Sibiu Sightseeing: Squares and Churches

October 30, 2026

Sightseeing in Sibiu

Sibiu was European Capital of Culture in 2007, and its historic centre has been on Romania’s UNESCO Tentative List since 2004. The UNESCO World Heritage sites nearby are Sighișoara’s historic centre and the Saxon fortified church villages. The centre is made of three linked squares, a Lower Town along the Cibin, and a few surviving sections of city wall, all within a short walk of each other.

The three squares

Piața Mare, Piața Mică and Piața Huet are free and open at all hours. Piața Mare is the largest and hosts the Christmas Market from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The oval roof windows around the squares are known as the eyes of Sibiu. They are attic vents, and they are easy to spot once you start looking up.

The Council Tower, the symbol of the city between Piața Mare and Piața Mică, is closed for restoration, and the tourism office expects works to last to the end of 2027. See it from outside only, and read the tourism office page for updates.

Brukenthal Palace

Brukenthal Palace on Piața Mare holds European and Romanian art. Adult tickets are 50 RON, pensioners pay 25 RON and students 12.50 RON. On the winter schedule from 28 October 2026 it opens Wednesday to Sunday 09:00 to 17:00, and it is closed Monday and Tuesday. The museum opened to the public in 1817 and describes itself as the oldest in Romania. Highlights include a painting attributed to Jan van Eyck, and works by Memling and Cranach. Check the Brukenthal site for summer hours. Casa Altemberger, the History Museum on Strada Mitropoliei, costs 36 RON.

Evangelical Cathedral

The Evangelical Cathedral on Piața Huet has a tower about 73 m high, which is the climb for panoramic views. The stairs are steep and narrow. A small fee covers church and tower, usually between 5 and 15 RON. Expect shorter winter hours, and note that the church closes to visitors during weddings and baptisms.

Bridge of Lies and the Lower Town

The Bridge of Lies is the first cast-iron bridge in Romania and is about 10 m long. Legend says the name comes from market women’s tall tales. It is free. From there, the Passage of Stairs leads down to the Lower Town, a quieter area of pastel houses and lanes along the Cibin.

City walls and towers

On Strada Cetății, the Carpenters’ Tower and the Potters’ Tower were opened to visitors in 2020. Enter through the Carpenters’ Tower and leave through the Potters’ Tower. The Arquebusiers’ Tower is the third surviving tower. Hours and the small fee change by season, so check locally.

Orthodox cathedral and the Great Synagogue

The Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral on Strada Mitropoliei is neo-Byzantine, from the early 20th century. Entry is free, and visitors should dress modestly.

The Great Synagogue on Strada Constituției was built in 1898 and 1899 and is a listed monument. Visits are by request through the community office, so do not expect fixed opening hours. Sibiu was also the centre of the Transylvanian Saxons, and in January 1945 tens of thousands of Saxons were deported to Soviet labour camps. Most of the community left for Germany after 1989. The Friedrich Teutsch Centre on Strada Mitropoliei 30 is the Evangelical Church’s cultural and archive centre. Treat both places quietly, as living heritage.