Discover the Old Town: The Stairs Passage in Sibiu

The Stairway Passage in Sibiu

One of the most picturesque places in Sibiu is undoubtedly the Stairway Passage. You cannot walk through this place without your thoughts drifting to *medieval society. The history and significance of the passage are quite substantial, as it was once the main link between the Upper Town and the Lower Town*.

Historical Background

The history of the passage is closely tied to the desire of the people of Sibiu in the 12th century to build a strong fortress capable of withstanding multiple Tatar invasions. Thus, at the end of the 12th century, the city's leadership decided to:

• Construct defensive belts
• Raise fortified walls

Consequently, various passages emerged between the fortress walls, the most famous of which is the Stairway Passage, also known as the *Wall of Needles* due to the arches that cross it and the stairs laid along its length.

Restorations

The passage has undergone two restorations:

1. The first in 1860
2. The second in 2006, before Sibiu became the *European Capital of Culture*