Sibiu

About

Founded in the 12th century by German Saxons, there had probably been a settlement here for many years prior. By the late 1300s the city had become home to 19 registered trade guilds, and more than 40 by the end of the 1500s. The wealth accrued by the guilds allowed for the construction of regal buildings and the fortifications required to protect them. Even today, these robust fortification survive, and visitors can visit 3 15th century towers, or the 16th century Great Tower, where Sibiu's first theatrical performance was staged in 1778. At the heart of the old town, the Great Square is the flanked by the Roman-Catholic church, the city’s only Art Nouveau building, and the Brukenthal Palace, which houses one of Romania's most important art collections. A passage beneath the Council Tower connects to the Little Square, which was home to the town's most prestigious master craftsmen.