Ghid turistic Sibiu by Florin Curavale

Tourist guide

Sibiu and Whereabouts

Editor:

Oana Bicå

Corector:

Daniel Voicea

Art director:

Daniela Nae

Layout:

Florin Curåvale

Translation:

Cåtålin Pena

Cover photo:

Romeo Huidu

Publishing house specialized in thematic and tourist guides with a special graphic. All the titles benefit of expert counseling.

The guide was made with the support of Ministry of Tourism, Sibiu Municipality, ASTRA National Museum Complex and Faculty of Geography of Bucharest. Coworkers: Lect. univ. dr. Daniel Peptenatu Asist. univ. Cristian Dråghici Asist. univ. George Muråtoreanu Asist. univ. Radu Pintilii Claudiu Spiridon Sorin Slavu Cåtålin Constantinescu Adrian Georgescu, Brukenthal Museum – History Museum Claudiu Munteanu, Brukenthal Museum – History Museum

ISBN: 978-606-513-143-9

Table of Contents Top 3 Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Sibiu â&#x20AC;&#x201C; historical city . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Useful Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Pages of history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 The Ancientry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 The Middle Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 The Modern Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 The land and its people . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Nature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Top 3 Lakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Top 3 Natural Wonders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Top 3 Activities in nature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Top 3 Historical Personalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Top 3 Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Top 3 Scientists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Etnography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Top 3 Symbols of Sibiu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Top 3 Fortifications of Sibiu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Top 3 Historic Buildings in Sibiu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Top 3 Squares in Sibiu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Top 3 Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Top 3 Places of worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Top 3 Museums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Top 3 Settlements in MĂĽrginimea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Top 3 Fortified churches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Top 3 Fortresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Top 3 Monasteries and hermitages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Top 3 Natural reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Walking trough the City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 I. The Large Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 II. The Small Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 III. The Huet Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 IV. Places of worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 V. Bastions and Towers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 VI. Dumbrava Sibiului . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Sibiu’s Whereabouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Traditions in the villages of Mårginimea Sibiului . . . . .72 History and Culture in old castles and churches . . . . . .76 Sport and relaxation in Påltini¿ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Ocna Sibiului . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Where to stay, where to eat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Highlights 1. Sibiu Citadel

emaining almost intact for centuries, Sibiu’s medieval fortress retains a unique architecture, recalling the atmosphere of times long gone. Surrounded by walls, fortified by towers and bastions, the old fortress is bearing its inheritance into the present. Its towers watch ever quiet, the squares boast with the architectural beauty of buildings, the streets wind staggering. Together, they invite the traveler to discover an immortal city.

2. Mårginimea Sibiului

he beauty of the nature and the hospitality of the people, the numerous places to visit, the richness and diversity of the cultural heritage, all make Mårginimea Sibiului a highly attractive area for the tourists. The entire region is unique to Romania, being a spectacular patch of land where folk traditions merged with a great natural landscape. Here, at the foot of the mountains, time is at a

standstill for the villages in Mårginimea still keep intact the calm spirit of life in nature.

3. Påltini¿

ne of the most important ski resorts in the country lies only 35 km from Sibiu. Located in the Cindrel Mountains at 1442 m hight, in a rich pine forest, the resort takes pride in being “The resort located at the highest altitude in Romania.” And the accolades do not stop there. Founded

in 1894 by the Transylvanian Carpathian Society of Tourists, Påltini¿ is the oldest resort in Romania. In over a century of existence, the resort took advantage of the exceptional natural environment, becoming a winter sports paradise, but also a unique recreational area.

