Sibiu - Landmarks and dark secrets
discover only a small part of it, namely the well-known tourist attractions (museums, old churches, markets) and some lesser-known places. You will learn old
legends and some of the more recent history of the city. Let's hit the road!
How will the tour be conducted? At each step, you can read in the app interesting details about where you are at that moment. On the next page, you will find instructions to find the next clue. Once you have followed those instructions and reached the location of the next clue you have a task to solve. Type the solution to
that task in the Answer field (with the first letter capitalized) and click the Next button. If the solution is correct, the next page will reveal to
you the place you found. If you can't find the right answer, you can always use the Hint below the question or click the Show me the answer button.
Final point: Piata Mare
Route length: approx. 1.5 km
Route duration: 1.5 hours
You need: Internet and mobile phone
Schedule: The tour can be done every day, at the time of your choice.
discover only a small part of it, namely the well-known tourist attractions (museums, old churches, markets) and some lesser-known places. You will learn old
legends and some of the more recent history of the city. Let's hit the road!
How will the tour be conducted? At each step, you can read in the app interesting details about where you are at that moment. On the next page, you will find instructions to find the next clue. Once you have followed those instructions and reached the location of the next clue you have a task to solve. Type the solution to
that task in the Answer field (with the first letter capitalized) and click the Next button. If the solution is correct, the next page will reveal to
you the place you found. If you can't find the right answer, you can always use the Hint below the question or click the Show me the answer button.
Final point: Piata Mare
Route length: approx. 1.5 km
Route duration: 1.5 hours
You need: Internet and mobile phone
Schedule: The tour can be done every day, at the time of your choice.
that block the access, turn left going in the direction of cars and then take the second right, on Mitropoliei street.
Until you take the second right, you will come across a former shop on the left, today a unique art space: "Ma gandesc la ea - none stop" - I think about her - non-stop - a declaration of love in the name of a boutique.
As soon as you enter Mitropoliei street, on the right side, at the second gate, you will meet the Orthodox Cathedral. Enter its yard.
Indeed, 4 winged creatures, joined two by two by a metal bar stand at the entrance of the church. This device, decorated with the 2 creatures on either side, was used in the past to wipe muddy shoes on rainy days.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Sibiu, in the courtyard of which you are, was built between 1902 and 1906, on the site of a former Greek church that had been demolished. The idea of building it (a symbol of the Orthodox faith of the Romanians in Transylvania) was Bishop Andrei Șaguna, who was also the first to donate for this project. Unfortunately, he did not manage to see it until the end of his life.
Since its construction, it has become the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Sibiu and the Transylvanian Metropolis. The cathedral was modeled on the Hagia Sofia church in Istanbul, preserving the characteristics of a Byzantine basilica. You can go inside if you want to admire its rich interior, specific to Orthodox churches.
Indeed, 4 winged creatures, joined two by two by a metal bar stand at the entrance of the church. This device, decorated with the 2 creatures on either side, was used in the past to wipe muddy shoes on rainy days.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Sibiu, in the courtyard of which you are, was built between 1902 and 1906, on the site of a former Greek church that had been demolished. The idea of building it (a symbol of the Orthodox faith of the Romanians in Transylvania) was Bishop Andrei Șaguna, who was also the first to donate for this project. Unfortunately, he did not manage to see it until the end of his life.
Since its construction, it has become the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Sibiu and the Transylvanian Metropolis. The cathedral was modeled on the Hagia Sofia church in Istanbul, preserving the characteristics of a Byzantine basilica. You can go inside if you want to admire its rich interior, specific to Orthodox churches.
Go back out onto the street you came to the Cathedral and take it to the right. Just across the road from the cathedral, you will see the house where Mihai Eminescu (the best-known Romanian poet) stayed during his visits to Sibiu.
Continuing down the street, on the left you can see the Faculty of Theology and the old building of the Central Post Office (the palace built at the intersection of Mitropoliei and Poștei streets, which still bears the sign of the Romanian Post Office).
