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1. The city was founded in 1190 by Géza II of Hungary for German settlers. It was probably built near a Roman settlement, one that would be known during the early Middle Ages as Caedonia. In the 14th century, it was already an important trade center. In 1376, the craftsmen were divided in 19 guilds. Sibiu became the most important ethnic German city among the seven cities that gave Transylvania its German name Siebenbürgen (literally seven cities), and it was home to the Universitas Saxorum, the assembly of Germans in Transylvania. Common opinion in the 17th century ascribed Sibiu the quality of being the easternmost city to be part of the European sphere; it was also the eastern terminus of postal routes. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the city became the second and later the first most important center of Transylvanian Romanian ethnics. The first Romanian-owned bank had its headquarters here (The Albina Bank), as did the ASTRA (Transylvanian Association for Romanian Literature and Romanian's People Culture). After the Romanian Orthodox Church was granted status in the Habsburg Empire from the 1860s onwards, Sibiu became the Metropolitan seat, and the city is still regarded as the third most important center of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Between the 1848 Hungarian Revolution and 1867 (the year of the Ausgleich), Sibiu was the meeting-place of the Transylvanian Diet, which had taken its most representative form after the Empire agreed to extend voting rights in the region. After World War I, when Austria-Hungary was dissolved, Sibiu became part of Romania; the majority of its population was still ethnic German (until 1941) and counted large Romanian and Hungarian communities. Starting from the 1950s and until after 1990, most of the city's ethnic Germans emigrated to Germany. Among the roughly 2,000 who have remained is Klaus Johannis, who is currently mayor of Sibiu City.

2. Travel agencies “Ardeleana Travel “offers you Cultural Circuits, culturally based week-ends, cruises at an attractive price, accommodation and guide in Sibiu. Also we have multiple offers for accommodation outside the country during both the summer season and the winter season with organized transportation and accommodation. Every trip will be accompanied by an agency guide wich will provide information at the best of his/her capabilities. The City Hall of Sibiu initiated a digital information network by means of info desks in 2004, when, at the old headquarters of the institution, the inhabitants of Sibiu had the opportunity to access information about the activity of the Local Council, the City Hall and details regarding the Sibiu 2007 European Capital of Culture Program. Several units were gradually installed in the city, 11 such desks functioning at the present. The example set by the municipality was followed by the Radu Stanca Theatre and the Brukenthal Museum. The info desks are located in the headquarters of the City Hall, in the Airport terminal, the Railway Station, the Council Tower and the historic center (Large Square and N. Balcescu Street).Tourists may access through the info desks useful information about Sibiu such as the flight schedule, the train schedule, the main touristic objectives and attractions, the city map, the cultural events taking place in Sibiu, etc.

3. Accommodation  The hotel tradition in Sibiu is the oldest in Romania, the first hotel in Sibiu being documented as early as 1555. Its first name was "The Sultan of the Turks", its name going through successive changes during the centuries. In 1773 it changed its name into the Roman Emperor, and the present day building was finalized in 1895. The hotel hosted an impressive number of personalities such as Franz Listz, Johann Strauss, Johannes Brahms, Emperor Joseph II of Austria, King Carol XII of Sweden, Mihai Eminescu, first lady Danielle Mitterand, it was also host to three German presidents - Roman Herzog, Karl Carstens, Johannes Rau and Prince Charles.During the 16th century, the "La mielul alb" (White Lamb) Inn functioned for hundreds of years at the crossroad of Ocnei Street and 9 Mai Street at no. 11. Among the famous inns which no longer exist today we mention here the following: "Curtea Bistriteana" Inn (1769) on Centumvirilor Street, "Curtea Mediasului" Hotel on Mitropoliei Street at no. 7 (starting with the 18th century) and the "Lebu" hotel and restaurant at the corner of Ocnei with Zidului Street. At the beginning of the 20th century "Curtea Mediasului" became the Bonfert Hotel.In 1914, a hotel now dominating the center of the city was erected at the end of Nicolae Balcescu Street and on the former location of the walls belonging to the third fortification precinct which had been recently demolished: Bulevard Hotel (in 2007 it became the Continental Forum Hotel).The Neurihrer Hotel was built in 1914 on Balcescu Street at no. 11 by architect Franz Buertmes.Other hotels existing in the period between the two world wars: "Central" owned by Cioca, "Ospiciul Crestin2 /"Christlisches Hospity", "P. Guendsch" on Tg. Pestelui Street, "Royal" owned by Georg Simon and "Transsylvania" on the nowadays 9 mai Street, nearby the Railway Station.Continental Hotel was erected in 1976 with 14 floors, followed by the BTT Hotel (the present day Parc Hotel).

