It is said that the most important organ in the human body is the heart. Somehow, we could believe that the heart could have the same settlement like a central square.  And on this note, we do proclaim The Big Square to be the very heart of Sibiu.

 A short walk in The Big Square, right in the middle of the old Sibiu, is enough to make you feel like you are part of a living legend. It was first explicitly recorded in 1411, as a grain market, and from then until today, it’s obvious that Sibiu’s Big Square faced centuries of history.

It’s was first called Ciculus Major, and then it’s name changed to Grosser Ring or Grosser Platz. Between the world
wars, it was called The King Ferdinand Square, and then the comunist regime changed it’s name into The Republic’s Square. It was in 1990 that it’s name returned to that of The Big Square.

For a couple of years, between 1949 and 1984, the Big Square looked totally different than it does today, as it was dominated by a parc, with alleys and benches.

Now, the square’s south side lies under UNESCO protection, due to the unique architectural style still being preserved here. “The eyes of the city” as they are known – windows in the roofs of the buildings – can best be observed from this part of the square.

In the Middle Ages witches were burned at the stake and villains were put in the guillotine, and historians confirm that the Big Square is the place where, later on, the most valuable economic activities took place – fairs, assemblies of citizens. Nowadays this place is home to some of the largest cultural festivals and events from Eastern Europe. ArtMania is only one of the many events that attract thousands of visitors from all over the world, even since before Sibiu got it’s fame as a European Capital of Culture. Music, film, fashion, sports, food…you name it! Tourists and locals alike enjoy the rich agenda unfolding every year in the Big Square.

Putting the effervescence of so many events aside, The Big Square firstly remains home to some of the most important cultural and historical landmarks in Sibiu: the Brukenthal Palace, built to house baron Samuel von Brukenthal’s art collection – now housing the Brukenthal Museum –  the Roman Catholic Parish Church, the Blue House, the Council Tower, the Haller House, Hecht House, the Filek Palace, the Lutsch House, but also the Weidner-Reussner-Czekelius house.

There’s plenty to see and do in the Big Square, so allow yourself some time to really sink it in. Even just relaxing on one of the many terraces, over a good cup of coffee or a meal, is an experience in itself. Because this might be the best way to observe the vibrancy of the city center.

So take a break for coffee at a place like Perla Timi’s Ice Caffee, or Mustache Caffee. Or try some goulash at La Taifas Restaurant. With Travelscounter you can have a 10% discount for you bill. Enjoy!