Right above the entrance to the building you can see the relief panel with a young woman receiving a letter brought by a pigeon and, above her, one of the sunclocks in Sibiu.
Task
Continue on the same street until you come across a symbol-house in the city. You will recognize it by it's human appearance. What number has that house?
The house is on the right until you reach the other church on the street. The human aspect is given by the 2 girls supporting the balcony.
Exactly, you have arrived on Mitropoliei street, at number 13, where the Caryatid House is located. It was built after 1786 at the request of Count Bethlen's widow, Countess Rachel, on the site of the house of a famous silversmith from Sibiu, Sebastian Han.
The 2 caryatids (women carved in stone supporting the balcony) are the distinctive elements of the building. They were restored in 1992.
Exactly, you have arrived on Mitropoliei street, at number 13, where the Caryatid House is located. It was built after 1786 at the request of Count Bethlen's widow, Countess Rachel, on the site of the house of a famous silversmith from Sibiu, Sebastian Han.
The 2 caryatids (women carved in stone supporting the balcony) are the distinctive elements of the building. They were restored in 1992.
Immediately after the Caryatid House, go to the right through the alley. When you reach the street with cubic stone you will have the barrier on the right, but you must go to the left walking until you meet the pedestrian street again.
At the intersection of the pedestrian street (Nicolae Bălcescu) and the one you came from (Xenopol), on the left, is the Împaratul romanilor hotel, the oldest hotel still operating in Romania, certified in 1544 as an inn and renamed Împaratul romanilor (Roman's emperor) from 1783.
After the hotel, turn right on Nicolae Bălcescu and then left after you meet the fountain. Continue on this street until at the end of it you will meet the park and the old fortress wall. You will easily recognize it by the well-preserved towers.
Task
Go down the front stairs entering the park and take the first alley on the left, just after the tower looking for Radu. What is his last name?
Look at the plaques on the floor with the names of personalities. Only one is named Radu. What is his last name?
Indeed, Stanca is the name you're looking for on the avenue reminiscent of the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Inspired by that alley, the Walk of Fame in Sibiu or the Alley of Celebrities was set up in Citadel Park on the occasion of the 20th edition of the theater festival in Sibiu, in 2013.
Its purpose is to pay tribute to the cultural and artistic personalities who supported the development of Sibiu.
Radu Stanca, play writer and theater director, was the one who revived the Sibiu theater after the Second World War. As a sign of homage, after his death, the State Theater in Sibiu takes the director's name.
The ensemble of medieval towers on Cetății street is part of the 3 fortifications of Sibiu. The first one from left to right is the Tower of the Arquebusiers. It is in the shape of an octagonal prism, with keyhole-shaped ramparts on the first level to allow arquebus fire. Arquebuses were ancient firearms similar to rifles. The tower was built in the 14th century, and the year 1668 inscribed on top represents a stage of restoration.
The Potters' Tower, next on Cetății street, is considered to have been built later, in the 16th century, also with a defensive role, having firing holes. It belonged to the Potters' guild and is connected to the next tower by a wall built in 2 stages. Today, the wall can be visited if it is open.
The third tower on this street, the one at the other end of the wall, is the Carpenters' Tower, also built in the 14th century. The carpenters' guild had fewer members because not everyone could afford furniture carved by them. In addition to furniture for homes, they also sculpted altars for churches in Transylvania.
Indeed, Stanca is the name you're looking for on the avenue reminiscent of the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Inspired by that alley, the Walk of Fame in Sibiu or the Alley of Celebrities was set up in Citadel Park on the occasion of the 20th edition of the theater festival in Sibiu, in 2013.
Its purpose is to pay tribute to the cultural and artistic personalities who supported the development of Sibiu.
Radu Stanca, play writer and theater director, was the one who revived the Sibiu theater after the Second World War. As a sign of homage, after his death, the State Theater in Sibiu takes the director's name.
