Fortress Towers, Sibiu

Guard of the fortress

Where, when, how much?

The Fortress Towers in Sibiu are located on Citadel Street, which is called the most beautiful street in Sibiu. Two of the towers, the carpenters’ and potters’ towers and the passageway between them are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 7pm. Access costs only 2 lei. The information is updated in 2023.

 

About the Fortress Towers in Sibiu

Sibiu’s location on the eastern border of the Hungarian kingdom led to the concentration of war techniques in the fortress and its fortification with 3 belts and towers to defend the fortress. On the newest line of fortifications, the outer or 3rd line, 3 of the fort’s defensive towers have been preserved in good condition. These are the Arquebusiers’ Tower, the Potters’ Tower and the Carpenters’ Tower, all on Citadel Street. The last 2 can also be visited together with the connecting passage (balcony) between them. In Sibiu the craftsmen’s guilds played a role in the history of the city and gave their names to the towers. In the 14th-15th centuries, Sibiu was one of the most important craft centres in Transylvania. Each guild was led by a staroste, who led the meetings, kept the seal and keys to the guild chest and represented the guild. In 1750, Sibiu was home to the largest number of guilds (40), the largest number of trades and craftsmen.

1. The Carpenters’ Tower

The entrance to the visitor’s area of the Fortress Towers is through the Tower of the Dockers. The Carpenters’ Tower is the northernmost of the 3 towers listed above. It is part of the 3rd enclosure of fortifications and was built in the 14th-15th centuries. It is circular in horizontal section from the base. Above the cornice, the section is octagonal. At the top it has an outward-facing side supported by brackets. The roof is pointed. The Carpenters’ Tower is 22 metres high. Climbing the tower is done on steep wooden stairs and requires care.

Turnul Dulgherilor

în Turnul Dulgherilor

balconul și strada

balconul dintre turnuri

2. The Potters’ Tower

The passage to the Potters’ Tower is made through a balcony suspended above the street, located on the enclosure wall, which offers a beautiful panorama of the place. The exit from the tour is via the Potters’ Tower. It is also part of the 3rd fortification. The Potters’ Tower was built in the 15th-16th centuries. It has a rectangular ground base. The top also has a protruding shape supported by brackets. On the first 2 levels there are ramparts with fire hydrants for the archers.

Turnul Olarilor

scările abrupte

strada Cetății

3. The Tower of Arquebusiers

Like the other two towers, it is a historical monument. The Tower of Arquebusiers was built after 1450 together with the city’s fortification belt. It was maintained and defended by the archers’ guild and later by the canvas guild, which is why it is also called the Tower of the Canvases.

Turnul Archebuzierilor

pasajul și zidul cetății

Conclusion

The fortress towers are an attraction of Sibiu. Their renovation and return to the tourist circuit was an action appreciated by tourists.

A guide to SIbiu can be found at https://mytravel.express/ghiduri-mte/ghid-turistic-sibiu/.

All the best!

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