Council Tower, Sibiu

3 more images

The Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului) is built in the 13th century. The white tower, also called the clocktower is a very well-known monument in Sibiu. The name Council Tower is because of the fact that the old City Hall (mentioned allready in documents of 1324) is situated next door.

During the centuries, the Council Tower served as a grain storehouse, a fire watchtower, a jailhouse and as a museum of natural sciences in the 18th century. The tower was part of the second line of defence of the city. Only the groundfloor of the original tower has survived. The roof was originally built in pyramid form, but had a lot of changes after. In 1826 four corner turrets were added.

You can climb the tower to the observation deck to have a bird’s-eye view of the historic city and the Fagaras Mountains at the background.

.

4 more images

For a very nice view over the city, go and climb in the Council Tower, from the Piata Mica side.
There will be around 5 floors and at every floor you can see paintings with Sibiu, made by local artists.

You have to pay a very symbolic sum: 2 lei ( around 50 eurocents).

4 more images

One main landmark of Sibiu is the white Council Tower (but I always refer to it as the Clock Tower). The tower is located right between the Great Square and the Little Square and the passage between those two is made under the tower, for people and cars also.

The Council Tower was built in the 13th century being the first time mentioned in a document dated 1370. Its name is related to the next building, which was the first Town Hall of the city. The tower became the entrance gate of the second fortified walls. I recommend you climb into the tower, see and take photos of a nice view of both squares and the roof tops.

See also my other photos of the Clock Tower, including a night shot.

2 more images

Turnul Sfatalui, or Council Tower, was built in the 13th century although the first written reocrd of it was in 1370. It guarded the entrance gate of the inner walls to the city. It got its name from the fact that it stood next to Sibiu's Town Hall or Council House. The tower collapsed in 1586 and was rebuilt in 1588. The roof has been modified several times since then.

The tower was used as a jail and later as a corn storehouse. Inside today, it is mostly empty, but
the top floor is used as an observation desk from which visitors can get excellent views of the historic town through sealed windows: they are kept fairly clean so you can still get good photos. It is quite a climb to get there, but definitely worth it.

The admission is a real bargain at only 1 lei.

The symbol of Sibiu,stands in front of your eyes like a testimony of ancient times.Built between 1224-1241, its purpose was to protect the gateway into the second fortification belt; partially collapsed it was reconstructed in 1586-1588.During centuries ,the tower was used as jail , corn storehouse and before 1989 as museum.At the last floor you can enjoy a panoramic wiew over the city ,and not only: the hole plane to the mountain opens in front of you.In the sunny days you feel that you almost touch the mountains.

The council tower at Piata Mare is a great place to get a superb view of the city center of Sibiu, as you can see on the picture. Entrance fee is next to nothing (5000Lei, 0.2€) so you'd be very stupid not to see it.

The Council Tower was built in the 13th century being the first time mentioned in a document dated 1370.
Its name is related to the next building, which was the first Town Hall of the city.
The tower became the entrance gate of the second fortified walls.
It partially collapsed in 1586, and was reconstructed in 1588.
The roof was modified several times.
In 1829 the last level was added and the roof was modified under the actual shape.
During the years the tower was used for various porpoises, including a jail and corn storehouse.
At the last floor, an observation desk allows a bird-eyes view over the historic town and one floor below you can see the clock mechanism