The ensemble of medieval towers on Cetății street is part of the 3 fortifications of Sibiu. The first one from left to right is the Tower of the Arquebusiers. It is in the shape of an octagonal prism, with keyhole-shaped ramparts on the first level to allow arquebus fire. Arquebuses were ancient firearms similar to rifles. The tower was built in the 14th century, and the year 1668 inscribed on top represents a stage of restoration.
The Potters' Tower, next on Cetății street, is considered to have been built later, in the 16th century, also with a defensive role, having firing holes. It belonged to the Potters' guild and is connected to the next tower by a wall built in 2 stages. Today, the wall can be visited if it is open.
The third tower on this street, the one at the other end of the wall, is the Carpenters' Tower, also built in the 14th century. The carpenters' guild had fewer members because not everyone could afford furniture carved by them. In addition to furniture for homes, they also sculpted altars for churches in Transylvania.
Continue to the end of the alley and go back up on the most beautiful street in Sibiu: Cetății street. Take a few more steps on it to the right and then take the first left, in front of the yellow building guarded by cannons (State Philharmonic).
Turn left as soon as you pass the gang and then the first right past the green garden. In the dice, you will see a pointed tower. Go straight towards it until the street meets another gang.
Passing the gang you arrive in Piața Mare of Sibiu, probably the most famous place in the city. Take an immediate right and walk a little closer to the center of the square to admire the row of houses in the continuation of the gang through which you came out.
Task
Houses with 2 rows of windows frame others with a single row. Among the single-row ones, one is more inquisitive and has set its "eyes" on you. When you look at it, how many "eyes" do you feel looking down on you?
Walk by the fountain in the center of the square. Do you see the 2 houses stuck together with a single row of windows on the first floor that have as neighbors houses with 2 rows of jambs on the first floor? Among those with a single row, one has windows on the roof that resemble eyes. How many are there?
You guessed it! 5 eyes seem to be watching you from the roof of Casa Haller, located in Piața Mare at number 10. One of the most famous houses in Sibiu, Casa Haller was originally built in the 15-16th centuries, in the Gothic style (and still retains some Gothic elements).
In 1537 the house is bought by Petrus Haller who modifies it in Renaissance style. The stone portal (entrance) has a semicircular shape, and above it you can see the coat of arms of Petrus Haller. The windows on the first floor are decorated with frescoes representing lions.
On the roof you can see the "lucarne" in Romanian, the small windows that provide the ventilation of the bridge, a rare element of medieval architecture. They have the shape of eyes that look inquisitively at passers-by and can be found on many houses in the city, being known as the "eyes of Sibiu".
You guessed it! 5 eyes seem to be watching you from the roof of Casa Haller, located in Piața Mare at number 10. One of the most famous houses in Sibiu, Casa Haller was originally built in the 15-16th centuries, in the Gothic style (and still retains some Gothic elements).
In 1537 the house is bought by Petrus Haller who modifies it in Renaissance style. The stone portal (entrance) has a semicircular shape, and above it you can see the coat of arms of Petrus Haller. The windows on the first floor are decorated with frescoes representing lions.
On the roof you can see the "lucarne" in Romanian, the small windows that provide the ventilation of the bridge, a rare element of medieval architecture. They have the shape of eyes that look inquisitively at passers-by and can be found on many houses in the city, being known as the "eyes of Sibiu".
Go further to the side of the square that also contains the Haller House. Leaving Piața Mare, you will pass between 2 other important buildings: Casa Lutch, on the left, which has the Banca Transilvania on the ground floor and which in the past housed high dignitaries visiting Sibiu, and Filek Palace on the right, which belonged to senator-tanner Anton Filek.
Continue on the street that starts at the corner of the square, between the 2 buildings, until you reach a square-shaped piazza like a triangle.
Task
In front you will see the Church of the Ursulines and, until you reach it, on the right, next to the church, you will meet the former monastery of the Ursuline nuns, which welcomes you with a garland and an inscription. What inscription is that?