Sibiu and Whereabouts

Sibiu – historical city Placed in the heart of the country at a crossroad, the city of Sibiu is landlocked between the southern Transylvanian mountains, like a fortress untouched by time. Sibiu’s beginnings are lost in the mists of time. Fact remains that the first pages of the city’s chronicle is closely linked to the Saxon colonists. When the Saxons came to these lands, in the XIIth century, they brought new standards of civilization that they seeded in an essentially rural area. They persistently promoted craftsmanship and commerce which in terms led to prosperity of the whole community. The sharp and steady development transformed Sibiu, for three centuries, into the most important city of Transylvania and one of the most thriving and prosperous towns in this part of Europe.

oday, Sibiu attracts tourists not only by its medieval beauty or the irresistible charm of its cultural life, but also by the refined culinary arts that seams like a real mystery pot of millenary Daco-Roman gastronomic tradition and influences exercised over

the centuries by the people who settled or passed through these lands. And last but not least there are the local traditions that, like a “time machine”, transport the tourists in an almost forgotten past.

The Large Square – view from the Council Tower 8

The Council Tower

SIBIU ’ S COAT OF ARMS According to medieval traditions, the crossed swords pointing down meant the right of possession of land, the will of the inhabitants to defend the city and the civic rights of its citizens. The mural crown with seven towers, a reminder of the old name of Transylvania (Siebenburgen = seven cities), indicates Sibiu’s heritage as a county seat.

In 2007, Sibiu was presented with the honor of being the European Capital of Culture as proof for its historical, cultural and architectural importance. Under the slogan “City of Culture – City of cultures”, Sibiu had shown the entire continent that he meets the European standards for a top tourist destination. 9

The most important places of Sibiu, worthing to be visited, will be presented next. They may be found in large markets, on narrow streets or even on the large boulevards. You are therefore invited to walk with us through the city!

Walking trough the City

Cristian

The Peasants Castle in Slimnic Slimnic Peasant Castle dominates the surrounding area from a considerable high point. The architectural ensemble here is of overwhelming beauty and value. (See Top 3 Fortresses.) In front of the castle you can

Slimnic 78

admire a gothic style fortified church, build in the XVth century. Slimnic castle is easy to find. You can actually see it while travelling on DN 14, which connects Media多 Sibiu, about 15 km from Sibiu. The visiting fee is 1 leu.

The Fortified Church in Cristian Another Saxon era architectural masterpiece is situated less then 10 km west of Sibiu, on the European road connecting the town of Sebe多. (See top 3 Fortified Churches). The church is dominated by defence towers bordering the exterior walls, closing around the clock tower, decorated with four small towers. The fortified area can be visited on request.

Cisnådioara

The Church of Cisnådioara The small stronghold on the hill is one of the oldest fortified churches in the country and also one of the most beautiful. (See Top 3 Fortified Churches.) You can reach Cisnådioara via the European road to Râmnicu Vâlcea, by Cisnådie, or by taking the county road connecting Sibiu to Rå¿inari. The Church can be visited on demand and the entry fee is 5 lei.

filled with water. The 59 m tall bell tower was amended in 1591 and received its present form in 1751. The top of the tower used to have a golden globe that attracted lightnings so in 1795 the first copper made lightning rod in Transylvania was installed after the method of magistrate Raimarus in Hamburg. The medieval ensemble of Cisnådie is remarkable for its complexity, the strong fortification and impressive towers.

The Fortified Church of Cisnådie Built in the XIIIth century (first mentioned in 1349), this fortified church is located in Cisnådie town, about 20 km South from Sibiu. The numerous transformations it has undergone over time have changed the original Romanesque appearance into a Gothic style one. The Gothic transformation took place in the wake of the Turkish attack of 1493, when the church was fortified. The famous “Treasure of Cisnådie” was kept here until 1915, when it was sent to be kept at the Brukenthal museum. Three belts of walls were built around the church complete with defence corridors, towers, bastions, and ditches that could be

Cisnådie 79

SIBIU’S WHEREABOUTS

Sibiu and Whereabouts

Sport and relaxation in Påltini¿ åltini¿ is located 35 km from P Sibiu, in the Cindrel Mountains. It lies at an altitude of 1,442 m in a coniferous forest, being the highest altitude resort in the country. The main therapeutic factor is the alpine climate with air richly enhanced with ozone. The quality of the pure, enriched air, UV radiations and ionized aerosols of this resort recommends it for the treatment of various diseases. The resort owes its name to the nearby Påltini¿ mountain peak, which literally means Sycamore Peak.

Ski Snow can be found here for 120 days per year, making Påltini¿ a perfect resort for many winter sports fans. There are many ski slopes with various difficulties. Cindrel Mountain is well suited for cross country skiing as well. The ski slope on Mount Once¿ti is equipped with a sky lift (on a distance of 1,025 m and a slope of 241m) a lift (410 m long and a slope of 138 m) and a baby elevator.

Accommodation There are many hotels, cottages and villas, recreational facilities, restaurants, a theatre and a cinema club, a disco, a library, some volleyball, tennis and handball courts. Some of the old accommodation

facilities, built in the late XIXth and early XXth centuries are still standing. The Tourists House, built in 1942 in the centre of the resort, The House of the Doctors and The Monaco Room were declared historical monuments. The architecture of the first wooden villas was inspired by the chalets of the Tyrolean Alps.

Places to visit Påltini¿ is a starting point for many tourist routes in the Cindrel (Cibin Gorges and Sadului Valley with its chain of dams) and Lotru Mountains. The road that links Sibiu to Påltini¿, built in 1902, winds through a picturesque forest on a considerable length, making the journey itself a very pleasant experience. Both the road and the resort offer a great view on Cindrel Mountains and on the low lands around Sibiu. The great philosopher Constantin Noica spent his last years in Påltini¿. His house became the meeting place for his followers and admirers. At his death in 1987, Noica was buried near the Påltini¿ hermitage. His memorial house is now open to visitors. Upon entering the resort, an indicator signals the hidden hermitage in the forest. It is The Small Church in Påltini¿, a wonderful place to retreat in the woods. (See Top 3 Monasteries and hermitages.)

SPA in Ocna Sibiului

Ocna Sibiului t only 17 km from Sibiu, there A is a spa whose special curative effects are known from ancient times. It seems that in 1598, an ambassador of Emperor Rudolf II stopped at Ocna Sibiu and mentions the therapeutic effects of the waters here. Early settlement is, however, much older, the area being documented since 1263. The local development was related to salt mining, the subsequently abandoned salt mines forming lakes with a high concentration of salt water. The therapeutic effects of these waters have been known since ancient times, but written testimony only dates from the Middle Ages. The factors that make Ocna Sibiu so special are related to the water and salt lakes, with high concentrations of fossil mud and isotonic sodium chlorine as well as the mild climate. Ocna Sibiu can treat musculoskeletal diseases, chronic degenerative rheumatism, arthritis, spondylosis, and various gynaecological disorders. Being outdoor, the salty waters of Ocna Sibiu are best to be visited in the summer time. However, the resort operates as a permanent tourist structure, with an exquisite spa complex which offers you four star accommodations and high standards of treatment.

Salt Lakes Ocna Sibiu is home to many lakes. Some of them have some unique characteristics.

One of the resort’s major lakes is Lacul Fårå Fund (The Bottomless Lake) – declared a natural monument. It was formed on the site of the former Francis Grube salt mine, abandoned in 1775. One of its specific features is the water stratification. The surface layer is made up of freshwater, the saltwater layer being deeper and constantly accumulates heat. Another lake is Lacul Ocna Pustie, formed at a depth of 160 m on the site of Fodina Maior salt mine, abandoned in 1817. This is the deepest man made salt lake in the country. Lake Brâncoveanu also formed on the site of an abandoned salt mine, and it is the saltiest lake in Ocna Sibiu (310 g/l). The great depths that these lakes reach are due to salt exploitation dating from ancient and medieval times.

The City Ocna Sibiu city is located in north of the resort, and developed independently from the nearby resort. There are a few churches here to visit, deemed historic monuments. The first of which is the Brâncoveanu de Sus church, founded by Mihai Viteazul in 1600 and rebuilt by Constantin Brâncoveanu in 1701. The building has XVIIIth century murals, testifying to the combining influences of the Wallahian and Transylvanian church building stiles. The second important church in Ocna Sibiu is The Reformed Church, build initially as a basilica in the XIIIth century. 81