The Sibiu Hoghilag district is located in the southeastern region of Romania and has a total land area of around 845 km2. The district is home to over 300,000 inhabitants and resides inside the Sibiu County, one of the forty-one counties of Romania. The capital of the district is Hoghilag, located in the northern part of the district and is the largest city in terms of population. The district is surrounded by Făgăraș, Alba, and Sibiu counties and is served by a number of important highways and railway connections.
The district is very rich in rural and natural beauty which is home to many villages and small cities that are ideal for spending time in the nature or exploring. It is also home to many important tourist attractions such as mountains, caves, churches, monasteries, castles, and protected nature reserves along its countryside. In addition, Hoghilag also has a strong cultural and architectural heritage that is worth exploring as it has a number of well-preserved churches, houses, and vineyards.
The district is also home to a number of education and healthcare facilities and a wide range of recreational activities, such as wineries, hunting and fishing, and eco-tourism. The district also hosts a number of festivals and events such as the Hoghilag Medieval Festival and the annual Sibiu Bus Rally. All in all, the Sibiu Hoghilag district is a great place to explore and is home to some interesting cultural attractions and delightful nature.
Sibiu is a city located in the historic region of Transylvania in Romania. It is the county seat of Sibiu County and is the capital of Sibiu County. Sibiu is situated near the geographical center of Romania, at the crossroads of two different historical regions (Transylvania and the Banat), two major Romanian historical provinces (Transylvania and Oltenia) and two geographic subregions (the Cibin Depression and the Transylvanian Plateau). The Hoghilag geographical district is situated in the southwest of Sibiu County, between the hills of the Carpathian Mountains. It includes most of the towns of Avrig, Cisnădie, Copsa Mica, Hosman, Jina, Ocna Sibiului, Rasinari and Roandola, most of which have a population of less than 6,000 inhabitants. Within Hoghilag, the area is a landscape of rolling hills and is known for its fruit outside Sibiu. The region is a popular destination for hikers and outdoors enthusiasts.
If you are looking to travel to Sibiu Hoghilag district, the best option would be to take a bus or car. Depending on your starting point, you can use a combination of public transportation (bus, train) and private transportation (car, taxi) to get to the district. You can also look into renting a car for the journey if you plan on staying for a longer period of time.
1. Turnurile Sfatului (The Council Towers): The Towers of Sfatului are two medieval towers dating back to the 13th century, located in the historic center of Sibiu. The towers functioned as defensive fortifications, protecting the city from invaders. The first tower, Turnul Dulgherilor (Tower of the Craftsmen) has a cylindrical shape and stands at 35.8 meters tall. The second tower, Turnul Selariilor (Tower of the Tanners) is a rectangular tower and stands at 43.6 meters tall. Both towers feature 16th century frescoes, which can still be claimed from the exterior. The Council Towers are a protected national monument and have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
2. Piata Mare (The Big Square): The Big Square, also known as the Central Market, is the largest public square in Sibiu. It is located in the city’s Old Town, between Turnurile Sfatului, the City Hall and the Cathedral of St. Mary. This square dates back to the 14th century when it was used as a marketplace. Today, it remains a major meeting place for locals and visitors alike, hosting weekly outdoor markets and festivities throughout the year.
3. Colegiul National (The National College): Located in the city center, Colegiul National is a prestigious educational institution dating back to 1571. It began as a Jesuit school and has since become one of the highest-ranked schools in Romania. Today, the college remains one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in Sibiu, boasting a rich history and a range of classes across many disciplines.
4. Biserica Ortodoxa Greco-Catolica (The Greek Catholic Church): This church was built between 1776-1778 and is the only baroque-style church in Sibiu. It is a national monument and a place of worship for the Greek-Catholic community in the city.
5. Parcul Sub Arini (The Sub Arini Park): Located in the city center, this park is a popular green space for locals and tourists. It was opened to the public in 1825 and features many attractions including a botanical garden, a pond, several statues, playgrounds and paths for walking and biking.
1. Cisnădie Monastery: This fascinating 17th-century monastery stands in Hoghilag, just a short walk from the centre of Sibiu. Built in baroque-style, its beautiful gardens and quaint chapel make it an ideal spot to take in the breathtaking views of Romania’s Eastern Transylvania region.
2. Cisnadioara Castle: This 13th-century castle is situated high on a hill overlooking Hoghilag, with the surrounding countryside providing a stunning backdrop. A walk around the grounds of the castle is a great way to take in the views of the region.
3. Cisnadioara Museum of Rural Life and Crafts: This museum offers visitors the chance to step back in time and explore rural life in Hoghilag as it once was. Displays show how farming techniques, tools and crafts have developed over the centuries, as well as a glimpse into the daily life of the local people in the region.
4. Hoghilag Archdiocesan Museum: This museum provides a fascinating insight into the history of the region, with its beautiful collection of religious artifacts, documents and artworks. Explore an array of traditional frescoes and wall paintings, as well as sculptures and decorative art.
5. Hoghilag Fortress: This impressive fortress was constructed over five decades, and is seen to represent a strong symbol of Hoghilag’s power and resistance during Ottoman rule. The fortress is accessible during the summer season, with its grand scale and incredible views of the region making it a must-see.
6. Hoghilag Orthodox Monastery: The atmosphere of this charming monastery is peaceful, tranquil and serene. A traditional Romanian Orthodox place of worship, it was built around a thousand years ago and is a lovely place to take a peaceful stroll.
1. Exploring the History of Sibiu: Sibiu is an ancient city with a long history, so there are many historic sites to explore. Many visitors enjoy visiting the 15th century City Hall, the 19th century Brukenthal Palace, or the old walls of the city.
2. Visit the Traditional Markets: Sibiu holds traditional markets several times a week, where visitors can pick up souvenirs, try local cuisine and find handmade goods. The Hoghilag district is home to a daily market, for both tourists and locals alike.
3. Go Hiking and Biking: Numerous hiking trails are located throughout the region, as well as scenic mountain roads for biking enthusiasts.
4. Visit Fortified Churches: Dating back to the Middle Ages, the fortified churches of Sibiu are worth a visit. A few of the best-preserved examples are located in Hoghilag, including the Churches of Parvette, Keneus and Paltinis.
5. Take a Tour of Cisnadioara: Located in the Hârtibaciu Valley, Cisnadioara is renowned for its 13th century fortified church. Take a guided tour of the village and learn about its many historical attractions.
6. Visit the Town of Rupea: Located just outside of Hoghilag, Rupea is a small town worth exploring. This town is home to the impressive Rupea Fortress, which was built in the 13th century.
7. Skiing in the Paltinis Resort: Hoghilag is also home to the Paltinis ski resort, where visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities.