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Sibiu 2007 represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a Romanian city to host the European Capital of Culture designation.
Offert type: City break
Transport means: Car, mini van or bus
Description
Sibiu/Hermannstadt as European Capital of Culture in 2007 aims at opening gates through which the city’s rich cultural landscape and diverse life will meet that of Europe.
The Ministries of Culture from Luxembourg and Romania agreed in 2000 to cooperate in the cultural field and the cooperation engagement was renewed in 2002 and 2004 and enriched with the agreement of sharing the role of European Capital of Culture in 2007.
This that the partnership between Luxembourg and Sibiu/Hermannstadt has a profound basis not only in the history but also in the present.
The theme chosen by Sibiu/Hermannstadt - “City of Culture - City of Cultures” - matches very well the ones of Luxembourg – “Europe of the Future” and “Discovering Yourself – Discovering Others”.
Sibiu/Hermannstadt is perceived as a city of art and culture. A great number of cultural monuments, a diversity of museums, and various artistic and cultural events, make up the pillars of a complex cultural profile.
Using this simple premise, an attractive and stimulating atmosphere has been created for residents and visitors who take the opportunity to experience cultural life in this Transylvanian city
Today, old Sibiu still possesses much of its erstwhile charm, a character carefully preserved for posterity, and subject of several high-profile restoration projects.
It is also an easy city to explore on foot, one with a good selection of restaurants, pavement cafes and beer gardens, but perhaps the most enduring memory is that of the dormer windows overlooking the squares in such a manner that they give the eerie impression that you are always being watched - these are the 'eyes of Sibiu.
Known in German as Hermannstadt, Sibiu has always been the centre of Romania's German minority since medieval times. Even today, it contains Romania's largest German community, and, due to initiatives by the local government, the Germanic feel of the area has been maintained. Sibiu also has a significant Hungarian minority, remnants of Transylvania's past as part of the Hungarian Empire and, later, Austria-Hungary. Despite this, Sibiu is also distinctly Romanian (95% of the population are ethnic Romanians) and manages to fuse these three cultures, as well as smaller minorities of Roma, Slovaks and Ukrainians into a city that is as wonderful as it is vibrant.
According to legend the lost children of Hamelin emerged from the ‘Almasch’ (Varghis) cave into Transylvania – somewhere close to Sibiu. This is the 'romantic' explanation for what was for many centuries a strange phenomenon: the presence of blond-haired, blue-eyed, German-speakers following ancient customs, yet isolated by hundreds of miles from Germany. The reality is that the fortified towns and villages of Transylvania were established in the 12th Century by settlers from the Moselle region, referred to locally as 'Saxons'. They were tempted to Transylvania by favourable market rights by the Hungarian rulers who wanted them there to guard the mountain passes against Tatar and Ottoman raiders. They created the 'Siebenbürgen', the seven fortified cities, while in villages they constructed fortified churches in which they could shelter during times of siege. Some of these churches are massive structures. The villages are often remote and although vestiges of the original populations may remain, clinging on to age-old traditions, many of them are in serious danger of losing their character as churches crumble. Various restoration projects have been initiated to rebuild the communities and to attract back some of the original inhabitants.
Historic buildings. The Council Tower (Piata Mica nr. 1). The Council Tower was built in the 13th century being the first time mentioned in a document dated 1370. Its name is related to the next building, which was the first Town Hall of the city. The tower became the entrance gate of the second fortified walls. At the last floor, an observation desk allows a bird-eyes view over the historic town and one floor below you can see the clock mechanism. The Arts House (Piata Mare nr. 21). The Arts House is one of the most beautiful buildings in Sibiu and one of city's symbols. The Arts House, is the Old Butchers house built in 15th century and designed for shops, dominates the square with its silhouette with eight arches at the ground floor. Now hosts the "Emil Sigerus' Museum. Stairs Tower (Piata Huet). The tower, one of the oldest building in Sibiu, is raised on the foundation of the oldest element preserved from the first fortifications around the church existing here at the end of the 12-th century. The present tower is dated from 1542. The Fortress. The most of the remaining parts of the old City Walls and Towers can be seen on the East side of the town along the Coposu Avenue and Manejului Street. On Cetatii Street there are three remaining towers from the third belt of fortifications. The Thick Tower (Bd. C. Coposu). Built at the middle of the 16th century it used to be the infantry tower. The first town theatre was installed here in 1778. Recently renovated and incorporated in the new city theatre.
Haller Bastion
Part of the protection edifice that surrounded the old town, built in 1552. Situated at the south-eastern end of the fortification, on the present Corneliu Coposu Boulevard, is an ample construction with brick structure.. In the Lower Town, at the further end of strada Zidului (Wall Street) stands the circular Gunpowder Tower (Turnul Pulberariei).
A circular massive tower built in 16th century as part of Ocna Gate Complex used to store gunpowder. In Pulberariei street stands an octagonal tower built by the Tanner's guild, Turnul Pielarilor. The Old Town Hall. A historic building used to be the Old Town Hall for 450 years. The building was built in 16th century in Renaissance and Gothic style. There is a gallery in the yard, which leads to the tower. Haller House (Piata Mare 10). Built in Renascence style it preserves from the old edifice built in 15-16th century the arches, decorations, doorframes, and the portal with blazon. Haller family will be the owner of the building for 345 years. Bobel House (Str. Avram Iancu nr. 16). It is among the oldest dwelling from Sibiu. The Liars Bridge (Piata Mica). The first iron-cast bridge in Romania built in 1859 over the way of acces that connects the upper town to the lower town, opened in 1851.
Historic places. The Big Square (Piata Mare)
This is the historic center of Sibiu, first time mentioned in 1411 as corn market. The public executions and public meetings used to be held here. Here is the best shown the 'city eyes' the windows from the roofs. For hundred of years the square changes the name from 'Grosser Ring' to 'King Ferdinand'. The square has a length of 142 m and a wide of 93 m, being one of the largest in Transylvania. The southern side of the square is declared architectural monument with preserved medieval styles. The Small Square (Piata Mica) The Small Square is the second largest historic place of Sibiu and one of the most beautiful square in town. This square is a magnificent place surrounded by preserved medieval buildings and it is connected to the Large Square through narrows passages.
Ocnei Street divides the square in two and is the main way to the lower town. The Liars Bridge is spanning over the street and make the connection to the Huet Sq.
Museum of Pharmacy, Museum 'Emil Sigerus' and Museum 'Franz Binder' are located here, as well as The Art House and the Goldsmith's Tower (1567) that connects the square with the lower tower through the Goldsmiths Passage, one of the most beautiful places in town.
The Huet Square (Piata Huet)
The Huet Square is surrounded by historic buildings built in gothic style.
The square is dominated by the Evangelic Cathedral and the Brukenthal High School. Facing the north side of the cathedral at No 1 is the parochial house with a lovely Gothic entrance of interlaced stone, carved in 1502 by Andreas Lapisida. Beside the parochial house stands one of the oldest buildings in town, the 13C Defense Tower and archway through which you can descent once more into the Lower Tower. Before walking down on the right-hand side is a 17C courtyard of private houses that seems to be untouched by the 20C. Lower Tower (Orasul de Jos)
Strada 9 Mai is the place where Sibiu began. Here and in the parallel Strada Noua, the houses still show the social development that took place between the 13C - 14C, when agricultural farmsteads gave way to craftsman's dwellings.
At the further end of strada Zidului (Wall Street) stands the circular Gunpowder Tower (Turnul Pulberariei)
Follow strada Zidului west into strada Pulberariei, and at next junction stands an octagonal tower built by the Tanner's guild, Turnul Pielarilor. Strada Ocnei named after the salt mines that lay to the north of Sibiu. The house at number 26 is one of the oldest on Sibiu.
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