Sibiu: A Gem of Transylvania

In the heart of Transylvania lies Sibiu, a city that has stood for centuries as a beacon of culture, innovation, and beauty. Known for its cobblestone streets, watchful “eyes” on rooftops, and rich history, Sibiu has been a vibrant center of trade, art, and community since the Middle Ages. Its story is one of transformation, resilience, and pride.

A Saxon Beginning

Sibiu, or Hermannstadt as it was known to its Saxon settlers, was founded in the 12th century. The Saxons, invited by Hungarian kings to defend the kingdom’s borders, brought with them skills in trade, craftsmanship, and engineering. They transformed the settlement into a fortified town, complete with sturdy walls, towers, and bastions.

By the 14th century, Sibiu had become one of the most important cities in the region, thriving as a center for commerce and culture. Merchants traded goods ranging from spices to textiles, and guilds flourished, making Sibiu a hub of innovation and prosperity.

The Story of Sibiu: A Gem of Transylvania

In the heart of Transylvania lies Sibiu, a city that has stood for centuries as a beacon of culture, innovation, and beauty. Known for its cobblestone streets, watchful “eyes” on rooftops, and rich history, Sibiu has been a vibrant center of trade, art, and community since the Middle Ages. Its story is one of transformation, resilience, and pride.


A Saxon Beginning

Sibiu, or Hermannstadt as it was known to its Saxon settlers, was founded in the 12th century. The Saxons, invited by Hungarian kings to defend the kingdom’s borders, brought with them skills in trade, craftsmanship, and engineering. They transformed the settlement into a fortified town, complete with sturdy walls, towers, and bastions.

By the 14th century, Sibiu had become one of the most important cities in the region, thriving as a center for commerce and culture. Merchants traded goods ranging from spices to textiles, and guilds flourished, making Sibiu a hub of innovation and prosperity.

The Watchful Eyes of Sibiu

One of Sibiu’s most iconic features is the “eyes” on its rooftops—small, half-open attic windows that seem to watch over the city. These windows, originally designed for ventilation, have become a symbol of Sibiu’s character. Locals often say the “eyes” see everything, a nod to the city’s vigilance and its role as a guardian of Transylvanian culture.

The Great Fire of 1241 and Resilience

In 1241, the Mongol invasion devastated much of Transylvania, including Sibiu. However, the resilient citizens rebuilt the city stronger than before. They fortified the walls and expanded their defenses, creating three concentric rings of fortifications, some of which can still be seen today, like the Council Tower and the remains of the city walls.

The Story of Sibiu: A Gem of Transylvania

In the heart of Transylvania lies Sibiu, a city that has stood for centuries as a beacon of culture, innovation, and beauty. Known for its cobblestone streets, watchful “eyes” on rooftops, and rich history, Sibiu has been a vibrant center of trade, art, and community since the Middle Ages. Its story is one of transformation, resilience, and pride.


A Saxon Beginning

Sibiu, or Hermannstadt as it was known to its Saxon settlers, was founded in the 12th century. The Saxons, invited by Hungarian kings to defend the kingdom’s borders, brought with them skills in trade, craftsmanship, and engineering. They transformed the settlement into a fortified town, complete with sturdy walls, towers, and bastions.

By the 14th century, Sibiu had become one of the most important cities in the region, thriving as a center for commerce and culture. Merchants traded goods ranging from spices to textiles, and guilds flourished, making Sibiu a hub of innovation and prosperity.


The Watchful Eyes of Sibiu

One of Sibiu’s most iconic features is the “eyes” on its rooftops—small, half-open attic windows that seem to watch over the city. These windows, originally designed for ventilation, have become a symbol of Sibiu’s character. Locals often say the “eyes” see everything, a nod to the city’s vigilance and its role as a guardian of Transylvanian culture.


The Great Fire of 1241 and Resilience

In 1241, the Mongol invasion devastated much of Transylvania, including Sibiu. However, the resilient citizens rebuilt the city stronger than before. They fortified the walls and expanded their defenses, creating three concentric rings of fortifications, some of which can still be seen today, like the Council Tower and the remains of the city walls.

