initiation journey, a journeyman had to meet certain criteria: he had to be younger than 30, unmarried, without children or debts, and he had to have no quarrel with anyone in the community. 🔍 Among the symbols on the stone blazon, you will see a lion with a cross and a crown - the coat of arms of Johannes of Alțâna, and in the four corners, depictions of the priest, of Saint John the Baptist, of Emperor Frederick III and of Pope Alexander VI Borgia. 🔍 Over time, Huet Square was known as "Friedhof", "Kirchhof" or "Griviței” Square.

Return to the Stairs Tower, transformed into the House of the Journeyman. You are walking under one of the oldest defense buildings of the city, built of stone in the 12th century. The tower served as the gateway to the first fortification enclosure. Through this gate, the inhabitants of Cibiniensis retreated to the shelter of their walls, in case of invasions. A Mongol siege devastated the city in 1241, which was the reason why the inhabitants put a lot of effort into developing the fortification system. After the first stairs, enjoy the ambiance of the inner courtyard on your right, surrounded by stone walls and a wooden tower. The tower belongs to the "Church of the Asylum", the first church of the city, transformed since the thirteenth century into a hall to care for the sick. Today, it is an Orthodox church, and its entrance is from the Asylum Street. Maybe the items displayed in the windows of the local shops, or the flavors of tasty treats seeping from the kitchens of the nearby restaurants will tempt you. In case you resist the temptations (or not), turn left under the curved buttresses. Gaze upward to see how steep the slope below the church tower is. Whether you choose to climb the stairs, or go around the wall on the path to the right, pay attention to the details around. The tunes of some musical instruments will reveal the building of the Art High School, on your right. The street is split in two by a former fortified wall. If you are close enough to the door of the high school, you will be able to admire the height of the tower house - part of the History Museum - the Altemberger House. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 There was a garden in front of the tower house, known as the "Martyrs' Garden". It is said that the convicts were locked in the cellars of the building, and they were tortured below this garden to extract confessions. 🔍 The legend says that due to the arched shape, the street to the left side of the wall was named "The Dog's Spine". 🔍 The path below the Stairs Tower leads to Cibin Market. If you have time, the cheese tastings offered in the dairy hall are worth a gastronomic break.

Raised in the 15th century, it remains one of the best preserved Gothic monuments in the country. During your walk up to Mitropoliei Street, you will notice the stone frames of the windows, the bay window and the street loggia.  The building is also called "The Old City Hall", being the seat of the institution from 1545 to 1947. It had a number of other functions, being the headquarters of the Saxon University archives, the city jail, the forest district, the court of law, the city police, the fire department, the city’s construction company, and a depot of the Brukenthal Museum. The History Museum was inaugurated after a major renovation in 1990.  The name of the building preserves the memory of the owner who erected the Gothic edifice, Thomas Altemberger. For 20 years, he served as Sibiu’s mayor, and he became a royal judge. His name has also remained in history due to the manuscript "Codex Altemberger", a collection of laws gifted to the city. His success and wealth, which made possible the construction of one of the most imposing houses in the city in the 15th century, was also due to the marriage with Affra of Salzburg from Ocna Sibiului. After Altemberger's death, Affra married Johann Lulay, a Transylvanian Saxon Count.  Above the main gate, there is a stone plate with a Latin text dedicated to Emperor Joseph II. Visit the History Museum and you will find out more about the history of Sibiu.  If you do not have enough time, spend 10 minutes in the courtyard and the inner garden. The tower house, the wooden balcony and the blazons carved in stone are just a few items to note.  Unique in Transylvania, the garden loggia dates back to 1491. In the keystone, you will find the coat of arms of Altemberger and Affra. The stone statuettes carved by Andreas Lapicida himself will surely impress you.  🤔 Did you know? 🔍 There is a statue in the courtyard of the Altemberger House, called “The Iron Soldier”. It was made from wood in 1915, and plated with metal (mail and rivets). The mail is plastered with the initials or the names of those who donated money in a fundraising event for the war widows. 🔍 One of the exhibitions of the history museum presents the evolution of the human communities in the Southern Transylvania. 🔍 One of the most beautiful rooms in the building is the assembly room of the Sibiu Magistrate.

Continue your walk on Mitropoliei Street, known in the past as the "Butchers’ Alley". Following the Great European Ecumenical Assembly held in Sibiu in 2007, it was symbolically named "The Sibian Ecumenical Street ". On a closer look, you will understand that it deserves this title, due to the churches of different denominations built here. You will pass the Reformed-Calvin Church, whose multicolored tower rises to the sky since the 18th century. After walking about half the street length, you will notice the imposing Orthodox Metropolitan "Holy Trinity" Cathedral. Beyond it, you can see the stylish tower of "St. John" Evangelical Church. Until you reach it, follow the details of the facades, such as the coat of arms of the Tailors' Guild from 1574, visible on the building across the corner from the History Museum. Have you figured the object represented in the coat of arms? Just after the Reformed-Calvin Church, a gangway opens under the house of the Reformed parish, connecting Mitropoliei Street with Nicolae Bălcescu pedestrian Street. Nearby, two Cariatides support the balcony of the "Little Palace". The most famous goldsmith of Sibiu, Sebastian Hann, lived in a house on the site of the present building. Countess Rahel, the widow of Lieutenant Collonel Count Gregorius Bethlen, modified the "Little Palace" in the eighteenth century. A few steps ahead, on the right side of the road, you will see the Central Post Office. Look for the decorative elements of the facade! The solar clock still shows the exact time. An interesting detail is the embossed representation of a person who receives a letter from a pigeon, while using the phone. On the same side, the green building houses the headquarters of the Sibiu branch of the National Bank of Romania, the former headquarters of the Albina bank. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 In September 2007, a special event took place in Sibiu: The Third Great European Ecumenical Assembly, attended by over 2500 prelates from European churches and episcopal confessions. 🔍 Sebastian Hann (1644 - 1713) is considered the most famous goldsmith of the Romanian area. You can admire some of his cups in the Museum of the Evangelical Church of Augustan Confession in Transylvania, hosted in the Teutsch House. 🔍 In the Reformed-Calvinist church, the liturgies are held in Hungarian, the Reformed being mainly ethnics of the Hungarian community in Sibiu. Since 2007, the church has an art gallery with temporary exhibitions.

Hello! Nice to meet you in the audio guide, where we invite you to discover Sibiu. Take a break for a few hours and join our leisurely stroll to explore a small piece of the Historic Center. The city map will guide you on a walk in space and time. Listen to the stories and let yourself conquered! You are in the Tourist Information Center of Sibiu City Hall, a place where we warmly welcome you as a guest and hope to see you again as a friend. After inquiring about current events, maybe you want to admire the on-going exhibition or, on the contrary, you are anxious to start your tour. We invite you to the inner courtyard of the building, where the story of the city on the Cibin river begins. Don't rush to get there! Let your eyes explore the space and become enchanted by the Art Nouveau architectural details. Notice the monumental spiral staircase leading to the first floor, or the ornaments of the stained glass, embedding the city's coat of arms: two crossed swords, three leaves, a crown and 7 towers, painted on a red triangular shield. You will find these elements on the glass case holding the stone in which Herman, the ruler of the Saxon colonists, is said to have stuck his sword, marking the territory as their new home. All the others followed his example, thus giving rise to the community symbol. This happened in the 12th century, when Sibiu was first mentioned in a papal document under the name of "Cibininium". This is how the “Young since 1191” motto of the city was born! 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 Since 2006, Sibiu City Hall has been housed in the youngest building in the Grand Square. 🔍 It was completed in 1906, as the headquarters of the “Credit Funciar” Bank. 🔍The mobile application “Sibiu City App” belongs to Sibiu City Hall. The "Incident Reporting" module allows direct communication with the public authorities. 

A symbol of Sibiu Orthodoxy, the Neo-Byzantine exuberance of the Metropolitan Cathedral eclipses any building around it. Inspired by the architecture of the "St. Sofia" Basilica in Constantinople, the church was consecrated on April 30, 1906, being dedicated to the "Holy Trinity". The great Metropolitan Andrei Șaguna himself initiated the construction of the church, gaining the approval and support of the Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria in the middle of the 19th century. The Metropolitan has advocated for the rights of the Transylvanian Orthodox population. The exterior of the cathedral impresses with its rounded shapes and its dimensions. The dome measures 15 meters in diameter, and the two bell towers measure 45 m in height. Visit the interior! The high vault, the light seeping through the dome windows and the pleasant fragrance of incense will overwhelm you. The iconostasis was made of gilded linden wood. Octavian Smigelschi, an artist from Sibiu County, painted the interior. The painting on the pendant depicts the four evangelists and Jesus the Pantocrator among the angels. Regardless of faith, take advantage of a moment of spiritual tranquility. Maybe you want to follow the example of the Sibians, who light candles in the churchyard, in the memory of their loved ones. Across the street to the main entrance, you will notice the most representative Neo-Brâncovenesc building in Sibiu, the Faculty of Orthodox Theology "Saint Ierarh Andrei Șaguna". After the next house, you can see the building of the Orthodox Metropolitanate, the Archdiocese of Transylvania since 1864. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 The model of the cathedral, made of gilded metal, is placed on the altar table. 🔍 The big bell of the western tower weighs 1345 kg and bears the inscription "Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world". 🔍 Saint Ierarh Andrei Șaguna lived his last years in Rășinari, near Sibiu. At his request, after death, he was buried without pomp in his crypt in the local cemetery.

The lesson about Sibiu’s religious tolerance continues. Going further on Mitropoliei Street, in front of the park, you will discover the tower of "Saint John" Evangelical Church of Augustan Confession. The Sibians call it Johanniskirche. Like most churches in the city, it is a space of worship and culture, where not only religious liturgies take place, but also cultural events. Built in the 19th century for the parishioners of the nearby Josefin neighborhood, it has two beautiful altar sculptures, representing Ioan the Baptist and Ioan the Evangelist. A gangway above the gate connects the church with the former evangelical orphanage. Currently, it houses the Friedrich Teutsch Center for Culture and Dialogue, named after the Saxon bishop and historian. If you find the metal gate open, dare to step in! You will enter the rectangular courtyard, enclosed by a portion of the fortification wall on the South-West side. This small city oasis is animated by the customers of the café-bookstore and by the visitors of the Museum of the Evangelical Church of Augustan Confession in Transylvania, hosted on the first floor. If you have time, and if you are curious about the history of the Saxon communities in Transylvania, visit the exhibition. You will see a copy of the first document attesting Sibiu in 1191, church objects, Saxon folk garments from different areas - a true collection of the Saxon treasure. A chronological tour will help you better understand how the Saxons arrived in Transylvania and why the majority were forced to leave this region after World War II. Part of the museum's activities are also temporary exhibitions and historical lectures. The building houses the Central Archive of the Evangelical Church of Augustan Confession in Romania and its library. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 One of the museum’s main attractions is a collection of masterpieces made by the most famous goldsmiths in Transylvania. 🔍 The exhibition illustrates the evolution of German-language education in Transylvania, of which the Evangelical Church C.A. cared for centuries. 🔍 Among the most spectacular collections is the set of dolls dressed in celebratory Saxon folk clothes. They differ depending on the geographical area, status and age of the wearer.

After so many streets and buildings, we invite you for a walk in the ASTRA park. In the 19th century the fortification walls and defense towers were demolished or incorporated into the new infrastructure. In 1879, the Society for the beautification of the city was founded, the purpose of which is suggested by its name. One of the main concerns was the building of green spaces in the city, the ASTRA park being the first significant achievement. At the beginning of the 20th century, the park got its current appearance, and due to the activity of the ASTRA Association, several busts of personalities of the Romanian culture were unveiled. Since 2007, an artesian fountain has been set up in the middle of the park, animating the place during summer. Thanks to the marble chess tables, the enthusiasts of the “sport of the mind” are happy to spend their free time here. If you feel ready, challenge them to a game!  You may notice the two Atlas statues at the entrance of the Palace of the Transylvanian Association for Romanian Literature and the Culture of the Romanian People - ASTRA. Built between 1903 and 1905, it served as the headquarters of the association, and was designed to house an historical and ethnographic museum, the archive and the library of the association. The museum was inaugurated on August 6, 1905.  With its lush Victorian-style decorations, the second-floor room is among the most beautiful entertainment venues in the city. The first Romanian theater performance in Transylvania took place on its stage. Nowadays, the hall hosts special events, book launches, jazz and classical music concerts. The palace houses the headquarters of the ASTRA County Library.  On the left, the ornate façade of the Pediatric Hospital draws anyone’s attention. The building was originally a sanatorium and guesthouse for those who frequented the public baths. Under the name "Baia Populară", the public baths still welcomes its guests today in the fascinating décor of its high ceiling, arched balconies and elements specific to the Baroque and Jugendstil styles.  🤔 Did you know? 🔍 Since 2010, the objectives of the Society for the beautification of Sibiu have been taken over by the Association for the beautification of the city of Sibiu (AIOS). 🔍 The cost of building the ASTRA Palace was 158,426 crowns. The amount was collected from member fees, donors and a lottery organized for this purpose. 🔍 Dr. Cornel Diaconovici, secretary of the association and author of the first Romanian Encyclopedia, played an important role in the fundraising. 🔍 The first play performed at the opening of the hall was “Blanduzia’s Fountain” by Vasile Alecsandri. 

As you exit the Astra park, you will encounter the swarm of people passing to or from the Nicolae Bălcescu pedestrian Street. In the past, the street was called Heltauergasse, an allusion to the road leading to Cisnădie. Travelers coming from there entered the city through the Cisnădie Gate Tower, which was once located nearby. Go towards the Grand Square! Your eyes will be drawn by the lively windows of the restaurants and shops, but also by the baroque or eclectic ornaments of the colorful facades. Each tells the story of the wealthy families who lived here, or the rented shops. From perfumes, jewelry, watches, furs, hats and furniture, to sausages and cakes, everything was on this street. As you walked about half the street, the Corinthian capitels of the Bugarsky House will draw your attention to the left. A cat-shaped gyrus tucked on the roof of a two-eyed cottage shows the direction of the wind. On the right side, the intense green and the bay window highlight the Bielz House. A few steps ahead, an artesian fountain gives life to a small square. Take a minute to look at the surrounding buildings. On the left side, towards Grand Square, you will see a tall building - the former headquarters of the Garrison Regiment. Across the corner, on the same side, notice the Neo-Renaissance forms of probably the most famous hotel in Sibiu, the Emperor of the Romans. Turn your eyes to the small street on the right that opens from the pedestrian. The building with the beveled corner and the balcony with laced ironworks will surely draw your attention. The Sibians know it as "La Floașiu" after the name of the trader who opened in 1920 the largest Romanian store in Transylvania. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 During the International Theater Festival, dancers, acrobats and actors animate the pedestrian street with captivating shows. 🔍 The Bielz House was named after Dr. Julius Bielz, a well-known historian, museographer and ethnographer. His wife, Josefine Bielz, founded the Sibiu Women's Association in their home in 1875. 🔍 Until 1970, the tram ran through the middle of the pedestrian street.

If you are not tired of choosing souvenirs at the beginning of Papiu Ilarian street, we invite you to keep exploring the city. The closer you look, the more interesting details you will discover. Roofs with skylights, facades with embossed motifs and decorated gates – just check the solar motif on the green gate after crossing the Tipografilor Street. Radu Stanca, the spiritual patron of the National Theater in Sibiu, lived, in the big building on the corner. You will find his name on one of the stars of the Hall of Celebrities in the Citadel Park. Take a few more steps to reach Cetăţii Street, named "The most beautiful street of Sibiu". Its spectacularity comes from to the luster of history imprinted by the towers and defense walls. It remains the best preserved portion of the 14th century fortification rings. The defense walls looked like the restored section near you. The bastions were named after the guilds that built and managed them, so you can see those of the Arquebusiers, Potters and Carpenters. In the sixteenth century, Sibiu had one of the best equipped and efficient defense systems. The walls surrounded about 80 ha, and 39 bastions reinforced them. The key elements remained, of course, the inhabitants assisted by the most modern military technology of the time. This explains why Sibiu was never conquered, even during the harshest Ottoman invasions, being nicknamed "the red city". This was also due to the tribute paid to the Ottoman Empire. Walking between the two walls makes it hard to believe that you are in a former watercourse, used for a more effective defense, doesn’t it? 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 Although they serve the same purpose, each bastion is different from the other in shape and decorative elements. They probably demonstrate the pride and the desire for artistic expression of the guilds. 🔍 Since 2013, on each new edition of the Sibiu Theater Festival, several important personalities from the international world of performing arts receive a star on the Hall of Celebrities.

We said that Sibiu kept up with the military technology of the time. This was also true in the 16th century, when the cannons appeared. For their use, the existing bastions, designed for small arms, were inadequate. Thus began the construction of a thick bastion, suitable for all types of artillery.  Keep walking towards the end of the Citadel Park, and you will find a gate to the right, facing the Carpenters Tower. On leaving the safety of the fortifications, you will feel the hustle and bustle of the city outside the wall, the new "enemy" from which we can pretend to be protected in the 21st century by the defense walls.  Watch for a moment the white wall of the Thick Tower. The prominent, asymmetrical windows are the former firing holes. The strategy was to repel those who were trying to breach the defensive walls. Soon, the Sibians adopted the fashion of "orecchione" type bastions from the Italians.  The yellow triangle marks the line of the former earth rampart.  Perhaps you want to go around the Thick Tower through the courtyard of the Philharmonic and the Stairs Tower, or maybe you will return to Cetății Street. The main entrance of the former thick tower reveals the contemporary identity of the building, the headquarters of the State Philharmonic of Sibiu, Thalia Hall. The inscription 1788 - 2004 indicates the years when the building morphed. In 1788, the defense bastion became the first theater in Transylvania, and in 2004, the building resumed its cultural function, highlighting elements of the defense system in its architecture. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 The typographer, and later city mayor, Martin Hochmeister, was the one who initiated the transformation of the defense tower into a theater. The construction lasted one year. In 1788, the first play was performed in the venue. 🔍 Thalia is the name of the muse of comedy and idyllic poetry. In ancient Greek, Thalia means "the joyful, the blooming". 🔍 Among the special events hosted by the Thalia Hall are the Sibiu Opera Festival, the Romanian-American Musical Days and the International Festival-competition of Piano Interpretation and Composition "Carl Fieltsch". 

