Sibiu County is located in the central part of Romania, surrounded by Mures to the north, Brasov to the east, Arges and Vâlcea to the south, and Alba to the west. Geographically, Sibiu is composed of three zones. In the south, mountainous landscapes prevail, while the northern part is represented by plateaus with hilly topography. The central part of Sibiu is formed by depressions from the south to the north.[2] Sibiu's capital city, also called Sibiu, is found in the southern part of the county. Sibiu has a history dating back to the 12th century when it was founded by Saxon settlers.[1] Thus, a considerable number of historical landmarks and cultural attractions can be viewed in the city.[6] Beyond historical heritage, Sibiu County has natural attractions to offer tourists as well. In the southwestern part of the county is located the Cindrel Natural Park, protecting endangered plant and animal species.[4] Another natural area within Sibiu's borders is Transylvania Highlands, featuring landscapes comprised of hills, valleys, terraces, and meadows. Beyond outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, or horseback riding, people can also find historical places when visiting the Transylvanian Highlands.[7] One such example is Biertan village, protected by UNESCO, and known for its fortified church.[8]
Sibiu's baroque architecture and cobblestone streets tend to attract those who take an interest in the city's historical heritage. Among the known attractions within Sibiu are the Brukenthal Palace, the three main squares, various churches, and Fortress Street.
Brukenthal Palace is a Baroque construction from the late 18th century, featuring a European art collection, primarily Flemish, dating back to the 19th century. The palace is a considerable historical destination that ascends four stories high. Several themed European exhibitions are conducted, taking visitors around the former governor’s rooms, a library, the cabinet of curiosities, an Anatolian carpet collection, and an exhibition of Romanian artists. Furthermore, the city of Sibiu comprises three historical squares: Big, Little, and Huet Squares. At the Big Square, people can visit the governor's palace, which functions as an Art Museum, the Town Hall, and the Roman Catholic Church. Historically a commercial hub, the Little Square showcases buildings and the Liars' Bridge. Lastly, Huet Square is home to the Lutheran Church and the Journeymen House, a gathering place for tradespeople from across Europe.
Moreover, due to Sibiu's multicultural heritage, people visiting the city can experience its religious diversity. The old town showcases a number of religious structures, including the Lutheran Gothic Church, Baroque Roman-Catholic Church, Byzantine Orthodox Cathedral, Baroque Franciscan Church, Baroque Reformed Church, Baroque Greek-Catholic Church, and the Synagogue, preserving the city's history. Another sight in the city is Fortress Street, recognized by a number of locals and tourists as "the Most Beautiful Street in Sibiu." Strolling along its fortification walls and bastions, people can view the Philharmonic of Sibiu, the Natural History Museum, defensive towers, and a park with a walk of fame.[6]
Nature enthusiasts can venture to the Transylvanian Highlands, which comprises protected areas within the Natura 2000 network. This eco destination ranks second in size among Romania's protected areas, following the Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation. With an expanse totaling 267,438 hectares, it is home to approximately 90,000 residents across 44 municipalities in 3 counties: Sibiu, Mureș, and Brașov.
The region hosts diverse wildlife and plant species facing both national and international endangerment. Notable flora include angelica, arnica, and lady's slipper wild orchids, in addition to a few mammal species, such as wolves, bears, wildcats, and otters.
The Transylvanian Highlands' landscape consists of hills, valleys, terraces, and meadows. Tourists can explore these protected areas on foot, horseback, or bicycle via marked trails originating in local villages. Additionally, guided tours are available to visitors as well. Traditional Saxon villages, fortresses, and fortified churches are part of the protected landscape, with some of the local architectural landmarks being protected by UNESCO.[7]
One such UNESCO-protected locality is Biertan, a village housing a 15th-century fortified church surrounded by vineyards. Its fortifications include 3 tiers of 35-foot-high defensive walls with towers and gates, rendering it unconquerable during medieval times. The Biertan church is known for its "marital prison," a room used for over 300 years to reconcile couples seeking divorce. Furnished with a table, chair, Saxon bed, pillow, plate, and spoon, couples had up to six weeks to resolve their issues and avoid divorce, often leaving after just two weeks. This Saxon tradition resulted in only one divorce in over three centuries. The church generally showcases late Gothic architecture, including an oak door with a 19-point deadbolt lock. It also houses Transylvania's largest multi-paneled wooden altar. Visitors can explore the defending towers surrounding the church, including the Clock Tower, Bell Tower, Gate Tower, and Bacon Tower.[8]
Approximately 30% of Sibiu County is covered by the mountainous region, primarily the Făgăraș Mountains, namely peaks over 2,500 meters in height. These peaks include Negoiu at 2,535 meters and Buteanu's Hunting at 2,508 meters. Additionally, the Cibin and Lotru Mountains contribute to this region.
