Porumbacu de Jos is a district in the city of Sibiu, Romania. The district lies on the south bank of the Cibin River near the southern edge of the city. It is a rural district, with a population of around 4,500 people and an area of 8.1 square kilometers. The district is bordered by Turnișor, Rasinari, and Sub Arini. The district is home to a mix of ethnicities, with Romanians and Hungarians both making up a large portion of the population.
The area was first settled in the 10th century by German Saxons, who built a small castle at nearby Turnișor. In the 12th century, the Saxons were replaced by Transylvanian Saxons, and Porumbacu de Jos became part of their county.
The district is primarily agriculture-based with a few small industries scattered here and there. Porumbacu de Jos is known for its large markets, where people come from miles away to buy fresh produce. The area is also home to numerous old churches, including the Church of Saints Archangels Michael and Gabriel, which dates back to the 16th century.
The District Council of Porumbacu de Jos has sought to expand the district’s economy by creating agro-tourism projects and developing sustainable industries, such as eco-tourism and traditional crafts. The Council has also been in the process of restoring and protecting the old churches in the area.
In recent years, the district has seen an increasing number of visitors due to its quaint charm and proximity to Sibiu. This has led to the development of numerous small hotels and restaurants, as well as the emergence of a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Porumbacu de Jos is a district located in the city of Sibiu, Romania. It is located in the center of the city and is surrounded by the districts of Centru, Calea Cisnadiei, Dumbrava, Alma, Rentea, and Aracu. The district is known for its green areas, as well as its historic churches and cultural heritage. The area is home to various organizations and businesses, including the Sibiu Association of Handicrafts, Sibiu City Hall, Sibiu Public Library, Princess Maria Park, and a number of restaurants, pubs, and cafes. Porumbacu de Jos is also a popular tourist destination, offering many attractions, such as the old Gothic church in Porumbacu de Jos, the 14th-century The Peoples’ Palace, and the old city walls.
If you want to get to Porumbacu de Jos from Sibiu, you can take a bus or drive by car. Buses are available from Sibiu city center to Porumbacu de Jos, about 12 km away. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive from Sibiu to Porumbacu de Jos. The journey takes about 25 minutes depending on the route taken.
1. Fortress of Sibiu: An impressive fort made of sandstone blocks, the ruins of this fortress are a remnant of the turmoil between the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
2. Boian Church: Built in the late 19th century, this neoclassical church is a major landmark in Porumbacu de Jos. The intricate stone engravings and colorful stained glass windows make this a must-see.
3. Vila Oros: This beautiful 19th century manor house was initially built by a wealthy local family as a summer residence. Today, the house is open for tours and is a popular tourist attraction.
4. Ethnographic Museum of Porumbacu de Jos: This small museum boasts a unique collection of artifacts from the region, including traditional instruments, jewelry, textiles and more.
5. Porumbacu de Jos Monastery: Built in the 17th century and initially a Catholic monastery, the Monastery today houses both a church and a museum. Inside, visitors can explore the monks’ quarters and learn about the history of the area.
1. Crucea Hill – This is a small hill in Sibiu that overlooks the city, offering spectacular views and a peaceful ambiance. It also houses a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, as well as a playground for children. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the hill, enjoy a picnic in the grassy areas, or simply sit back and take in the views.
2. Abbey of Porumbacu – Located on the outskirts of the city, this ancient abbey is said to have been built by the Teutonic Knights in the 12th Century. The abbey is a great place to explore and visitors can marvel at the stunning architecture of its high walls, the grounds and its intricate frescoes.
3. The Black Church – This is one of the most important churches in the city and is an architectural gem. The church dates back to the 13th Century and is the main Lutheran church in Romania. It is well known for its Gothic and Renaissance style of architecture and its famous organ, made by the famous German organ builder Johann Nepomuk Glatter-Goetz.
4. Heltau Castle – Another architectural gem in the area, Heltau Castle is an interesting mixture of Gothic and Baroque styles, surrounded by terraces and gardens. Its beautiful façade adds to the grace of the castle and the interior still maintains its original decoration. Visitors can tour the castle and the nearby gardens to get a better appreciation of its beauty.
5. Nicolae Romanescu Park – This is one of the largest parks in Romania, covering an area of over 80 hectares. It is situated on the banks of the Olt River and boasts an abundance of trees, lakes, meadows, recreation areas and a zoo. Visiting the park should be an exploration in itself; it has an artificial lake and a pristine water-lily filled stream.
6. Bran Castle – An hour’s drive away from Sibiu is the iconic Bran Castle, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Romania. The castle is a 14th Century fortress that has been owned by the Royal family and has the unmistakable Gothic style of fortifications. Visitors can explore the different wings of the castle and marvel at the grandeur of its interior.
7. Cindrel Mountains – Just 15 kilometers away from Sibiu are the lush and picturesque Cindrel Mountains. Here visitors can go on walks and hikes, with stunning views of the surrounding valleys. The area is also ideal for camping, biking, and other outdoor activities, and is a great spot for nature lovers.
8. Saxon Village Museum – Being close to the German border, Sibiu has a long and deep relationship with the neighboring Saxon community. The Saxon Village Museum showcases the different tools and products used by villagers for various crafts and trades, along with a beautiful Baroque church and old houses.
9. Fortified Church of Biertan – Just a short drive from Sibiu lies the beautiful Biertan fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the main sacerdotal and political center of the Transylvanian Saxons. The church was fortified with thick stone walls to protect its parishioners and its stunningly ornate interior houses a collection of ancient tombstones and frescoes.
10. Piata Mica – Last but certainly not least, is Piata Mica, the ancient square in the center of Sibiu. The area still retains its cobbled streets, interesting shops and restaurants, and an array of local artisans selling their wares. The area also has a wonderful clock tower, a great tool to watch the hustle and bustle of the city from a birds-eye view.
Sibiu Porumbacu de Jos is a small town situated in the southern part of Romania. There are a variety of activities for tourists to enjoy in the area.
• Adventure Activities: For those looking for an adrenaline rush, the nearby Piatra Craiului National Park offers a variety of high-adrenaline activities such as hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and backpacking.
• Cultural sightseeing: Sibiu Porumbacu de Jos is home to some of Romania’s most interesting traditional culture and history. Tourists can explore the town’s unique churches, monasteries, and old ruins, as well as its old streets, squares and historic centre with its cobbled paths, museums, galleries and galleries.
• Cuisine: The local cuisine is a blend of Romanian and Balkan flavours, with dishes like ciorba (a soupy stew of vegetables and/or meat), sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and mamaliga (sweet cornmeal mush).
• Sports: There are many activities for the sports enthusiast such as mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, paragliding, fishing and skiing.
• Nature Activites: Sibiu Porumbacu de Jos is surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. You can explore the numerous forests, lakes and rivers in the area or take a quick trip to the nearby Piatra Craiului National Park and take in the breathtaking sights of the surrounding mountains.
• Shopping: The town has a market that stocks traditional artisan crafts and souvenirs, as well as a wide selection of local and international products.