From the courtyard near Thalia Hall, a few dinosaurs will draw your attention. Some up to 8 meters tall, they are part of the educational and recreational exhibition of the Natural History Museum. On the facade of the building, you can see a Roman numeral MDCCCIXIV. Do you remember how to decipher it? (1894) 1849 is the year when a group of Saxon intellectuals, passionate about nature, set up the Transylvanian Society of Natural Sciences. In order to shelter and exhibit the growing collections of minerals, plants and stuffed or preserved animals, in 1894 they started the construction of a building dedicated to this purpose, with money donated by the members of the association. Elements of the classicist style can be recognized on the exterior. The museum, organized on three levels, presents the evolution of the living world, from the simplest living things to birds. The interior of the building and especially the exhibitions are worth a visit. You have the opportunity to see very rare specimens, such as a polar owl from the Arctic, or mammoth fossils. The exotic butterfly species will surely impress you, the collection of Lepidoptera being the most spectacular. As in this case, mountain hiking enthusiasts established the Transylvanian Carpathian Association, also known as the Transylvanian Carpathian Tourists Society, in 1880. The members of the association started marking the mountain trails and building chalets. During the same period, in 1879, the Society for the Beautification of the City of Sibiu was founded, whose members built, among other things, the city parks. All these initiatives demonstrate the continuation of the cult of community in the Saxon culture. What society would you start for your community? 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 The Transylvanian Carpathian Association was founded at the initiative of Dr. Karl Wolff, with the name “Siebenbürgische Karpatenverein” (S.K.V.). 480 men and 18 women joined. 🔍 Hypsilophodon, Tyranosaurus Rex, Tryceratops, Diplodocus and Velociraptor are the names of the dinosaur species in the museum yard. There is also a Pterosaurus. The tallest dinosaur is 8 meters high. 🔍 The Society for the Beautification of the City of Sibiu has also arranged the promenade and the park on Cetăţii street.

After you take a snapshot of the pastel facades with your camera or with your eyes, we invite you to sneak through the gangway near Thalia Hall. You will reach Tipografilor Street, formerly called Wiesengasse, at a time when the Pottery Fair was organized here. From here, you will enter the Schiller Square, to your right. Underneath the bay window in the corner, you will see Schiller's bronze bust. Gustav Nüssbacher, one of the expert butchers in the manufacture of the Sibiu Salami at the beginning of the 20th century, donated it to the city. The statue was initially unveiled in the ASTRA Park, on the 150th anniversary of the birth of the most famous German romantic poet. Enjoy a moment of peace on the benches around the artesian fountain. In front of you is a facade with richly ornate metal grilles, authentic from the Baroque era of the city. The house belonged to Martin Hochmeister, the city mayor, who was visited by the emperor Joseph II himself. In this same house lived Hochmeister's great-grandson, Emil Sigerus, to whom we owe the Chronicle of Sibiu. Crossing Timotei Popovici Street, you can see the building of the State Archives on your right side. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, it retains elements of the eclectic style. The construction was designed for the same purpose it fulfills today. Large windows allow sunlight to enter the depot, separated from the administrative building by a long corridor, to protect the documents in case of fire. It is the first building raised for the safekeeping and conservation of the archival heritage in Romania. It stores documents from 1292 to 1984. You will recognize the coat of arms of Transylvania, Sibiu and Saxon University on its facade. Archivelor Street will lead you back to the Grand Square. Before passing through the General's gangway, look for the city's coat of arms in the decorative elements of the Bedeus House. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 Archivelor Street was called Generalkommandogasse until 1872, Ambruster until 1946 and Franklin Delano Roosevelt until 1970. 🔍 For 200 years, a mill, known as Rossmühle, functioned in the Schiller Square. 🔍 The house that shelters Schiller's bust belonged to Gustav Dietrich. After his death, he left the building to the foundation with the same name, which opened here the "Christian guesthouse."

The Saxons founded the settlement in the 12th century, after arriving in Southern Transylvania at the invitation of King Geza II, to defend the borders of Hungary. In exchange for their military services, the Saxons were rewarded with privileges. The Golden Bull, issued in 1224 by Andrei II, the king of Hungary, was one of them. In 1366, Sibiu was attested as a city, under the name "Hermannstadt". At that time, it numbered about 1900 inhabitants and it had 13 guilds, leading to the development of trade. Also in that century, a library, a school, a hospital and a mint were mentioned. In 1692, due to the city’s economic development, urban evolution and completion of its fortification system, Sibiu became Transylvania’s capital (until 1791). The city kept pace with the urban centers of the time, and the following century saw the opening of the first public museum in Southeastern Europe (1817), the building of the railway (1872) and the introduction of electricity (1897). December 1, 1918, marked the unification of Transylvania with Romania, starting a new stage in Sibiu's life. The ethnic structure of the city changed. Massive emigration of the Saxon population and immigration of Romanian inhabitants from other regions took place. The city adapted to the industrialization era. In December 1989, Sibiu was among the first cities in the country to join the revolution against the communist regime. In 2007, Sibiu became the first city in Romania to acquire the title of European Capital of Culture. Since 2011, Sibiu is the only Romanian destination with 3 *** Michelin stars. ASTRA Museum received the same number of Michelin stars in 2014. May 9, 2019 has remained in Sibiu's history due to the Informal Summit of Heads of State or Government of the European Union, which took place here. In 2019, the whole region became a European Region of Gastronomy. In 2021, the city will be the European Capital of Hiking. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 There is a chronicle of the most important events in Sibiu from 1100 to 1929. The author is the historian, ethnographer and writer Emil Sigerus (1854 - 1947). 🔍 Some key data in the history of the city: 1494 - the first pharmacy, 1525 - the first printing press, 1534 - the first paper mill, 1560 - the first book in Romanian language, 1717, the first brewery. 🔍 The collective rights of the Transylvanian Saxons included, among other things, exemption from taxes, the right to choose the royal judge, and later to elect the mayor. 🔍 The "red city" is one of the "nicknames" of the city, received after a failed Turkish siege. Probably due to the color of the walls, Sibiu is described as "the red city", impossible to conquer. Its fortifications have never been breached.

Of all the buildings in the Grand Square, there is one particularly appealing. Notice the façade with the huge portal and the mansard steep roof. These elements are characteristic of the period in which they were built: the late Austrian Baroque, adopted in Transylvania in the eighteenth century. The imposing estate is the first public museum in Southeastern Europe, and the third in the world. It opened its doors in 1817, 14 years after the death of the baron who built it: Samuel von Brukenthal. Brukenthal is one of the most important personalities in the history of Sibiu and Transylvania. He represented the interests of the Saxon community at the court of Empress Maria Theresa and became her personal advisor. From 1777 to 1787, he was the Governor of Transylvania. His passion for art, literature, cartography, numismatics and science in general led him to collect numerous objects throughout his life. He gathered works of art, books, coins, minerals and other valuable objects in his palace in the Grand Square. He fought for the preservation of the rights of nations in Transylvania, in the face of the new administrative system imposed by Joseph II. Brukenthal was also concerned with the development of agricultural crops and animal husbandry. He cultivated exotic plants in the Orangery of his summer palace in Avrig, and the whole Empire knew about his horse stud farm in Sâmbăta de Jos. To get a closer look at the Baron's universe, take a few hours to visit the museum's collections. You can enjoy its bohemian atmosphere even with a quick stroll in the courtyard and the garden of the palace. You may have a chance to meet Donatello and Antonello, the museum's live mascots. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 In addition to his buildings, Samuel von Brukenthal left 1300 paintings (Flemish and engraving), 13000 books (a large number of them unique and incunabula), 17500 antique coins, a cabinet of curiosities, a cartographic collection and a collection of Roman stones. 🔍 Brukenthal’s beautiful wife, Katharina Sofia, who was the daughter of Mayor Klockner, aided him. 🔍 The portal of the palace is decorated with the coat of arms of the Brukenthal family and of his wife. The stone bridge refers to Brukenthal's original name, Brekner. In the Saxon language, Bräk means bridge.

Once you leave the Tourist Information Center, you are the heart of the city – the Grand Square, a space morphed by each century according to the historical period. The square was made in the 13th century, after Sibiu gained the right to organize fairs. They were held around a water well called “the stork”. After the city received the right to pronounce capital punishments, public convictions and executions took place here (until the eighteenth century). In the same square, the locals dug grain silos, as a precaution in the event of a siege. Their entrances are highlighted by 5 circles covered with black marble. Nearby, you might notice a pentagon in the pavement, drawn with red stones, marking the place where the statue of Nepomuk once stood (from 1734 to 1948). He was the Catholic saint of the city. A few steps further, a commemorative plaque pays tribute to the heroes of the 1989 revolution. Not far away, other red stones form a circle, a remainder of the first water pomp. From 1984 to 2004, the statue of Gheorghe Lazăr dominated the square. Today, a reinvented version of the statue stands near the Council Tower, looking at the Grand Square. About 100 m to the west, another brick circle marks the location of the column of infamy and Roland's statue, placed there between 1550 and 1783. The knight of justice, with his sword raised to the sky, was a symbol of the authority and legislative autonomy of the city. Imagine the hundreds of generations grinding the stones of the Grand Square, on foot, by carriage, bus, tram or car. Here, they had the opportunity to watch a beheading, or celebrate important moments in the life of the city. Today's square reflects the history and culture of the city, being a space defined by its inhabitants, and all those who embrace it. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 The square has a maximum length of 142 m and a width of 93. 🔍 In the 18th century, there was a "madmen's cage", to imprison those who disturbed the streets at night. 🔍 Today, the statue of Ioan Nepomuk is sheltered in the courtyard of the Roman Catholic parish in the Grand Square. You can see it if you follow the second entrance of the church. 🔍 You can watch online what is happening in the Grand Square, via webcams available in the Sibiu City App.

What makes Sibiu so special? Is it the facades painted in pastel colors, the eyes in the brick-red roofs watching intently, or the stories hidden behind them? The house on the right of the Brukenthal Museum holds the memory of Miss Johanna Balk, who pierced her heart with the needle of her brooch to remain true to her husband. The house on the left, called the “Blue House”, also known as the "Möringer House”, hosted the pharmacy "La Vulturul Negru". In the eighteenth century, the first city theater was opened here. To the left of the pedestrian street Nicolae Bălcescu, you can see the façade with 13 windows of the "General’s House". Its courtyard was modified to link the Archive Street with the Grand Square. Next is the "Hecht House", named after its owners. It hosted the first post office of Sibiu, in the eighteenth century. The Saxon University – which was the administration of the Transylvanian Saxons – also had its headquarters here. The stone frames of the windows, and the lions above them, will draw your eyes to the façade of the "Haller House". Do not hesitate to go through the imposing portal to discover the tower house. A few houses away, you could see the headquarters of the Superior Consistory of the Evangelical Church of Augustinian Confession in Romania. Across the street, the "Lutsch House" was once an inn, bookstore, grocery store, pharmacy, brewery, casino and restaurant. The Roman Catholic Church, dedicated to the "Holy Trinity", was built in the eighteenth-century on the northern side of the square. The services are held in German, Hungarian and Romanian, testifying the city's tradition of ethnic and denominational tolerance. The next building is the Roman-Catholic parish, the former Jesuit monastery. It hosted the first headquarters of the "State Gymnasium", the current "Gheorghe Lazăr" National College. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 In the 19th century, the ground floor of the house at number 9 housed the first photo studio in Sibiu and Transylvania. This is where the first woman photographer in Romania, Kamilla Asbóth (1838 - 1908), worked. 🔍 During the Second World War, the Blue House was the headquarters of the German Gestapo.

If, during the Middle Ages, the inhabitants gathered in the Grand Square to watch a public execution, today the townsfolk and their guests visit the city center to attend international concerts and fairs. It is the space of the people, of the time dedicated to social life, of the key moments in the history of the city. Here, all the EU heads of state walked to the meeting place during the 2019 Summit, here, the 2007 Sibiu European Cultural Capital began and ended. The Grand Square comes to life with the arrival of spring and the Easter Fair in April. It keeps rolling on the rhythms of the Jazz Festival, in May. The last Saturday of May is reserved for the marathon. June turns the Grand Square into the huge stage of the International Theater Festival. A number of international sports competitions, such as the Cycling Tour or the Sibiu Rally, start here. In August, rock lovers meet in the Grand Square at the "Artmania" festival, while the classical music lovers attend the "Classics for pleasure". Those who prefer folk music can enjoy the International Folk Festival "Songs of the Mountains". September begins with the "Pottery Fair" and continues with the joy of "Cibinfest". The torch is handed over to the International Documentary Film Festival, "ASTRA Film" in October. When the wind brings news of winter, the Christmas Fair is set in the heart of the city. Tens of thousands of city dwellers and guests celebrate the passing of the year together. A cycle ends when the Great Square is given back to pedestrians in all its splendor and tranquility, during the February – March period. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 For 10 days, the “Sibiu International Theater Festival” turns the city into a huge playground. Artists from all over the world amaze the tens of thousands of spectators with their performances. 🔍 The “Sibiu Jazz Festival”, organized for the first time in 1977, is considered the longest-lived in the country. 🔍 The “Songs of the Mountains” is a folk music festival organized by the "Cindrelul - Junii Sibiului" ensemble, the first folk dance group in Romania, established in 1944. 🔍 Sibiu’ mayor, Johann Sachs von Harteneck, was beheaded in the Grand Square on December 5, 1703, due to conflicts of interest with the Habsburg Empire.

