Sibiu is an indisputable touristic location which is appreciated and which was awarded the maximum Michelin quotation – three stars. Because of its good quality cultural life, due to its functional infrastructure, its geographical position and the natural landscape it is situated in, due to the availability and efforts of the local administration, Sibiu is today an acknowledged touristic location which receives a growing number of tourists every year, a city having the resources to offer something to each of its guests, regardless of age or preferences. The cultural life of Sibiu has always been very rich, due to the creative spirit and the cultural effervescence which always defined the city. But starting in 2004, the cultural actors and local authorities have invested more in cultural events, creating an annual calendar of events which attract numerous tourists every year. [read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”] The Sibiu European Capital of Culture 2007 Program brought over 2,000 events and an exceptional cultural year, which led to an international fame which Sibiu well deserved. Hoever this was not the climax, but the impulse which the city needed to continue its development. The cultural and sport events calendar of the city contains a growing number of valuable events. Almost every weekend between April and December of each year, the public spaces and performance halls are animated by the most diverse events: from theatrical and musical performances, plastic art exhibitions, sports and events highlighting traditions to seminars and conferences. Transylvania is home to some of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, most notably Sibiu with its cobblestone streets and pastel-colorer houses; Brasov, featuring Old Saxon architecture and citadel ruins; and Sighisoara, adorned with a hilltop citadel, secret passageways and a 14th century clock tower. Tiny shops offer antiques and fine hand-made products by local artisans and artists. As a result of almost nine centuries of Saxon presence, Transylvania, located in central Romania, claims a cultural and architectural heritage unique in Europe. This region is home to nearly 200 Saxon villages, churches and fortifications built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Seven of the fortified Saxon churches (in Biertan, Calnic, Darjiu, Prejmer, Saschiz, Valea Viilor, and Viscri) were designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. A visit to these quaint villages, placed amidst lush farmland and green rolling hills, will give you a taste of the long-gone medieval times. Romania’s collection of castles and fortresses perhaps best illustrates the rich medieval heritage of the country. While castles built from the 14th to the 18th centuries are strong and austere fortresses built mainly for defense against invaders, those erected beginning in the late 1800s are imposing and luxurious. The most popular include the 14th century Corvin Castle, built on the site of a former Roman camp, the elegant 19th century Peles Castle with its 160 rooms filled with priceless European art and, of course, the Bran Castle, built in the mid-1300s and legendary home to Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula.
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