Look above the entrance to the building attached to the church. What message do you see there?
You are right, Salue is the inscription that greets you at the entrance to the monastery. The place in which the Ursuline Church (Roman Catholic church) is built was originally occupied by a Gothic church built by Dominican monks around 1479.
It was transformed into the Baroque style 2 centuries later but still retains Gothic elements. In 1728, the church was handed over to the Ursuline nuns who came to Sibiu from Slovakia.
It is currently used by the Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic communities, and services are held in Latin or German.
In 1733, the Ursulines begin the construction of the monastery and a school for girls, right next to the church. Currently, the monastery is abandoned, and the school became the Andrei Şaguna Pedagogical College, which changed its location in 2010.
The legend says that Saint Ursula, who gave the name to this religious order, was a virgin who set off from England on a pilgrimage to Rome accompanied by 11,000 virgins. They arrived in Cologne, Germany. The city was besieged by the Huns and all the girls, including Ursula, were beheaded.
Angela de Merici chose Saint Ursula as the patron of the institute founded for the cultural and religious training of poor young women, who then became 'Ursuline nuns'.
You are right, Salue is the inscription that greets you at the entrance to the monastery. The place in which the Ursuline Church (Roman Catholic church) is built was originally occupied by a Gothic church built by Dominican monks around 1479.
It was transformed into the Baroque style 2 centuries later but still retains Gothic elements. In 1728, the church was handed over to the Ursuline nuns who came to Sibiu from Slovakia.
It is currently used by the Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic communities, and services are held in Latin or German.
In 1733, the Ursulines begin the construction of the monastery and a school for girls, right next to the church. Currently, the monastery is abandoned, and the school became the Andrei Şaguna Pedagogical College, which changed its location in 2010.
The legend says that Saint Ursula, who gave the name to this religious order, was a virgin who set off from England on a pilgrimage to Rome accompanied by 11,000 virgins. They arrived in Cologne, Germany. The city was besieged by the Huns and all the girls, including Ursula, were beheaded.
Angela de Merici chose Saint Ursula as the patron of the institute founded for the cultural and religious training of poor young women, who then became 'Ursuline nuns'.
Say goodbye to the Ursulines and cross into the triangular square and then turn left, going up the paved street that forms the other side of the triangle. Do you see again the pointed tower that brought you to the Piata Mare (Large square)? Walk towards it until you meet another gang on the right. No, not through it yet.
Task
From the gang take a few more steps towards the pointed tower and on the left you will come across a triangular house. Besides the shuttered windows, how many other cracks in the wall does it have?
Look both under the shuttered windows and up towards the roof. How many cracks in the wall can you count?
Exactly, this oddly shaped house has 5 other cracks in the wall outside the shuttered windows (2 are at the bottom, below the windows, 2 are above the windows, oblong shaped, and the last one is right at the top of the triangle).
The Böbel house, in front of which you are now, is the oldest residential house in the city, having been built in the 14th century. It was named after Johann Böbel, the head of the bakers' guild, who bought it in the middle of the 19th century. Böbel is the one who left behind drawings of old Sibiu where you can see monuments that are gone today.
In the house on Avram Iancu street, number 16, a printing house, a winery, a locksmith's workshop, and a bookbinding shop operated over time. Today, the house is closed to the general public.
Exactly, this oddly shaped house has 5 other cracks in the wall outside the shuttered windows (2 are at the bottom, below the windows, 2 are above the windows, oblong shaped, and the last one is right at the top of the triangle).
The Böbel house, in front of which you are now, is the oldest residential house in the city, having been built in the 14th century. It was named after Johann Böbel, the head of the bakers' guild, who bought it in the middle of the 19th century. Böbel is the one who left behind drawings of old Sibiu where you can see monuments that are gone today.
In the house on Avram Iancu street, number 16, a printing house, a winery, a locksmith's workshop, and a bookbinding shop operated over time. Today, the house is closed to the general public.
