Sibiu history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Sibiu (also known by its German name Hermannstadt) dates back to the mid-12th century. The city was founded by German colonists—Transylvanian Saxons—who arrived in this region at the invitation of the Hungarian King Géza II to defend the southern borders and cultivate the lands.

The first official documentary mention of the city dates back to 1191. In a bull issued by Pope Celestine III, the settlement appears under the Latin name Cibinium. This document confirmed the special status of the local ecclesiastical provostship, which already indicated the significance of the city at that time.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of Sibiu into one of the most important centres of the region was driven by several reasons:

• Geography and Trade: The city is situated at the foot of the Southern Carpathians, controlling strategic trade routes leading through mountain passes into Wallachia and further East. This made it a major transit point for merchants.
• Defence System: After the Tatar-Mongol invasion of 1241, the city began to actively fortify itself. Sibiu became the most important of the seven citadels that gave Transylvania its German name—Siebenbürgen (Seven Citadels). Its powerful walls withstood sieges for centuries.
• Administrative Status: Sibiu became the political centre of the Transylvanian Saxons, the meeting place of the "University of Saxons"—a self-governing body that possessed broad rights and privileges.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Already in the 14th century, Sibiu became a prosperous city with a developed economy based on the guild system. By 1376, there were 19 guilds operating here, uniting masters of 25 different crafts whose products were highly valued in Europe.

The city also became a pioneer in many social and cultural spheres within the territory of modern Romania:

• In 1292, the first hospital was founded here.
• In 1380, a city school was documented for the first time.
• In 1494, the first pharmacy opened in the city.

Major Milestones in the History of Sibiu

• 1191 — Pope Celestine III issues a document in which the city's name—Cibinium—is officially mentioned for the first time.
• 1241 — After the devastating Mongol-Tatar invasion, the construction of powerful stone fortifications begins, turning the city into an impregnable fortress.
• 1292 — The first hospital in the territory of modern Romania is opened in the city, founded by a monastic order.
• 1366 — Sibiu officially receives the status of a city (civitas), cementing its role as an important administrative centre.
• 1544 — The first book in the Romanian language, the "Romanian Catechism", is printed in the local printing house.
• 1692 — Sibiu becomes the capital of Transylvania after the region passes under the rule of the Habsburg dynasty (a status held until 1791).
• 1788 — The first permanent theatre in Transylvania opens in the city.
• 1817 — Baron Samuel von Brukenthal opens his art collection to the public, creating the first museum in Romania.
• 1896 — Sibiu becomes the first city in the region to introduce electric street lighting.
• 1904 — The launch of the electric tram marks a new stage in the development of urban infrastructure.
• 1918 — As a result of historical transformations following World War I, the city becomes part of Romania.
• 2007 — Sibiu is awarded the title of European Capital of Culture, leading to a massive restoration of the historic centre.
• 2019 — The city receives the status of European Region of Gastronomy, confirming its culinary traditions on an international level.

Key Stages of Development and Urban Transformation

The architectural and cultural appearance of Sibiu was formed over centuries under the influence of various historical forces. Several turning points can be identified that radically changed the structure and status of the city:

• The Era of Guild Prosperity (14th–16th centuries).

  Significance: Economic foundation. Powerful craft guilds (numbering 19 by the end of the 15th century) not only ensured the city's wealth but also directly influenced urban planning. Each guild was responsible for the construction and defence of specific towers and sections of the fortress walls, forming a unique defensive perimeter that survives to this day.

• Creation of the Four Defensive Rings System (15th–17th centuries).

  Significance: Urban structure. The constant threat of Ottoman invasions forced the city to transform into an impregnable fortress. This led to clear zoning: dense construction inside the walls (Upper Town) and the development of artisan settlements outside (Lower Town), connected by picturesque stairs and tunnels.

• Status as Capital of Transylvania and the Habsburg Era (1692–1791).

  Significance: Political and architectural flourishing. The transfer of the principality's administrative centre to Sibiu attracted Austrian aristocracy and officials. The Baroque style became established in the city (for example, the Roman Catholic Church on the Grand Square), and stone pavements and the first multi-storey palaces appeared, including the famous Brukenthal Palace.

• Technological Modernisation (Late 19th – Early 20th century).

  Significance: Infrastructural breakthrough. During this period, Sibiu established itself as a city of innovation. The introduction of electric lighting (the first in the region) and the launch of the electric tram contributed to industrial growth and the expansion of the city boundaries beyond the medieval walls.

• Title of "European Capital of Culture" (2007).

  Significance: Modern revitalisation. This event became a catalyst for the large-scale restoration of the historic centre. Building facades were renovated, squares were reconstructed, and extensive pedestrian zones were created. The city's economy reoriented towards cultural tourism, making Sibiu one of the most visited places in Romania.

Urban Structure: Two Cities in One

The architectural appearance of Sibiu is unique in its clear division into two historical zones, which were formed based on the terrain and the social status of the inhabitants. This division remains to this day and defines the atmosphere of walks through the centre.

