Turnul Gros Sibiu (Sala Thalia)

The Thick Tower in Sibiu, raised in 1540 as part of the powerful defensive system of the Saxon citadel, is one of the most imposing artillery towers preserved from the town's belt of fortifications. With thick stone walls meant to withstand bombardment, the tower was conceived as an advanced defensive point on the southern side of the citadel. What makes it unique, however, is its second life: as early as 1788 a theatre was arranged inside it, considered the oldest in the Romanian lands, and today it houses the Thalia Hall, the concert hall of the Sibiu State Philharmonic.

Thus a tower built for war became a temple of music, with prized acoustics, where symphonic concerts resound. The blend of medieval walls and living cultural life makes the Thick Tower a symbol of Sibiu. Practical note: consult the Philharmonic's programme to catch a concert in this unique historic setting.