The 'eyes' on the roofs of the surrounding houses were originally designed as ventilation vents for grain storage in the attic spaces.
The square is built on the site of the city's third fortification wall, which was demolished to accommodate urban expansion.
Baron Samuel von Brukenthal, whose palace dominates the square, served as the Habsburg Governor of Transylvania.
The Bridge of Lies is the oldest cast-iron bridge in Romania, installed in 1859.
Archaeological excavations have uncovered defensive moats and medieval walls beneath the square's pavement.
Piața Mare is the central hub of Sibiu, Transylvania, serving as the city's largest square since its first documented reference in 1411. The perimeter is dominated by 15th to 19th-century buildings featuring the iconic 'eyes' of Sibiu, which are distinctive eyelid-shaped attic windows. The square hosts the Brukenthal National Museum, Romania’s oldest museum, housed in the 18th-century palace of Baron Samuel von Brukenthal. The Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity, built in the Austrian Baroque style, occupies the northwest corner of the square. A 19th-century cast-iron bridge, the Bridge of Lies, connects the square to the nearby Small Square. The area functions as an open-air exhibition space for seasonal markets and historical reenactments. The Council Tower stands at the transition point between the Large and Small squares, providing panoramic views of the city. Beneath the square lies a significant layer of medieval fortification history that occasionally influences subterranean infrastructure projects. The site remains the primary social focal point for locals and international visitors alike.
The top of the Council Tower for an aerial view of the square's geometry.
Explore the attics of the surrounding buildings to see the historic ventilation 'eye' windows up close from internal stairwells where accessible.
Look for the bronze statue of Gheorghe Lazăr located in the square to orient yourself toward the historic center.
Visit the visitor center near the Council Tower for detailed maps of the medieval fortification system.
Eating at restaurants directly facing the square if looking for authentic local prices, as these are often tourist-oriented; explore the side alleys for better value.
The square is a public space accessible year-round, though seasonal events like the Christmas Market significantly restrict foot traffic in December.
