Turnul Sfatului

The Council Tower is one of the most important symbols of Sibiu, a medieval tower linking the Large Square to the Small Square, situated right in the heart of the old town. Originally built as an access gate and defensive tower in the fortification system, it was rebuilt and raised over the centuries, taking its present appearance with stacked storeys and a pointed roof. Its name comes from the adjoining building where the town council met, and the tower served as a lookout point for guards and for signalling fires.

Today, climbing the interior stairs to the upper level, visitors are rewarded with a superb panorama over the squares, the roofs with their eye-like dormers and the towers of Sibiu, as far as the Fagaras Mountains. The tower is an excellent orientation point in the city. Practical note: check the visiting schedule for access to the upper platform; the climb involves narrow stairs, and the view is worth the effort.