Large Square | Sibiu

Information

Landmark: Large Square
City: Sibiu
Country: Romania
Continent: Europe

Large Square, Sibiu, Romania, Europe

The Large Square, known locally as Piața Mare, is the central historical landmark of Sibiu, Romania. Originally established in 1366, it is the largest and oldest public plaza in the city, serving as the nucleus of the UNESCO-designated historic center.

Visual Characteristics

The plaza measures 142 meters in length and 93 meters in width, paved entirely with granite cobblestone. It is bordered by stone and brick townhouses featuring "eyes of the city"-distinctive almond-shaped attic ventilation windows. Key architectural styles include Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque, with facades painted in earth tones. A replica of the 18th-century Roland's Fountain and a statue of Gheorghe Lazăr are positioned within the open space.

Location & Access Logistics

The square is located in the Upper Town of Sibiu and is a designated pedestrian-only zone. Vehicular access is restricted; the nearest public parking is located at Piața Teatrului (0.3km East) or along the 9th of May Street. From the Sibiu Central Railway Station, the site is a 10-minute walk (approx. 0.8km) via General Magheru Street. Multiple local Tursib bus lines stop at the nearby "Casa Armatei" station.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The square emerged in the 14th century as a cereal market and site for public executions and assemblies. The Council Tower, constructed in the 13th century, separates the Large Square from the Small Square. Most existing buildings date from the 15th to 18th centuries, including the Brukenthal Palace and the Jesuit Church. It underwent significant rehabilitation in 2006 to restore its medieval proportions and paving.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can access the Council Tower for an elevated view of the city or visit the Brukenthal National Museum on the western side. The plaza hosts the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, the Christmas Market, and various open-air concerts. Photography of the "eyes" on the surrounding rooftops is a primary tourist activity. The perimeter is lined with outdoor cafe terraces during the spring and summer months.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The square is equipped with underground public restrooms located near the Council Tower entrance. Benches are distributed across the plaza, though natural shade is absent due to the lack of trees. 5G cellular connectivity is consistent throughout the area. A tourist information center is located within the City Hall building on the northern side.

Best Time to Visit

Optimal photography of the pastel facades occurs in the late afternoon when the sun is positioned to the west. The square is most active during the summer festival season (June) and the winter holiday period (November–December). Early morning visits (before 08:00) provide unobstructed views of the architecture without tourist crowds.

Facts & Legends

A stone circle in the pavement marks the location where the city's pillory and the "Cage for Idiots" once stood, used for public shaming of those who disturbed the peace. Local lore suggests the "eyes" in the roofs were designed to remind citizens they were always being watched, though their functional purpose was to ventilate the attics where meat and grains were stored.