The Bridge of Lies

One of Sibiu’s most intriguing landmarks is the Bridge of Lies (Podul Minciunilor), an iron bridge built in 1859. Legends abound about its name: some say the bridge creaks when someone tells a lie while crossing it, while others believe it was named for the whispered promises of lovers that often went unfulfilled. Regardless, it remains a beloved symbol of Sibiu’s lore.

The Cultural Renaissance

By the 18th and 19th centuries, Sibiu had become a leading center for education, science, and culture in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city was home to the first hospital in Romania, the first pharmacy, and even the first zoo. The Brukenthal Palace, built in the late 18th century, became a treasure trove of art and culture, housing one of the oldest museums in Eastern Europe.

A Legacy of Innovation

Sibiu has always been a city of firsts:

  • First Book in Romanian: Sibiu was the birthplace of the first book printed in Romanian, marking a pivotal moment in the preservation of the Romanian language.
  • First European Capital of Culture in Romania: In 2007, Sibiu earned this prestigious title, celebrating its rich history and thriving modern culture.

Modern-Day Sibiu: A Cultural Jewel

Today, Sibiu is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its medieval heritage with contemporary life. The Large Square (Piața Mare) and Small Square (Piața Mică) remain lively gathering places, filled with festivals, markets, and outdoor cafes. The city’s narrow streets lead visitors to discover hidden courtyards, Gothic churches, and artisan shops.

Sibiu is also a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the Făgăraș Mountains and the pastoral villages of southern Transylvania. Its cuisine, influenced by Saxon, Romanian, and Hungarian traditions, delights visitors with dishes like ciorbă (sour soup), gulaș (goulash), and păstrăv (trout).

Legends and Love

Sibiu’s story is also about its people—their resilience during wars, their pride in their heritage, and their openness to the world. The city’s charm lies in its ability to preserve the past while embracing the future, making it a place where time seems to stand still and move forward at once.

Kayaking

Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. It is distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle. A kayak is a low-to-the-water, canoe-like boat in which the paddler sits facing forward, legs in front, using a double-bladed paddle to pull front-to-back on one side and then the other in rotation. Most kayaks have closed decks, although sit-on-top and inflatable kayaks are growing in popularity as well.

Kayaks were created thousands of years ago by the Inuit, formerly known as Eskimos, of the northern Arctic regions. They used driftwood and sometimes the skeleton of whale, to construct the frame of the kayak, and animal skin, particularly seal skin was used to create the body. The main purpose for creating the kayak, which literally translates to “hunter’s boat” was for hunting and fishing. The kayak’s stealth capabilities, allowed for the hunter to sneak up behind animals on the shoreline, and successfully catch their prey. By the mid-1800s the kayak became increasingly popular and the Europeans became interested. German and French men began kayaking for sport. In 1931, a man named Adolf Anderle became the first person to kayak down the Salzachofen Gorge, this is where the birthplace of modern-day white-water kayaking is believed to have begun. Kayak races were introduced in the Berlin Olympic Games in 1936.

In the 1950s fiberglass kayaks were developed and commonly used, until 1980s when polyethylene plastic kayaks came about. Kayaking progressed as a fringe sport in the U.S. until the 1970s, when it became a mainstream popular sport. Now, more than 10 white water kayaking events are featured in the Olympics.While kayaking represents a key international watersport, few academic studies have been conducted on the role kayaking plays in the lives and activities of the public .

transfagarasan road
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The Transfagarasan Highway, also known as DN7C, is one of the most spectacular roads in the world. Located in Romania, it traverses the Fagaras Mountains,...
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River Rafting

An adventure is an exciting or unusual experience. It may also be a bold, usually risky undertaking, with an uncertain outcome.Adventures may be activities with some potential for physical danger such as traveling, exploring, skydiving, mountain climbing, scuba diving, river rafting or participating in extreme sports.

The term also broadly refers to any enterprise that is potentially fraught with physical, financial or psychological risk, such as a business venture, or other major life undertakings.

transfagarasan road
, 1 Day
The Transfagarasan Highway, also known as DN7C, is one of the most spectacular roads in the world. Located in Romania, it traverses the Fagaras Mountains,...
Available through out the year:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
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