• Upper Town (Orașul de Sus): The historic centre of political and religious power, the residence of the elite and wealthy merchants. Spacious squares (Grand, Small, and Huet), monumental temples, and palaces are concentrated here. The layout is characterised by wide spaces and orderliness.
• Lower Town (Orașul de Jos): The oldest part of the settlement, located at the foot of the hill. This is the former artisans' district with narrow, winding streets and small two-storey houses with high roofs. The zones are connected by picturesque stairs and passages, the most famous of which is the Stairs Passage.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Walking through Sibiu, one can trace the history of Transylvanian architecture. The city's buildings serve as a clear illustration of changing eras, from the austere Middle Ages to the elegance of the 19th century.

Gothic (13th–15th centuries)

This period defined the "skeleton" of the old town. Gothic in Sibiu is represented by both religious structures and civil architecture preserved in the details of portals and vaults.

• Characteristic features: Pointed arches, massive buttresses, high spires.
• Landmark objects:
  • Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary: The dominant feature of Huet Square with a 73-metre tower visible from any point in the city.
  • The Council Tower: Originally part of the fortress wall, it was rebuilt several times but retained its medieval foundation.
  • Altemberger House: An example of civil Gothic, now the History Museum.

Renaissance (16th–17th centuries)

With the arrival of Humanism and Reformation ideas, the austere appearance of the fortress began to soften. Elements of the Italian Renaissance, adapted by local masters, permeated the architecture.

• Characteristic features: Arcades, inner courtyards, decorative window frames, coats of arms on facades.
• Landmark objects:
  • Haller House: Located on the Grand Square, distinguished by its portal and preserved Renaissance elements.
  • House of Arts (Casa Artelor): The former building of the Butchers' Guild with a beautiful arcade on the facade.

Baroque (18th century)

The era of Habsburg rule brought imperial scale and decorativeness to Sibiu. The city became the capital of Transylvania, which required the construction of residences and Catholic churches in a new, lavish style.

• Characteristic features: Curved facade lines, rich stucco, statues, mansard roofs (including the famous "Eyes of Sibiu"—ventilation windows of a characteristic shape).
• Landmark objects:
  • Brukenthal Palace: One of the most important Baroque monuments in Romania, built by Governor Samuel von Brukenthal.
  • Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity: Located on the Grand Square, the interior is richly decorated with frescoes and marble.

Eclecticism and Art Nouveau (19th – Early 20th century)

During the period of industrialisation and the city's expansion beyond the fortress walls, architects turned to historicism and new trends. This was the time when administrative buildings and temples of other confessions appeared.

• Characteristic features: A mixture of historical styles (Neoclassicism, Neo-Byzantine style), use of new materials.
• Landmark objects:
  • Orthodox Cathedral: A majestic building constructed after the model of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (Neo-Byzantine style).
  • City Hall Building: The former building of the Land Mortgage Bank, an example of Art Nouveau (Secession) style.

Distinguished Figures

The history of Sibiu is inextricably linked with the names of scientists, politicians, and artists whose legacy went far beyond Transylvania. Here are key figures who left a significant mark on the city's chronicles:

• Conrad Haas (1509–1576) — military engineer and inventor.
  Served as the chief of Sibiu's artillery arsenal. He is considered one of the pioneers of rocketry: it was he who, in his manuscripts (the famous "Sibiu Manuscript"), first described the principle of the multi-stage rocket and flight stabilisers centuries before the modern era of astronautics.
• Nicolaus Olahus (1493–1568) — humanist, historian, and archbishop.
  A native of Sibiu who became one of the most important figures of the Renaissance in Eastern Europe. He was the Regent of Hungary and corresponded with Erasmus of Rotterdam, promoting ideas of enlightenment and science in the region.
• Samuel von Brukenthal (1721–1803) — Governor of Transylvania and collector.
  As an advisor to Empress Maria Theresa, he turned Sibiu into a centre of European culture. His main legacy is an extensive art collection, which became the basis for the Brukenthal National Museum, one of the oldest public museums in Europe.
• Hermann Oberth (1894–1989) — physicist and a founding father of astronautics.
  Although born in a neighbouring town, Oberth lived, studied, and conducted his early experiments in Sibiu. His theoretical works formed the basis of modern rocket technology and inspired Wernher von Braun. A bust of the scientist is installed in the city, and the Faculty of Engineering at the local university bears his name.
• Emil Cioran (1911–1995) — philosopher and essayist.
  Born in the village of Rășinari near Sibiu and educated in the city itself. He became a world-renowned thinker whose works (written in Romanian and French) are considered classics of 20th-century existentialism.
• Klaus Iohannis (born 1959) — politician, President of Romania.
  Before being elected President of the country, he served as the Mayor of Sibiu for a long time. It is with his activities that the massive revival of the city, the restoration of the historic centre, and the receipt of the title "European Capital of Culture" in 2007 are associated, which put Sibiu on the global tourism map.