Sibiu, a charming city in Transylvania, Romania, is famous for its unique rooftops that seem to have eyes.
These “Eyes of Sibiu,” as they’re called, are eyebrow dormers—small windows built into the roofs of houses—that resemble watchful eyes.
This distinctive feature has earned Sibiu the nickname “The City with Eyes” and made it a fascinating destination for visitors.
The Origins of Sibiu’s Eyes
The “Eyes of Sibiu” are not just decorative but also have a practical purpose.
These dormers first appeared as early as the 15th century, though most were built in the 19th century.
Their primary function was to ventilate the attics of houses, which were often used to store food and other goods.
The dormers allowed air to circulate, keeping the attic cool and dry.
These eye-like windows are most common in Sibiu, but you can also find them in nearby cities like Brașov and Făgăraș, and even in Timișoara, further west in Romania.
They vary in shape—some are trapezoid, while others are rounded or elongated—but they all share that unmistakable “eye” appearance.
The “Eyes of Sibiu” make people feel watched
The “Eyes of Sibiu” have become a powerful symbol with various legends attached to them.
One popular story is that the eyes were intentionally designed by the German settlers, known as the Siebenbürger Sachsen, to make people feel watched.
This sense of being constantly observed was meant to keep everyone in line, ensuring they behaved properly.
This idea of being watched became even more unsettling during the time of Nicolae Ceaușescu, Romania’s Communist dictator.
His regime was known for its strict surveillance, and the ever-watchful eyes of Sibiu’s rooftops seemed to fit perfectly with the oppressive atmosphere of the time.
In recent years, the “Eyes of Sibiu” took on a new role.
During protests against government corruption in 2017, these eyes became a symbol of resistance.
The movement “Vă vedem din Sibiu” (“We see you from Sibiu”) used the eyes as a logo to show that the people were watching their leaders and holding them accountable.
The “Eyes of Sibiu” are a key part of the city’s architectural identity
They are a feature of Baroque architecture, a style that was popular in Sibiu during its time as the center of the Siebenbürger Sachsen.
Sibiu was founded in the 12th century by Saxon settlers and served as a cultural and political hub for Transylvania’s German-speaking population for many years.
Unlike traditional windows, these dormers have a smooth, curved rise that creates an “eyelid” effect.
This gives them their distinctive eye-like appearance, which not only helped with ventilation but also added to the city’s unique look.
The Unblinking Gaze of Sibiu
For visitors to Sibiu, the “Eyes of Sibiu” offer a unique experience.
As one walks through the historic streets, especially in areas like Piata Mare, the city’s large square, there is an uncanny sensation of being watched—not by the people, but by the very buildings themselves.
These watchful dormers have a presence that is both unsettling and fascinating.
This architectural phenomenon has also inspired a deep connection between the past and the present.
As modern surveillance technology becomes increasingly prevalent, the “Eyes of Sibiu” serve as a reminder that the feeling of being watched is not a new one.
In Sibiu, however, this feeling is rooted in centuries of history, tradition, and legend.
Here are some buildings with eyes in Sibiu:
