Sibiu
Sibiu is a city in central Romania, situated in the historical region of Transylvania.
Located some 275 km (171 mi) north-west of Bucharest, the city straddles the Cibin River, a tributary of the Olt River. Now the seat of Sibiu County, between 1692 and 1791 and 1849–65, Sibiu was the capital of the Principality of Transylvania. Until 1876, the Hecht house in Sibiu served as the seat of the Transylvanian Saxon University.
Worth seeing
The Old Town is beautiful. It was mostly built in the late medieval period by the German merchants who were encouraged to settle in and around Sibiu. It’s in excellent condition, having escaped modern encroachments, and having been thoroughly renovated to be European Capital of Culture in 2007.
- 01The Great Square
- 02Huet Square
- 03Turnul Sfatului
Climb the tower and get a panoramic view of Sibiu.
- 04Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral
- 05Brukenthal National Museum
- 06ASTRA Museum of Transylvanian Civilisation
Things to do
Football: FC Hermannstadt play soccer in Liga 1, the top tier. Their Sibiu Municipal Stadium (capacity 12,300) is 1 km south of old town centre. After visiting ASTRA, continue driving south through the village of Rasinari, to see that charming rural Romania isn’t just in a museum. From there continue up to the road end at the ski resort of Paltinis.
Where to eat
You won’t go hungry. Food & drink here is to a good standard, and cheap by West European standards – reckon €30 for two people with two courses and drinks. The main concentration of restaurants, cafes and pubs is in and around Piata Mica. Hearty Transylvanian fare includes "ciorbă" (sour soup with various meat or veg), “sarmale” (stuffed cabbage leaves), stews and grills, often with mamaliga (polenta).
- 01La Cuptor
Butoiul de Aur (Golden Barrel), Pasajul Scărilor (foot of stairway down to Str Turnului),.
Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Chainwit (see Commons), Wikimedia Commons.