Ochii Sibiului (Eyes of Sibiu), Sibiu
The Eyes of Sibiu are the captivating eyebrow dormers that grace the rooftops of houses. Serving as both a symbol and a popular tourist attraction, these distinctive architectural elements have bestowed upon Sibiu nicknames such as "The City with Eyes," "The City Where Houses Don't Sleep," and the clever portmanteau "Seebiu." The eyes, characterized by their varying shapes, including trapezoid, rounded, and elongated forms, have become synonymous with the city's identity.
While some of these eyes date back to the 15th century, the majority were constructed during the 19th century, likely by local craftsmen, as they are prevalent not only in Sibiu but also in its surrounding areas. Rooted in Baroque architecture, these dormers were, in fact, designed as a practical element rather than a decorative one. Serving as a ventilation system for the attics of houses, they played a crucial role in maintaining proper airflow within the structures.
Despite legends suggesting that the eyes were built to instill fear in the populace, creating a belief that they were being watched, their true purpose as ventilation systems contradicts these myths. Over time, the Eyes of Sibiu have evolved into one of the city's most renowned symbols, drawing visitors and adding to the city's architectural charm.
In 2017, the eyes took on additional significance, becoming a symbol of Romania's anti-corruption movement. The organization "We see you from Sibiu" adopted the eyes as a representation of vigilance and transparency in the fight against corruption.
Beyond Sibiu, these distinctive dormers have found their place in the surrounding Sibiu County, with some examples extending to other nearby cities like Bra葯ov and F膬g膬ra葯 in the Bra葯ov County. Unrelated instances can also be spotted in the city of Timi葯oara in western Romania, showcasing the widespread influence and charm of the Eyes of Sibiu. Additionally, similar eyebrow dormers adorn traditional rural Romanian houses and cule in the historical region of Oltenia, further highlighting their cultural significance and architectural appeal.
While some of these eyes date back to the 15th century, the majority were constructed during the 19th century, likely by local craftsmen, as they are prevalent not only in Sibiu but also in its surrounding areas. Rooted in Baroque architecture, these dormers were, in fact, designed as a practical element rather than a decorative one. Serving as a ventilation system for the attics of houses, they played a crucial role in maintaining proper airflow within the structures.
Despite legends suggesting that the eyes were built to instill fear in the populace, creating a belief that they were being watched, their true purpose as ventilation systems contradicts these myths. Over time, the Eyes of Sibiu have evolved into one of the city's most renowned symbols, drawing visitors and adding to the city's architectural charm.
In 2017, the eyes took on additional significance, becoming a symbol of Romania's anti-corruption movement. The organization "We see you from Sibiu" adopted the eyes as a representation of vigilance and transparency in the fight against corruption.
Beyond Sibiu, these distinctive dormers have found their place in the surrounding Sibiu County, with some examples extending to other nearby cities like Bra葯ov and F膬g膬ra葯 in the Bra葯ov County. Unrelated instances can also be spotted in the city of Timi葯oara in western Romania, showcasing the widespread influence and charm of the Eyes of Sibiu. Additionally, similar eyebrow dormers adorn traditional rural Romanian houses and cule in the historical region of Oltenia, further highlighting their cultural significance and architectural appeal.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Sibiu. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Ochii Sibiului (Eyes of Sibiu) on Map
Sight Name: Ochii Sibiului (Eyes of Sibiu)
Sight Location: Sibiu, Romania (See walking tours in Sibiu)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Sibiu, Romania (See walking tours in Sibiu)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Sibiu, Romania
Create Your Own Walk in Sibiu
Creating your own self-guided walk in Sibiu is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Sibiu Introduction Walking Tour
Nestled in the heart of Romania's Transylvania, Sibiu is one of the most visited cities in Eastern Europe, and for a good reason! Its ancient beauty restored to its full glory in a historic center can easily steal your heart. Affectionately known as "The Town with Eyes" for its historical buildings with partly open rooftops, the city beckons travelers with its captivating... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Sibiu City Wall and Towers Walking Tour
The historical fortifications of Sibiu hold significant heritage value, offering insights into the city's past and its enduring efforts to protect itself. Unfortunately, for many years, these sites were inaccessible to visitors. Along Fortress Street (Strada Cet膬葲ii), a collection of towers is linked by a guard corridor, a rare and precious feature that remains the sole example of its kind... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles