Sibiu Information
General info
Geographical position
Central Romania, south of Transylvania, situated especially in the Olt River basin, within the large arch formed of Făgăraş and Cibin Mountains.
Neighbours
On the north: Mureş County, on the east: Braşov County, on the south: Argeş and Vâlcea Counties, on the west: Alba County.
Surface
5,432 sq. km (respectively 2.3% of the country’s territory).
Population
444,000 inhabitants.
Towns
Sibiu, county capital, with 169,000 inhabitants, at 272 km far from Bucharest, important industrial, commercial, cultural, tourist centre, it still has the air of medieval bourg, with historical and art treasures that define the nobleness and beauty of this region. Sibiu town it is marked by an agitated history. the region where the town stands now has been inhabited since Paleolithic. It was documentarily mentioned for the first time between 1192 - 1196, under the name of Cibinium, and between the 12th - 13th centuries the German colonists named the place Hermannstadt, although the Romanian population chose the name that reminded its original one - Sibiu. In the Middle Ages the town was wealthy and became the craft’s town (in 1476 there were 19 guilds and 25 professions were practiced). It was an important scientific centre and in 1544 the first book in Romanian language was published here: „Romanian Catechism” and it was here that Nicolaus Olahus, European humanist, Samuel Bbrukenthal (passionate art lover), Simion Bărnu]iu, George Bari]iu, Ioan Slavici worked. Sibiu is among the fewest towns in Romania where the contrast between the old and the new is so surprising. Many places are linked to outstanding names of Romanian culture: Răşinari (where the poet O. Goga and the great philosopher E. Cioran were born), Păltiniş (where the philosopher C. Noica lived). Mediaş is situated at an altitude of 295 m, with 64,000 inhabitants. The historical vestiges prove that this area has been inhabited since early times. The town was documentarily attested in 1267 in a document signed by Stephan V, King of Hungary. In the 12th - 13th centuries, at the request of the Hungarian kings, the population later known as Szecklers settled here. At the beginning, they were supposed to defend the east frontier of the Hungarian country in exchange of some privileges. The mutual influences in what regards culture and civilisation of the three co-inhabiting ethnics (Romanian, Hungarian and German), their work together resulted in a booming economical life confirmed by the medieval monuments found in this region. Mediaş became Civitas in 1359, a well-developed trade centre that enjoyed the attention of the ruling court that included it in the 7 citadels). Other towns: Agnita, Avrig, Cisnădie, Copşa Mică, Dumbrăveni, Ocna Sibiului, Tălmaciu.
Relief
Is varied and slowly descends from south. The Făgăraş Mountains (Negoiu Peak of 2,535 m, with an alpine toothed ridge, glacial basins and valleys, and beautiful waterfalls), the Cindrelului and Lotrului Mountains (with plane surfaces, slightly undulated, with Cindrelul Peak of 2,245 m, Ştefleşti Peak of 2,244 m, and deep valleys contrasting with the high ridges), separated by the Olt Pass, on the north- Secaşelor and Hârtibaciului Plateau, Târnavelor Plateau (with heights of 600 - 700 m), the large Depression of Sibiu.
Climate
Is continental, colder than in the rest of the country. July is the hottest (10 - 200C) and January (-2 - 100C) is the coldest month, with random rainfalls and the local winds: breeze, Big wind, west and southwest winds.
Watercourses
The Olt river with its tributary the Cibinul (its tributaries are Hârtibaciul, Raul Mare and Sadu); the Mureş River (on the north-west), the Târnava Mare, as well as the salt waters of the Ocna Sibiului, the Miercurea Sibiului and the Bazna with therapeutical effects.
Touristic sights
Mountains
Făgăraş Mountains (with Negoiu Peak of 2,535 m) ranking the 2nd among the highest mountains in the country that only in the west half of their north side is part of Sibiu County. Due to their size, massiveness and splendour of their ridges (reaching the highest altitudes in Romania), the Făgăraş is one of the most important tourist area. It has numerous marked routes, chalets and shelters, is crossed by an important road called „Trans-Făgăraşan” road (2,034 m height) that links Transylvania and Wallachia. These „Transylvanian Alps” hide numerous glacial basins and alpine lakes situated at high altitudes which give an unequalled charm to this mountain landscape. Cindrel Mountains (Cibin), with Cindrel Peak of 2,244 m, are characterized by their massiveness and slow ridges covered by meadows. Their solitary peaks, alpine meadows, picturesque and deep valleys covered with forests, hunting and fishing possibilities are fascinating for the visitors.
Gorges and narrow paths
Olt Pass (only 12 km of the northern half in Sibiu County), renown for its picturesqueness, it separates the Cindrel and Lotru Mountains from the Făgăraş Mountains, and is an area of great tourist value thanks to its scenery. The peaks of 1,700 m high dominate the transversal valley of the Carpathians. Due to the very steep slope of the Făgăraşi, the river’s waters jump over its abrupt slopes and level variations in and form numerous waterfalls (Bâlea waterfall is the most beautiful).
Lakes
Bâlea Lake (65 km far from Sibiu), glacial lake situated in the Făgăraş Mountains, at the origin of Curtişoara, at an altitude of 2,034 m, declared natural monument, is one of the largest and most beautiful glacial lakes of Romania (360 m long and 11 m deep). 100 ha around the lake have been declared scientific reservation of numerous plants (edelweiss, yellow poppy) and animals (9 chamois, lynx, mountain eagle) protected by law. Cindrelul Mountain Lakes, complex reservation (450 ha) with several glacial basins situated at an altitude of 2,168 - 2,245 m. Various species of animals protected by the law (chamois, bears, wolves) live around these mountain lakes. Bottomless Lake in Ocna Sibiului, geological reservation of a lake situated on the hollow of a crashed former salt mine. The lake is 35 m deep and has a great therapeutic value, its waters being thermally stratified (the salt water under the fresh water causes the retention of solar heat). Other lakes: Podragu and Avrig, glacial lakes, Cibin, Sadu and Hârtibaciu, dam lakes.
Reservations and natural monuments
Turnu Roşu Limestone (30 km far from Sibiu), geological reservation of Eocene limestone at the foot of the Făgăraş, near the Olt Pass. It has a great scientific value (natural monument) and the limestone and conglomerates contain the most beautiful samples of shellfish of Romania, reptiles teeth, coral, reptile. Muddy Volcanoes Hăşag (21 km far from Sibiu), interesting geological reservation represented by miniature „volcanoes” . The mud evacuated to the surface formed the cones through which the water comes out with bubbling methane gas. Cisnădioara Limestone, geological reservation in form of a massive limestone block where a rich and varied fossil fauna was identified. Other reservations and natural monuments: Găujoara Clearing (25 km far from Sibiu).
Spas and Touristic Health Resorts
Păltiniş (34 km far from Sibiu), situated in the Cibinului Mountains under Onceşti Peak (1,717 m), is the highest permanent spa and resort of the country: 1,442 m. The spa was established by the Transylvanian Carpathian Society in late 21st century. Of the initial villas, the spa preserved the Tourists’ House (1894), the Physicians’ House (1895), the Monaco Hall (1898) and another villa that were declared historical monuments, as well as hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs and a library. Among its therapeutic factors it is worth mentioning the alpine climate of high altitude, invigorating very ozonized air with iodate aerosols, moderate temperature (annual average temperature of 40C), cool summers without strong winds, clear sky, splendid mountain landscape. The mountains’ peaks go higher than 2,000 m, the fir tree forests with their fresh create an already calm and relaxing atmosphere, whatever the season. Numerous marked paths help the tourists staying in Păltiniş know the Cindrel Mountains (Cibinului Gorges and Sadul valley and their dams may be easily reached from here). In the winter (about 6 months a year), the heavy snow of the mountainsides makes Păltiniş a perfect resort for the winter sports. There have been arranged slopes with different degrees of difficulty (for example, the one on the Onceşti Mountain) for skiing and sledding, the means of cable transportation facilitate the access to the slopes. The resort may be reached by railway - Sibiu railway station on Bucharest - Braşov - Arad line, then by motor vehicle to the resort, by road - DN1 from Oradea or DN 7 (E 15) from Bucharest to Sibiu, then local road through Răşinari village to the resort, by plane: from Bucharest to Sibiu, then by motor vehicle to the resort. Ocna Sibiului (14 km north of Sibiu), a spa open the entire year situated in Sibiu Depression (at 410 m altitude), surrounded by hills covered by oak forests. The spa has been well-known since the Dacian Roman period (when the salt mines were exploited). Today, there are no less than 15 lakes (with mineral chloro-sodium waters) formed in the former salt mine cavities, some of them are swimming pools, others used only for treatment. The mild climate of the depression sheltered by hills, the aerosols, the annual average temperature (8.80C), the healing effects of the salt water of the lakes area invaluable sources of health. The spa may be reached by railway - the flag stop: Băile Ocna Sibiului on Sibiu - Copşa Mică line, by road - DN1 or DN 7 (E 15A) from Sibiu or Sebeş, with deviation at the airport. Bazna, a watering spa opened the entire year, 72 km far from Sibiu, is famous for the efficiency of its mineral water springs and therapeutic mud and its pictureque landscape.
Historical vestiges
Medieval Fortifications in Sibiu, represented by an impressive number of towers of which the most important are: The City Hall Tower (a special attraction for the visitors built in the 12th century and modified in the 15th, 17th centuries and in 1826). The Stairs Tower is one of the oldest constructions of the town, raised in 13th century as an element of the town’s first defence system. The Gate’s Tower (15th century). The Carpenters’ Tower, its foundations and a part of the walls were made of stone at the beginnings of the 15th century. The Harquebusiers’ Tower (15th century). Powder Warehouse Tower, raised in 1552 serving as powder warehouse. Potters’ Tower (16th century, with many bulwarks). Soldisch Bastion, one of the most interesting fortifications built in 1627. The Ruins of the Fortress in Mediaş, whose interior walls and defence towers raised between the 15th - 16th centuries (Ironsmith’s Tower - 16th century, Goldsmith’s and Stonesmith’s Towers - 18th century, Forkesh Tower - 18th century) are still standing. The Old City Hall in Sibiu, an imposing building raised in the second half of 15th century (1470) with elements specific to the transitional phase: from Gothic style to Renaissance. The Latin inscription on the entrance gate dates from 1783, inspired by Iosif II visit to Sibiu. Nowadays it hosts the History Museum. The Fortress Ruins in Tălmaciu, (18 km far from Sibiu), documentary mentioned in 1370 under the name of „castrum Lanchron”, the fortification dominates the Olt Valley when the river enters Turnu Roşu pass. Other historical vestiges: Dacian Fortress in Tilişca (approx. 28 km far from Sibiu), 2nd century B.C. - 1st century A.D., Dacian Establishment in Arpasu de Jos, fortified with land ditch, existing since the 1st century B.C. - 2nd century A.D., Fortress with Roman Basilica in Cisnădioara, one of the most remarkable monuments of this style in Transylvania, Salo Fortress in Sibiel (12th - 13th centuries), Fortress made of earth-soil in Răşinari (13th century), Medieval frontier fortress, now only ruins, Rural Fortress in Daia (13th century), Rustic Fortress in Slimnic (at 15 km of Sibiu), 14th century, Rural Fortress in Biertan (26 km far from Mediaş), one of the most impressive constructions of this type in Transylvania, The Fortress Walls and the Hartenek Towers in Sibiu, the third fortified belt of the town, strengthened in the 17th century, Rural Fortress in Cristian, (11 km far from Sibiu), 15th century. Religious buildings Cistercian Monastery in Carta (17 km far from Sibiu), is the oldest Gothic construction of Romania. It was raised by Cistercian monks (monastic order