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Sibiu in Transylvania |
Sibiu is the cultural centre of Transylvania. Called Hermannstadt by the Saxons
colonists, Sibiu became a prosperous commercial centre in the XIV century.
Documents dating from 1376 mention the existence of 19 guilds whose members
practiced 25 crafts. The town also had strong commercial relations with the
South and East and, because of the economical strength of the guilds, Sibiu
played a key role in Transylvania.
The original town, built in the fifteenth century, was protected by walls and
brick towers. The buildings were joined by tunnels and narrow passageways, with
heavily grated windows to cover the stairways and corners where intruders might
be ambushed. Everywhere you look, there is evidence of Sibiu's historical past.
In fact, the whole town breathes of history.
The buildings are painted sky blue, red, apricot and pea green. And there are many cafes and restaurants, as well as a number of interesting churches and museums. Surrounding Sibiu are a number of lovely villages with fortified churches and rows of houses presenting a highly coloured, but solid wall to the street.
"Marginimea Sibiului" - the villages around Sibiu - are hidden in the mountains and the valleys. These communities are very rich in architecture, history and heritage and have resisted the ravages of time. Towards Fagaras, Tarnave and Sebes there are many wealthy Romanian and Saxon villages defended by fortified churches and with hardworking and welcoming people.
Not least, of course, it is the home of Geo Strategies - Romania's largest mapping and GIS company.
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September 2003
