What will the Advent markets be like in Sibiu? Program and important information in one place

When Transylvania is mentioned, many of us immediately think of Dracula.

However, this region of Romania has so much more to offer.

Visiting during Advent is a wonderful experience, especially with the Christmas markets in Sibiu, which provide an engaging program.

What can visitors look forward to?

Sibiu Advent Markets

The Sibiu Christmas Market was first held in 2007 when Sibiu became the European Capital of Culture. It soon became known not only throughout Romania but also abroad. This year will bring a number of novelties and exceptional moments that promise to make the Sibiu Christmas Markets an unforgettable experience for all who visit them.

Christmas Markets on Piața Mare

What can you look forward to?

• impressive atmosphere
• Christmas treats
• special program
• ice rink

When and where will everything take place?

Sibiu Advent Fair Program

The city of Sibiu is unique in that it mixes the heritage of the Romanian, Hungarian and Transylvanian communities.

The main attractions will include spectacular projections that transform every Great Square (Piața Mare) building into a moving work of art and the city center into a real fairytale place. These breathtaking projections will mark every evening and bring the magic of the winter holidays to life in a unique way.

Visitors can look forward to numerous stands offering everything from handmade Christmas gifts to culinary delights throughout the Advent Markets in Sibiu.

Not only the atmosphere and the offer but also special events and activities for children make the Sibiu Christmas Market an ideal place to spend free time during the holidays.
Popular places include Santa’s Workshop, where children can take part in various workshops every year.

A large rink will again be on the square, and children and adults can also enjoy ice skating. A 72-foot-high panoramic Ferris wheel will offer a view of the entire Christmas market and the city.

Special opening hours

• December 24: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• December 25: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• December 26: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• December 31: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• January 1: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• January 2: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

 

Interesting places in Sibiu

Sibiu is one of the most beautiful cities in Romania, thanks to its unique architectural heritage. The city was founded in 1190 by the German Saxons on an ancient Roman settlement called Cibium.

The historic center, divided into the Upper and Lower Towns, has narrow, steep streets lined with 17th-century buildings with characteristic gable roofs, large squares and defensive walls. Take time to stroll around the center while visiting Sibiu’s Advent markets.

Piața Mare

Piața Mare, or the Great Square, is Sibiu’s main and largest square. Since the 15th century, it has been the vibrant center of the city, dominated by some of the city’s most important buildings, including the late Baroque Brukenthal Palace, the Jesuit Church, and the Town Hall Tower.

 Brukenthal Palace now houses museums, an art gallery that includes approximately 1,200 works from major European schools, including Flemish, German, Italian, and French, and a library that houses more than 300,000 books, including a number of rare manuscripts and some books written in Old Romanian.

St. Mary’s Cathedral

The 14th-century Lutheran Cathedral is the most renowned Gothic church in Sibiu. Its over 230 feet tall bell tower has become a city symbol. For three centuries, the church was the burial place for prominent figures, including mayors and bishops.

This practice was banned in 1796, but in 1803, an exception was made to bury the remains of Samuel von Brukenthal, the German governor of the Principality of Transylvania. The four turrets on top of the Lutheran cathedral served as a warning to foreigners of the time that the city had the right to sentence prisoners to death.

Sibiu’s fortifications

The impressive city walls made Sibiu one of Central Europe’s most important fortified cities. Several lines of walls were built around the historic center, many of which were built of mud bricks.

Today, the fortifications on the southeast side are best preserved, with all three parallel lines visible. All the buildings are connected by a labyrinth of tunnels and passages, which were supposed to ensure the transport of materials and goods between the city and the defensive lines. In the 16th century, the fortifications were supplemented with a number of more modern elements, especially bastions.