originated in France) in 1202, it was robbed and set on fire during the Tartar invasion (1241 - 1242). Afterwards it was reconstructed. It was disestablished by the King Mihai Corvin in 1474. Currently, it is a church belonging to Evangelic parish of Carta. Evangelic Church in Sibiu, is the first monument on the Romanian territory that combines the archaic basilica with an elevation in Gothic Moorish style. Built in the 14th century, it still preserves mural paintings of 1445 and has a renowned organ. Church Cisnădioara, the oldest Romanic church of our country, existing since 1223. It is considered „the most valuable monument of rural ecclesiastic architecture”. Church Fortress in Biertan, remarkable monument of Gothic art and impressive church constructed between 1520 and 1522 and surrounded by strong towers and walls. It has an old collection of Oriental carpets. Fortified Church in Medias (14th - 16th centuries), has a valuable collection of Gothic mural paintings; its tower is 74 m high and has a clock that indicates the moon’s phases. The ruler Vlad the Impaler was imprisoned here in 1476, following a conflict with Matei Corvin. Other religious buildings: Reformed Church in Ocna Sibiului (1240), has mural paintings, Ursuline Church in Sibiu, constructed in 1478 on the request of the Dominican monks, Fortified Church in Atel (18 km east of Mediaş), existing since the 14th century with valuable sculptures in Gothic style and several defence towers built around it, Evangelic Church in Cisnădie (13th century), surrounded by defence walls and towers, it preserves fragments of mural paintings existing since the end of 15th century, Evangelic Church in Darlos (15th century), with beautiful sculptures combining Gothic style with the Renaissance’s style, Brâncoveanu Church in Ocna Sibiului, founded by Michael the Brave in 1600, restored by Constantin Brâncoveanu in 1701, is a proof of strong friendly relations between the Romanian countries in the Middle Ages, Roman-Catholic Cathedral in Sibiu (17th century) it was built by Jesuit monks, Evangelic Church in Sibiu (14th - 15th centuries), was built in Gothic style on the place of an old Roman church, Fortified Church in Buzd (16th century), Orthodox Cathedral in Sibiu (1778), with Baroque elements, is known for its high columns and towers with winding staircases. „Sfântu Margareta” Church an impressive con struction is placed in the centre of the medieval fortifications complex and it is also known as „castle”. The church was attested in the 15th century and has a 17th century organ. Its tower (68,5 m in height) is the symbol of Mediaş and is one of the most inclined tower in Europe. Franciscan Church and Monastery, a wonderful architecture complex built in Baroque style. It was documentarily attested in the 15th century. Nowadays it hosts the History Museum. Cultural buildings Brukenthal Palace in Avrig (30 km far from Sibiu), Gothic construction of great dimensions, it was the summer residence of baron Samuel von Brukenthal, governor of Transylvania (1721 - 1803), passionate collector of art objects. Built between 1780 - 1785, the palace has one of the most beautiful parks, arranged in wide terraces descending to the Olt river meadow. Currently, the palace is a sanatorium. Brukenthal Palace and the Blue House in Sibiu, built in Austrian Baroque style between 1778 - 1788, by the architect Martinell, is a prestigious museum now, Apafy Castle in Dumbrăveni (20 km far from Medias), it belonged to the family of the Transylvanian prince, Mihai Apafy. The castle was built in the Renaissance’s style between 1552 - 1563, and today is a school. Castle in Turn Roşu (21 km far from Sibiu), massive Medieval fortification, raised in 1453 by Iancu de Hunedoara. Brukenthal Museum in Sibiu, the oldest museum in the country and among the first museums in Europe (access to general public in 1817). It was founded in 1780 by Samuel Brukenthal, personal counsellor of Maria Tereza and governor of Transylvania. The former collections added to the collections of the Astra Museum and the Carpathian Society Museum resulting in one of the richest museums in Romania. It comprises art sections (painting, graphics, engravings and sculptures made by famous artists), history, nature sciences, folkloric art sections, as well as a library with precious books. „Badea Cârţan” Memorial Ethnographic Museum in Cârtişoara (47 km far from Sibiu), exhibits the objects of the autodidactic peasant, as well as the objects of manufactured ceramics and glass, a collection of glass icons. „Gheorghe Lazăr” Memorial House in Avrig (22 km south-east of Sibiu). Exhibits belonging to western Romanian scholar. He was the founder of school taught in Romanian language. „Octavian Goga” Memorial House in Avrig (15 km far from Sibiu) where the great poet was born (1881 - 1938). „Hârtibaciul Valley” Museum in Agnita (62 km north-east of Sibiu), with history and ethnography sections. Folk Technics and Civilisation Museum in Sibiu, in Dumbrava Forest, the second museum in open air in the world, in terms of size. Other cultural buildings: „F. Binder” Universal Ethnography Museum in Sibiu, with exhibits from Africa and Orient, Revolutionist Axente Sever’s House in Axente Sever (40 km far from Sibiu), „St. Ludwig Roth” Memorial House in Mediaş, participant to the Blaj Assembly, Steam Engine Museum in Sibiu, Hunt Weapons and Trophy Museum in Sibiu, Natural History Museum in Sibiu, mineralogy, botanic, zoology, universal fauna and flora, Hermann Oberth Museum in Mediaş, dedicated to the scientist who designed the engine upon which are based the space crafts of today, Schuller House in Mediaş, impressive building in Civilian Renaissance style from Târnave area, documentarily attested in the 16th century. Monuments and statues Monument of Şelimbăr (5 km far from Sibiu), the Astra Association had the initiative of establihsing it in memory of the victory of Michael the Brave’s army over Andrei Bathory’s army (on October 18th, 1599). Following this victory, Michael the Brave became the ruler of Transylvania, too. It was the first step towards the union of the three Romanian provinces.
Ethnography
Sibiu County is an original ethnographic region, a kaleidoscope of folklore art beauties (folk costumes, songs, dances, architecture). The villages from Mărginimea Sibiului are famous for the authentic folklore, charming and colourful clothes, the peasants’ feasts and the customs transmitted from generation to generation. The following villages are real ethnographic centres: Răşinari (famous for the beautiful well preserved folk costumes and for the homemade tissues), Jina (3 km far from Poiana Sibiului with traditional customs, houses and folk costumes), Gura Râului (3 km far from Orlat with tools made by peasants on the Cibinul river), Sălişte (21 km far from Sibiu, famous for the beauty of the folk costumes), Tilişca (26 km far from Sibiu with original wooden houses whose interior is interesting for numerous decorative woven works), Marpod (40 km far from Sibiu, Romanian and German folklore costumes). Weapons and Trophy Museum in Sibiu, Natural History Museum in Sibiu, mineralogy, botanic, zoology, universal fauna and flora, Hermann Oberth Museum in Mediaş, dedicated to the scientist who designed the engine upon which are based the space crafts of today, Schuller House in Mediaş, impressive building in Civilian Renaissance style from Târnave area, documentarily attested in the 16th century. Monuments and statues Monument of {elimbăr (5 km far from Sibiu), the Astra Association had the initiative of establihsing it in memory of the victory of Michael the Brave’s army over Andrei Bathory’s army (on October 18th, 1599). Following this victory, Michael the Brave became the ruler of Transylvania, too. It was the first step towards the union of the three Romanian provinces. Ethnography Sibiu County is an original ethnographic region, a kaleidoscope of folklore art beauties (folk costumes, songs, dances, architecture). The villages from Mărginimea Sibiului are famous for the authentic folklore, charming and colourful clothes, the peasants’ feasts and the customs transmitted from generation to generation. The following villages are real ethnographic centres: Răşinari (famous for the beautiful well preserved folk costumes and for the homemade tissues), Jina (3 km far from Poiana Sibiului with traditional customs, houses and folk costumes), Gura Râului (3 km far from Orlat with tools made by peasants on the Cibinul river), Sălişte (21 km far from Sibiu, famous for the beauty of the folk costumes), Tilişca (26 km far from Sibiu with original wooden houses whose interior is interesting for numerous decorative woven works), Marpod (40 km far from Sibiu, Romanian and German folklore costumes).