4. Famous restaurants Romanian gastronomy Although international cuisine is present in high class restaurants, you should definitely try local Romanian specialties. Romanian dishes are rich, tasty and substantial, characteristic for a country in which vegetables are grown ecologically, in which fruits and vegetables follow their natural cycle. Pork is preferred here, but veal and chicken are also of the best quality. They are very tasty prepared on the grill. Romanian specialties include a kind of sour soup - "ciorba" - made of fermented bran, ham, potatoes and veal or chicken. Steaks such as "Tochitura" are served with "mamaliga" (maize porridge), "Sarmale" - it is a spicy dish made of cabbage leaves filled with meat and "mititei" which are small sausages prepared on the grill with various spices. An excellent range of Romanian white and red wines from the vineyards of Murfatlar, Cotnari, Jidvei, Dealu Mare, Odobesti, Valea Calugareasca perfectly compliment the local and international dishes, while the "Tuica", a local plum brandy is often served as a digestive drink. You should also try the excellent Romanian local brands of beer. The oldest restaurant on the nowadays territory of Romania - "Butoiul de Aur" - still exists in Sibiu, dating from the 16th century and situated in the same building hosting the Stairs Passage. Mihai Viteazu himself is said to have halted here after the battle of Selimbar. Another famous restaurant in Sibiu was "La Mielul Alb", having functioned for hundreds of years at no. 11, Ocnei Street. It was closed a century ago.The second oldest location in Sibiu which functions as a restaurant is situated at no. 3, Al. Papiu Ilarian Street - The Sibiul Vechi Wine Cellar. The existence of a wine cellar at this address is mentioned at the middle of the 19th century. In 1936 it was named Thomas's Wine Cellar. At the present, the Sibiul Vechi Wine Cellar is a traditional Romanian restaurant with a capacity of 60 seats, with waiters wearing folkloric costumes characteristic for the area of Sibiu and a band playing traditional folkloric music.The Sub Arini or Bolta Rece restaurant is inaugurated in 1865 in the new park situated near the town exit, becoming the best known open air restaurant in the city.The Imparatul Romanilor restaurant opened in 1895 in the new wing of the hotel bearing the same name. For a long time this restaurant was considered to be among the most elegant restaurants in Romania. The gliding roof which opens on summer nights is a special detail of this restaurant.Among the early 20th century restaurants in Sibiu we must mention here Kwanka Restaurant owned by Ludwig Kwanka, situated at no. 4, Arhivelor Street which had a hall, a garden and a music kiosk and also the Waldwirstshaus Restaurant situated in the Dumbrava forest, subsequently transformed in the Dumbrava Inn and functioning nowadays as the Palace Hotel. In 1914 another restaurant which became famous opened to the public: the Bulevard Restaurant.

5. Entertainment

6. Good to know… S.P.A.T. PATROL The Tourist Protection and Assistance Service (S.P.A.T) functioning within the Community Policy of the City of Sibiu offers assistance and protection for tourists visiting Sibiu, S.P.A.T. agents offer information about the objectives in the historical center, transportation opportunities, foreign exchange rates, emergency numbers of embassy and consulates, how to use ATMs, fixed phone cards, directions towards taxi stops, drug stores, shops, restaurants, hospitals, souvenir shops etc.Contact S.P.A.T: Telephone: 0040 269 208800   Travel formalitiesAmerican and Canadian citizens as well as citizens of most European countries do not need an entry visa to visit Romania (for stays up to 90 - ninety - days).However, a valid passport is required for all international visitors except for citizens of the countries of the European Union who can enter Romania with their Identity Card. There is no Entry or Departure Tax.Extensions of stays beyond 90 days can be obtained from the local passport office.Citizens of other countries should check the visa regulations that apply to them with the nearest Romanian diplomatic office. The Romanian currency is called LEU and is the only currency accepted in shops and restaurants. The most accepted foreign currency are the American dollar and the EURO, so be sure that you have some of these before enter the country. The best way of carrying funds is in cash euros. ATMs are available throughout the city and Mastercard and Visa are accepted in large hotels and shops, but not in smaller towns and villages. You can exchange money at banks and privately owned bureaux de change, called "Casa de schimb valutar". Please beware of the commision charged for transaction.