Things to do in  Sibiu

One of three main squares around which Sibiu’s old town is built, Big Square (Piața Mare has been at the heart of city life for centuries, hosting markets, festivals, and even executions. Historic landmarks surround the square, from the 13th-century Tower of the Council (Turnul Sfatului to the baroque-style Brukenthal Palace.

Nestled among Romania’s lush Fagaras Mountains at 6,560 feet (2,000 meters) above sea level, Bâlea Lake (Lacul Bâlea) is one of the country’s most scenic bodies of water. While the lake water is perennially chilly for swimming, Bâlea Lake offers a wealth of things to do, which range from scenic hikes to snow sledding.

An iconic Sibiu attraction, the Bridge of Lies (Podul Minciunilor dates back several hundred years, though today’s structure was built in 1859 as one of Romania’s first cast-iron bridges. Since then, legends have passed down over generations regarding its mysterious name, while its picture-perfect location makes a city must-see.

Opened in 1817 as Romania’s first museum, the award-winning Brukenthal National Museum (Brukenthal Palace is a Sibiu landmark, celebrating the cultural heritage of both Romania and wider Europe. Home to the European Art Gallery and Brukenthal Library, the ornate palace displays works by masters such as Titian, Rubens, and Grigorescu.

Influenced by Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya, this Byzantine-style basilica—built between 1902 and 1906—is among Romania’s largest Orthodox churches. The striped red and yellow-brick exterior hides a lavish interior where decoration, be it colorful frescoes, mosaics, or gold, covers almost every inch of wall and ceiling space.

Finished in the 14th century, Sibiu’s Lutheran Cathedral (St. Mary's Evangelical Church is one of the city’s most must-see landmarks. Its soaring steeple, pointed turrets, and Gothic facade dominate the city vista, while ancient tombs, sweeping arches, and southeastern Europe’s largest organ furnish the interior.