The Legend of the Tunnels Beneath the Ursuline Church

Legends of Sibiu

Sibiu, like many other cities in Transylvania, is filled with legends and myths that are more suspenseful than the last. Many of these are true, and most are linked to the existence of underground tunnels that, in some cases, stretched for several dozen kilometers. One such legend is associated with the Ursuline Church, located on Gheorghe Magheru Street in Sibiu.

The Ursuline Church

Built at the end of the 15th century by Dominican monks, the church was erected on the site of another monastery that existed in the 12th century. The legend says that at the time of the church's construction, there was also consideration for digging tunnels that would lead to the area where today's main train station is located. This story is worth considering, especially when we think about the period of construction, during which Sibiu was often subjected to enemy attacks.

The Mystery of the Tunnels

The mystery surrounding the legend has grown over the years. Repeatedly affected by fires and attacks, in 1728 the Ursuline nuns took over the church and restored it. The greatest support came from Empress Maria Theresa, and the inscription “*Haec aedes pietate Mariae Theresiae reginae avgvstae fvlta ac restavrata est*” found at the entrance of the church commemorates this fact.

The legends have continued to exist into our times. Many say that the tunnels are actually nonexistent and that there is, in fact, a huge crypt located beneath the church. What is certain is that the number of people who have entered this crypt is extremely small, as it is closed to the general public.

Visiting the Church

For those wishing to visit this church, it is open daily, and on:

• Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 8 AM, services are held in *Latin*.
• Sundays and on *feast days, services are conducted in German*.