City in the Cibin river valley, seat of Sibiu county in southern Transylvania.
German colonists settled in these places, around mid-12th century, beside the local population of farmers and shepherds. Mentioned first in documents by the name of Hermanstadt, in 1366. In the Middle Ages, the town recorded sizeable development of handicrafts and trade, keeping intense and permanent ties with Walachia and Moldavia. In the 19th century, it was an important economic, political and cultural center of the Romanians in Transylvania.
There still stand in the city numerous monuments from various ages that make its specific look and charm. From the old fortifications only several towers are left (the Council Tower, 1588, the HarquebusiersΓÇÖ Tower, the PottersΓÇÖ Tower, 15th century), as well as several bastions and wall fragments. The Gothic age is illustrated by the Evangelical Church (14th-15th centuries), a large basilica with three naves and transept, belfry and galilee. The old town hall, (15th century), with dwelling tower and Gothic lining, together with the 16th-17th centuriesΓÇÖ buildings in the Big Square and Small Square make up an ensemble of remarkable value. The Brukenthal Palace (18th century) shelters a museum with a lavish collection of medieval Transylvanian art.