Now it is time to go back to the gang you met earlier. Go through it, go further, and at the end turn left and continue until you reach a small square. This is the Goldsmiths' Square.
Take an immediate left as you enter the square going towards the higher buildings and you will come across some stairs. Climb them all the way and go straight after passing through the passage, towards the already familiar pointed tower, to the railing where you can see the cars going up.
Here you have arrived in Piața Mică.
Task
Do you see the black bridge on the right? A year is inscribed on it with golden numerals. What year is it about?
Do not cross the bridge, but go down the stairs that lead to the street, close to the building. Turn around and look at the bridge now. See the year written on it? What year is it?
You are right, 1859 is the year inscribed on the bridge. The Bridge of lies you are standing next to is the first cast iron bridge made in Romania. It connects the 2 sides of the Small Square in Sibiu and was built in 1859.
Several legends are circulating about it. One of them mentions that if someone tells a lie on the bridge, it will collapse. The other, on the contrary, claims that its name comes from the lovers who came to swear their eternal love on the bridge, many of these oaths being false.
The Small Square in Sibiu stretches from the bridge to the white clock tower in the continuation of the street that goes up under the bridge (Council Tower) and it developed inside the second belt of fortifications. With few exceptions, the square still retains its 15th century appearance, being surrounded by historical monument buildings.
Coming from Piata Aurarilor (Goldsmith square) towards the bridge you passed a white building with a vaulted gangway. This is the House of Arts. Built since 1370, the house was initially used as a butchers' hall, later as a grain warehouse and a theater hall. Today it houses the art galleries of the Astra museum.
On the left, on the other side of the bridge, you will see another emblematic house for Piața Mică, today a hotel: Casa Luxemburg. It received this name in 2004 on the occasion of the visit of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg.
The first Saxons who came to Sibiu in the 12th century were from the current territory of Luxembourg, and the Saxon language spoken in Sibiu resembles the language used in Luxembourg.
The Council Tower (the white one with a clock) was built to defend the entrance gate to the second enclosure of the fortifications. It was built in several stages starting in the 13th century and then incorporated into the set of buildings bordering the Small Square on this side.
It is a seven-floor building set back in succession, supported by high buttresses that recede in steps. The tower retains from its first version only the core raised up to the height of the first floor. The upper floors collapsed in the 16th century but were rebuilt and the current roof dates from 1824.
In 1961-1962 the Council Tower was completely restored.
Two stone lions can be seen on the southern wall of the tower, which are supposed to be part of the original structure, from the 13th century.
Over time, after losing its defense role, the tower was used as a grain warehouse, a place to observe fires and even as a pre-trial detention center. Today, the 2 gangs on the left and right of the tower connect Piața Mică and Piața Mare, and the tower is one of the most visited places in Sibiu.
Access to the tower is through a door in Piața Mică, climbing a narrow staircase. If you go up, on the penultimate floor you can see the mechanism of the tower clock, with dials on all four sides, and from the top floor you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
You are right, 1859 is the year inscribed on the bridge. The Bridge of lies you are standing next to is the first cast iron bridge made in Romania. It connects the 2 sides of the Small Square in Sibiu and was built in 1859.
Several legends are circulating about it. One of them mentions that if someone tells a lie on the bridge, it will collapse. The other, on the contrary, claims that its name comes from the lovers who came to swear their eternal love on the bridge, many of these oaths being false.
The Small Square in Sibiu stretches from the bridge to the white clock tower in the continuation of the street that goes up under the bridge (Council Tower) and it developed inside the second belt of fortifications. With few exceptions, the square still retains its 15th century appearance, being surrounded by historical monument buildings.
Coming from Piata Aurarilor (Goldsmith square) towards the bridge you passed a white building with a vaulted gangway. This is the House of Arts. Built since 1370, the house was initially used as a butchers' hall, later as a grain warehouse and a theater hall. Today it houses the art galleries of the Astra museum.
