ASTRA National Museum Complex is a gargantuan expanse situated in the very heart of Sibiu. Comprising of four distinct museums in an idyllic pastureland, it is the continent's biggest open-air ethnography repository. Dotted by historic buildings and tools that were salvaged from throughout the country, these restored structures give a glimpse of the nation's rich folk culture. The placed is reminiscent of a rural village, with time-worn windmills, farm houses, folk monuments and other thematic zones adding to its charm. Engaging and educating, the museum also hosts regular cultural events and is one of the top attractions of the city.
Comprised of a dense forest cleaved by the picturesque Trinkbach River, Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park is a well protected nature stretch in the town of Sibiu which encompasses about 96 hectares (240 acres) of the region. The vibrant reserve served as the residence of the early settlers of Sibiu. The winding trails are flanked by a variety of tree and plant species, including European hornbeam, field maple, pine and European beech among others. The hewn ground is interspersed with shrubs like common pivot, alder buckthorn and common hawthorn, and pretty flowers like silene dioica adorn the area. The nature reserve is also home to a number of animal species such as the roe deer, wild boar, fox and squirrel to name a few. Today, it is also commonly referred to as the ASTRA National Museum Complex.
Sibiu is a small town near Bucharest that is known for its rich past and attractive medieval buildings. It is well-connected by road, train and air. The main attractions of the city are the Citadel, Huet Square and Brukenthal Museum. Walk along the Old Town and experience its quaint charm. The Balea Lake is a pretty lake outside the town.
Ranking high in terms of natural beauty and protected eco-systems, the Cindrel Natural Park basically covers an area of 9873 ha (24396.71 acres) and is situated between the Sadu Valley and the Frumoasa Valley . It is a part of Sibiu County and the Cindrel Mountain, at 2244 meters (7345.80 feet) is also a charming mountain climbing destination. Considered to be an important pastoral region, the entire region comprises of a dense network of trails that have been in existence for more than a hundred years now. Harboring a unique and diverse habitat, the park is situated close to other protected areas and is home to lush mature forests of beech, birch, juniper trees and plants like mountain alder, blueberries, cranberries, Rhododendron kotschyi and others. One of the main attractions is the ski resort town of Păltiniș, at an altitude of 1450 meters (4757.21 feet), known for its strikingly beautiful ski slopes and antique cottages.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral is a Byzantine church located in Sibiu. Influenced by the architectural style of Hagia Sophia, this cathedral was built in the early 20th Century. Several changes have been implemented after its construction, and the present day cathedral boasts of splendid Neo-Byzanntine paintings created by famous artists from the past. There are regular services conducted here besides daily church functions. A must visit to admire this beauty!
The Liar's Bridge is credited with being the first cast iron bridge in the country of Romania. The bridge was constructed in the year 1859 to replace a creaking, ancient wooden structure. The bridge is curiously named so, because the legend has it that any person who had lied and tried to cross the bridge would die instantly. There is little proof to believe that the legend is true, however it has attracted hordes of tourists here. The best time to visit this place is during the varied events held here. Your tour to the city is incomplete, if you do not visit the Liar's Bridge.
Dating back to the late 18th Century, Brukenthal National Museum is considered to be Romania's oldest museum. The former home of Samuel von Brukenthal, Transylvania's Habsburg governor, this palatial complex is home to six museums. Enthralling visitors since it opened to the public in 1817, this esteemed repository covers a myriad of themes around art and history in an engaging manner. Each of its museums is set in different buildings. Right from its striking art galleries featuring European and Romanian art to the impressive Museum of Contemporary Art, comprehensive Museum of History and Museum of Natural History, Museum of Hunting and Museum of Pharmacy, it is as varied as it can get.
The Ursuline Church was inaugurated in the late 15th Century. The church was a Dominican Monastery till the early 16th Century, after which the Lutheran took control. The Ursuline Monastery took over during the 18th Century and till date it has remained under their care. The church was originally designed as Gothic church but when the Ursuline took over, they changed the interiors into Baroque style. The church also houses various paintings of saints and protectors of the Ursuline Church. A must visit to admire this beautiful church and to offer your prayers.
Butouil de Aur has been around for more than twelve years. It is known for its tasty traditional food and good service.