Sibiu is one of the most important cultural centres of Romania and, in tandem with Luxembourg, it was designated a European Capital of Culture for the year 2007. Formerly the centre of the Transylvanian Saxons, the old city of Sibiu was ranked as “Europe’s 8th most idyllic place to live” by Forbes.
Much of the city’s aspect is due to its position, easily defensible, but allowing horizontal development. The old city of Sibiu lies on the right bank of the Cibin River, on a hill situated at about 200 m from the river. It consists of two distinct entities: the Upper Town and the Lower Town. Traditionally, the Upper Town was the wealthier part and commercial outlet, while the Lower Town served as the manufacturing area.
The city of Sibiu and its surroundings are one of the most visited areas in Romania. It holds one of the best preserved historical sites in the country, many of its medieval fortifications having been kept in excellent state. Its old center has begun the process for becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Sibiu and its surrounding area have many significant museums, with 12 institutions housing art collections, paintings, and exhibits in decorative arts, archeology, anthropology, history, industrial archeology and history of technology and natural sciences.
The city also lies close to the Făgăraş Mountains – a very popular trekking destination, close to the Păltiniş resort – a popular winter holiday destination, and it is at the heart of the former Saxon communities in Transylvania renowned for its fortified churches.
[caption id="attachment_241103" align="aligncenter" width="515"] Wilhelm Busch portrait by Franz von Lenbach, 1875[/caption][responsivevoice_button voice="UK English Female" buttontext="Listen to this Post"]The Wilhelm Busch Museum (German: Wilhelm Busch - Deutsches Museum für Karikatur und Zeichen...
