Sibiu – the fairytale city in the heart of Transylvania
Sooooo….this is my first try at a photo essay! And trust me, it was painful to limit it to only 25 photos! This time I tried to write less and show you more of Sibiu, the fairytale city in the heart of Transylvania.
You may remember that I was was already “warning” you about this photo essay in my previous post about Transylvania and I really apologise that it took me so long! I had the post ready but as usual, the most difficult and time consuming part was the selection of photos.
So finally… I have put together 25 photos which I think are going to make you visit this charming city that is Sibiu. And if you do decide to visit, I would love to hear from you 🙂 .
However, a few words are still needed I think….even for a photo essay…
While it is not one of the biggest cities in Romania, Sibiu is however one of the most charming ones. Small cobbled streets, narrow passages, coloured houses, beautiful market squares make you fall in love with it instantly.
Its German name is Hermannstadt and today, Sibiu is the centre of the German minority living in Romania. Although the majority of the population living in the city is Romanian, you can hear very often people speaking German.
Sibiu is considered the cultural capital of Romania. This is not only due to the fact that in 2007 it was actually elected the European Capital of Culture, but also because it is the center of many cultural activities taking place in the country! Here ares some examples to give you an idea of what I am talking about:
- International Theatre festival
- Artmania rock music festival
- Astra film festival
- Sibiu jazz festival
- Sibiu cycling tour
But… Sibiu is not only a cultural hub. It is also a city of many “firsts” and inventions. Again, just a few examples:
- the first homeopathic laboratory in the world
- the first hospital in the country
- the first pharmacy in the country
- the first museum (and today the oldest)- Bruckenthal museum
- the first book in Romanian language was also printed here, in 1544
On top of that, the city has one of the most beautiful Christmas market in Romania (check some of the pics at the bottom of this post).
For hundreds of years, Sibiu was one of the most prosperous and powerful cities in Europe. The city was built on two levels: the lower and the upper town. You can easily walk from one level to another.
The lower town full of coloured old houses, cobbled streets and delimited by the city wall was were the poor people lived in the past. It was also the manufacturing area of the city, while the upper town was reserved for the rich people and it was the commercial heart of the city.
Got you curious? Good! Then let me show you what I am talking about. 🙂
Have you been to Sibiu? Tell me your impressions in the comments below!
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Wow!! Absolutely Stunning!!
Your pics are AMAZING!!
Never been to Romania…
Makes me want to definitely take the trip!! Thank you for sharing! 😉
Ugh I’ve been wanting to go to the Christmas markets in Europe for sooo long but I never do it!! I need to. Gorgeous shots.
Unfortunately, I only had a 10 min stopover in Sibiu, but now I really want to go and stay way longer! What a beautiful place!
10 min???!! Haha that’s nothing! You should go for 1-2 days. I find it perfect for a weekend !
I was in Romania this summer and I am so bummed I didn’t make it to Sibiu! Just an excuse to go back 🙂
Oh really??! You have to go back then! For sure :-). I hope you liked the rest!
Never been here! But it looks so colourful and beautiful and I really enjoy visiting places like this one. I hope I can plan a trip soon around the area so I can explore it!
Loves all the pictures as well 😉
He Sheila! Thank you so much for your comment! I also hope you get to visit it one day. And not just Sibiu! There are so many beautiful places in Romania!
At first I thought this place wasn’t real. I had to google it. What fabulous photos – looks like a Disney movie
Haha! Thank you! We actually have some really colourful cities in Romania. Happy you liked it!
OMG I had no idea this town existed let alone that it was this colorful and perfect. Seriously, a place after my own heart. It’s so vibrant and charming, definitely going on my list!
I think it starts getting more and more popular lately but I am not surprised that you haven’t heard of it before! Happy you like it and that you are planning to visit 🙂
Romania looks so beautiful! I love all of the colours and the shapes of the doorways. I have a colleague from Transylvania who moved to Canada 15 years ago. He still speaks of home as if he just left yesterday. Very charming city!
Haha that’s how us Romanians are Sherri! Always very connected to our country 🙂
love how it looks like you’re stepping back in time! would love to visit one day.
You should Elise! it is a very charming medieval city! 🙂
Romania looks so much more colorful than I previously imagined it to be! I think my favorite images are the Bridge of lies and the blue window shutters. Have to add this to my 2017 travel list! Thanks for sharing it!
Hey Kristen! Happy to be able to show you how nice Romania can be! And really happy to hear that you liked it and consider visiting 🙂