Let yourself conquered by the city, and embark on a journey to explore its cobbled streets, under the watchful eyes on the rooftops. Head to the Superior Consistory of the Evangelical Church of Augustinian Confession - Filek House - the tall, gray building towards General Magheru Street. Across the road, you will see the “Gheorghe Lazăr” National College. The pedagogue Gheorghe Lazăr, the poet Octavian Goga, the philosopher Emil Cioran, and other important personalities studied here. Turn right on Filarmonicii Street, and then follow the first one to the left, Șelarilor. You will discover the Franciscan Church, built in the 15th century, in Gothic style. Do not hesitate to descend the few steps to enjoy the baroque interior. Walk around the church and notice the fourth fortification wall. On your left, you will discover a very narrow street, a secret path, known only by the locals. The trail will take you back to General Magheru Street, in front of the Ursuline Greek Catholic Church. The Dominican monks built it in the 15th century in Gothic style, and it became a grain warehouse after the Reformation. Two centuries later, the monks of the order of Saint Ursula renovated the building in Baroque style. In front of the church, you will see the statue of Nicolaus Olahus, born in Sibiu on January 10, 1493 - humanist, historiographer, politician and archbishop of Esztergom. Few remember that the tram was running on the General Magheru Street, to reach the railway station. The tram was inaugurated in September 1905, and the section next to the church was the steepest part of the route. Sometimes, passengers had to get off the tram so it could climb the slope. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 The current National College "Gheorghe Lazăr" was a Jesuit high school with teaching in Latin until 1849, German high school until 1868, Hungarian high school until 1919, and Romanian high school to this day. 🔍 There is an inscription on the triumphal arch of the Ursuline church: " Haec aedes pietate Mariae Theresiae reginae avgvstae fvlta ac restavrata est " ("This edifice is restored and maintained by the mercy of the august queen Maria Theresa"). 🔍 In 2011, several scenes of the "Ghost Rider" movie, with Nicolas Cage, were filmed in the Franciscan Church.

The statue of Nicolaus Olahus stands at the crossroads between General Magheru and Avram Iancu street (also known as "Reispergasse"). Avram Iancu is one of the oldest streets of the city, dating from the 14th century. The façades show that the people living there were rich craftsmen and nobles, later merchants and important personalities. The buildings renovated at the beginning of the 20th century are reminiscent of the Art Nouveau style. On this street, we can find one of the oldest houses in the city, the “Böbel House”. The right side of its peculiar façade resembles a set of stairs, characteristic of the Gothic style. The house bears the name of Johan Böbel, one of the owners of the house, a baker and artist of the city. He created the Böbel Album, with images of the city’s fortifications and gate towers. Walking towards the Grand Square, you will notice the façade of the Zodiac House on your right. Its zodiacal, plant, animal and mineral symbols are the imprint of Dr. Johann Müller, a doctor of philosophy and legal sciences. Part of the houses were built on the 3rd fortification wall, the defense towers being embedded in the buildings. You can notice this detail if you open the gate at number 9. Before you reach the Grand Square, you have the opportunity to see one of the most picturesque courtyards of the city. Enter the door below the balcony with the monograms "BB" shaped in its grid. After that, the street will lead you back to the Grand Square. 🤔 Did you know? 🔍 To see part of the 3rd fortification belt, you could follow Pasajul Școlii to Movilei street. This picturesque street preserves part of the 3rd fortification wall. 🔍 During the 1848 revolution, a number of personalities, such as Simion Bărnuţiu, George Bariţiu, Nicolae Bălăşescu, Nicolae Bălcescu, Timotei Cipariu and Avram Iancu lived in the houses on Avram Iancu street. 🔍 If you go through the gate at number 6 and enter the room to the right, you will see a fresco from the 16th century. The mural painting depicts biblical scenes and characters.

Before you visit the Small Square, stop in front of the most important symbol of the city, the Council Tower. If you noticed, the tower is even in the Sibiu City App logo. It symbolizes "cultural diversity, a bridge between heritage and the culture of the future". This is the motto from a plaque fastened on the wall of the tower in 2007. At a closer look, you will notice two stone lions, presumed to exist there from the original building. The tower is atypical, perched on two arches, one of which carved in the house on its left, in the 1930s. It was built in the 13th century as a gate of the second "ring" of fortifications. Destroyed by an earthquake, it was rebuilt in the 17th century and underwent extensive changes in the next century. In a well-known work by Franz Neuhauser, an artist from Sibiu, the tower had a sharp roof with four turrets. The current form dates from the middle of the 19th century. The tower has fulfilled many functions: defense tower, fire watchtower, cereal warehouse, prison and even museum.  Nowadays, visitors can enjoy the scenery from the tower’s windows. You get up there by climbing the 141 steps. Don’t you believe me? Count them!  During your climb, you can admire various temporary exhibitions, the gears of the functional clock from 1906 and, of course, the splendid panorama of the city! 🤔 Did you know? 🔎 The name "Council Tower" comes from the city’s town hall, located in a nearby building in the fourteenth century. 🔎 In favorable weather conditions, you can see the ridge of the Fagaras Mountains from the south window of the tower. 🔎 Over 59.000 people visited the Council Tower in 2019.