On the left, on the other side of the bridge, you will see another emblematic house for Piața Mică, today a hotel: Casa Luxemburg. It received this name in 2004 on the occasion of the visit of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg.
The first Saxons who came to Sibiu in the 12th century were from the current territory of Luxembourg, and the Saxon language spoken in Sibiu resembles the language used in Luxembourg.
The Council Tower (the white one with a clock) was built to defend the entrance gate to the second enclosure of the fortifications. It was built in several stages starting in the 13th century and then incorporated into the set of buildings bordering the Small Square on this side.
It is a seven-floor building set back in succession, supported by high buttresses that recede in steps. The tower retains from its first version only the core raised up to the height of the first floor. The upper floors collapsed in the 16th century but were rebuilt and the current roof dates from 1824.
In 1961-1962 the Council Tower was completely restored.
Two stone lions can be seen on the southern wall of the tower, which are supposed to be part of the original structure, from the 13th century.
Over time, after losing its defense role, the tower was used as a grain warehouse, a place to observe fires and even as a pre-trial detention center. Today, the 2 gangs on the left and right of the tower connect Piața Mică and Piața Mare, and the tower is one of the most visited places in Sibiu.
Access to the tower is through a door in Piața Mică, climbing a narrow staircase. If you go up, on the penultimate floor you can see the mechanism of the tower clock, with dials on all four sides, and from the top floor you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
After crossing the bridge continue to the large church in front of you, the Evangelical Church. With the church on the left you will see in front of you a passage through the tower.
Task
Just to the left of the tower a pillar stuck to the corner of the Journeymen's House is riddled with iron objects and an iron letter is clearly distinguishable. What letter is it?
Follow the gargoyle's gaze and halfway up the pole you'll see the letter. What letter is it?
They leave home with a coin in their pocket and go to various workshops to learn the trade they have chosen (stone mason, sculptor, blacksmith, etc.). They are not allowed to come closer than 50 km from their hometown during this time, nor to stay in one place for more than 3 months.
Their tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and, although it seems like a forgotten legend, it is still preserved today in countries like Germany, France, or Switzerland.
Journeymen also came to Sibiu to practice their trade 2 centuries ago.
They leave home with a coin in their pocket and go to various workshops to learn the trade they have chosen (stone mason, sculptor, blacksmith, etc.). They are not allowed to come closer than 50 km from their hometown during this time, nor to stay in one place for more than 3 months.
Their tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and, although it seems like a forgotten legend, it is still preserved today in countries like Germany, France, or Switzerland.
Journeymen also came to Sibiu to practice their trade 2 centuries ago.
Task
Here you are in Huet Square and on one side you have the Evangelical Church and on the other the Brukental College. What book does Teutsch hold in his hand?
A Saxon legend says that the Saxons here wanted to have the highest tower in Transylvania, so they went to measure the church in Bistrița. The Saxons from Bistrita invited the people in Sibiu to a feast, got them well drunk, and cut the rope with which they had taken measurements. Returning to the city, they built the tower with the rope cut by the people of Bistrita as a landmark, and thus the church in Bistrita remained the one with the highest tower.
For 300 years, the church has been a burial place for mayors, counties, and other Sibiu personalities, Baron Samuel von Brukenthal being the last one buried here.
If you want to admire the city from above you can climb the tower.
A Saxon legend says that the Saxons here wanted to have the highest tower in Transylvania, so they went to measure the church in Bistrița. The Saxons from Bistrita invited the people in Sibiu to a feast, got them well drunk, and cut the rope with which they had taken measurements. Returning to the city, they built the tower with the rope cut by the people of Bistrita as a landmark, and thus the church in Bistrita remained the one with the highest tower.
For 300 years, the church has been a burial place for mayors, counties, and other Sibiu personalities, Baron Samuel von Brukenthal being the last one buried here.
If you want to admire the city from above you can climb the tower.
Task
Above it is an inscription in Latin and you will surely recognize an old province in the text. What province is it about?
Task
