10. The Small Square

10. The Small Square


Audio Guide


Address

Piața Mică, Sibiu, Romania

About

Passing under the Council Tower, you reach the Small Square. Built on the second ring of fortifications, it has a crescent shape. When the defensive walls of Sibiu were expanded, the original ones were included in the new buildings. This explains how the Small Square retains the form of the defensive enclosure built in the 13th century. 
In the tall houses built by the craftsmen, the family home occupied the upper floor, while the workshop and the shop were set on the ground level. The merchandise was displayed under the vaults of the loggias, so that the passers-by could admire it even in case of bad weather. It can be said that the Small Square became a sort of city "mall". The tailors took the measurements in their hall. One could buy the day’s remedies at the site of the present pharmacy museum, and there was a butchery in the House of Arts. The facades supported by arches create a renaissance ambiance, typical for the 15th - 16th centuries. 
This is where the fairs moved from the Grand Square, and, together with the workshops, they made the Small Square the “universe of commerce”. 
Today, the space represents a multifunctional scene for the most interesting events in the city. The Book Fair turns the square into an open-air library. Modern craftsmen meet here at the ”Handmade Products” festival. The fashion shows held during the “Feeric Fashion Days” take place on the most spectacular suspended scenes. 
To allow the beautiful volleyball players to play beach volleyball in the heart of the city, the Small Square is filled with 350 cubic meters of sand during the “Sibiu Sands” sporting event. 
Whether you discovered the Small Square for the first time, or you visited it countless times, take a break and enjoy something tasty on a sunny terrace, or, in case of bad weather, behind the windows, or under the arches. Only this way you could really feel the bustle of the tourists and locals swarming around. 
 
🤔 Did you know? 
 
🔍 In order to be able to sell in the Sibiu market, the merchants were obliged, besides the tax imposed, to donate a stone as large as possible. The stones were used in the construction of the fortification system.

🔍 Since 1600, the pharmacy „La Ursul Negru" (The black bear) operated in the building now hosting the pharmacy museum.

🔍 During the communist period, the Small Square was named "March 6th Square." 

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