By the late 15th century the Large Square had become the heart of the town, hosting markets and public gatherings. It is framed by colourful burgher houses and the baroque Brukenthal Palace, home of the Brukenthal National Museum, which opened its collections to the public in 1817 and is the oldest museum in Romania. Many roofs in the old town are pierced by small eyebrow-shaped dormers, the famous “eyes of Sibiu”, which once ventilated the attics and today seem to watch passers-by.
From the Large Square, the Council Tower leads through to the Small Square, and its upper floors offer views over the rooftops. Nearby, the cast-iron Bridge of Lies, dating from 1859, is the subject of many playful legends, and the Lutheran Cathedral rises just beyond. The upper and lower towns are linked by steep stairways and passages that are a pleasure to explore on foot.
Whether at a summer festival or a winter Christmas market, Sibiu’s old town is a delight to explore.
