Sibiu – Transylvania, Romania
Sibiu lies along the Cibin River at the southern edge of the Transylvanian Plateau where the foothills of the Cindrel Mountains rise toward the higher ridges of the Carpathians. Founded by Transylvanian Saxon settlers in the 12th century, the city developed into one of the most important commercial and cultural centers of medieval Transylvania.
The historic center is organized around the expansive Great Square (Piața Mare) and the smaller Little Square (Piața Mică), both surrounded by pastel-colored merchant houses and arcaded passageways. One of Sibiu’s most recognizable architectural features is the distinctive series of rooftop dormers that resemble watchful “eyes,” giving many of the historic buildings a unique appearance.
The Council Tower, which rises between the two main squares, provides sweeping views across the old town toward the surrounding foothills of the Carpathian Mountains.