Moving northward, roughly 50% of the county comprises the plateau zone, characterized by hilly landscapes found in areas such as Hârtibaciu, Secaș, and Târnava.
The transition between these mountainous and plateau areas is marked by a connecting depression, covering about 20% of Sibiu's total area. This 20% encompasses depressions such as Făgăraș, Sibiu, Săliște, Apoldul, and Secașul. In terms of protected areas, Sibiu County comprises six natural reserves. Its natural resources consist of forests, pastures, meadows, agricultural land, and a variety of flora and fauna. The subsoil resources include methane gas, salt deposits, and sodium chloride mineral waters.[2]
Cindrel Natural Park, situated in the southern part of Sibiu County, encompasses the Cândrel and Lotru Mountains within the Parâng mountain range. Access to the park is possible via several routes, with three year-round information centers in Sălişte, Cisnădie, and Răşinari, as well as mountain rescue teams in Păltiniş and Cisnădie. Thus, the park is available to tourists and visitors. Păltiniş, the oldest and highest mountain resort in Romania, is one of the nearby destinations reportedly popular among winter sports and hiking enthusiasts. In terms of local nature, Cindrel Natural Park showcases diverse landscapes, from meadows and grasslands to hills and glacial valleys such as Iezeru Mare, Iezeru Mic, and Gropota.
Numerous rivers originating in the park flow downstream through the villages of Mărginimea Sibiului. Special nature reserves within the park include the Peatbog of the Devil's Plateau and the Iezerele Cindrelului Reserve. The park is known for its historical sheep farming, reflected in local customs, crafts, and gastronomy. Visitors can try local cheese and seasonal culinary specialties while attending events focusing on traditional art and local products, such as the Mountain Peony and Picnic in Candrel festivals.[4]
The geographical diversity of Sibiu County territory leads to a variety of climatic conditions. The region experiences a continental climate with oceanic influences, resulting in moderate winters and cool summers.[2] Summer tends to be the warmest time of the year in Sibiu, more specifically August when the average temperature is around 26°C. June is the month with the most precipitation, reaching up to 149 millimeters on average.[5]
The city of Sibiu, once possibly the site of the Roman fort of Cedonia, has a history dating back to the 12th century when Saxon colonists settled it after being brought there by King Géza II of Hungary and Croatia. In 1223, it was renamed Villa Hermanni, supposedly after Archbishop Hermann II of Cologne or Hermann of Nuremberg. The German name Hermannstadt, meaning "Hermann's city," was established in 1366.
Sibiu gradually developed as a trade center in the 14th century, with 19 guilds by 1376. It became one of the seven German cities that gave Transylvania its name. Home to the Transylvanian Saxon University, it was the capital of the Principality of Transylvania in 1699. Later, it played a role in Romanian culture, hosting the first Romanian-owned bank and the ASTRA cultural association.
In the 20th century, Sibiu transitioned from an ethnically German city to a Romanian one. Today, it's a center for the Romanian Orthodox Church and the birthplace of Romania's President, Klaus Iohannis.[1]
Regarding the history of Sibiu County, the archaeological findings within Sibiu's territory provide evidence of human habitation dating back to the Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras, extending through the Dacian and Roman periods. The indigenous population persisted even after the Roman retreat, as supported by discoveries in various locations such as Bradu, Brateiu, Biertan, and Sura Mica. The colonization of Saxons in the southern and southeastern regions of Transylvania began during the reign of Geza II (1141-1162).
Sibiu developed as an administrative and political center, documented as such in 1192-1196 through a papal bull issued by Pope Celestine III. Following the reorganization of Transylvania, the province of Sibiu was established, comprising ten cities, including Sibiu itself, forming a political and administrative unit alongside the Brasov and Bistrita shires.
In response to Turkish attacks in 1437, 1438, and 1442, a need arose to construct new fortifications and strengthen existing ones. The remnants of these fortresses are visible today in Sibiu, Medias, Slimnic, Biertan, and villages along the Târnava and Hârtibaci valleys.[2]
Historically, Sibiu County was situated in the central part of Greater Romania, within the southern region of Transylvania. Its administrative center was Sibiu.
During the interwar period, the county covered most of the southwestern area of today's Sibiu County. Sibiu County also included the Sebeș district until 1925, when it was transferred to Alba County.[3]
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