Thick Tower (Turnul Gros) & Thalia Hall - low-angle photography of gray concrete tower
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Thick Tower (Turnul Gros) & Thalia Hall

4.6
·1k reviews·Sibiu, Romania

A 16th-century defensive tower transformed into Thalia Hall, Sibiu's historic concert venue.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better views

CrowdLow
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Thick Tower (Turnul Gros) & Thalia Hall - low-angle photography of gray concrete tower

Thick Tower (Turnul Gros) & Thalia Hall

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 16th-century defensive tower transformed into Thalia Hall, Sibiu's historic concert venue.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"Excellent renovation! The interiors look great and they take me to a journey around 18th century for sure."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Check Thalia Hall Schedule

Book tickets in advance for performances; even sold-out shows might have day-of availability.

🗺️ Grab a Tourist Map

Get a map from the tourist info center to find all fortress remnants.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thick Tower's Medieval Architecture

Thick Tower's Medieval Architecture

Sibiu Old Town

A 16th-century defensive structure with unique rock and brick construction, featuring varied windows and defensive levels.

Thalia Hall's Historic Theater

Thalia Hall's Historic Theater

Within Thick Tower

Once Europe's first theater, beautifully renovated to host modern performances with 18th-century interiors.

Fortress Remnants Walking Tour

Fortress Remnants Walking Tour

Sibiu Old Town

Discover various parts of the old town's defense belt, many of which can be viewed externally.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Thick Tower & Thalia Hall

To avoid crowds and catch the best performances, consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours. Check the Thalia Hall schedule in advance for concerts and events. The Thick Tower offers a glimpse into Sibiu's medieval past.

Exploring Sibiu's Fortress Remnants

Thick Tower is part of Sibiu's old fortress. Grab a tourist map from the information center to explore other remaining structures. Many can be admired from the outside, making for a great walking tour.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, better views
Crowd
Low
When
Evening performances
Why
Experience Thalia Hall
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tot ce am mâncat in Sibiu in 48h Sibiul este unul din orașele noastre favorite din România din punct de vedere culinar. Ca să sărbătorim 12 ani minunați împreună, am decis sa dam o fugă iar cu ajutorul vostru am mai găsit câteva locuri. In ordinea în care am mâncat Sâmbăta ✅ @kombinatsibiu 📍 Strada Berăriei FN, Sibiu 550173 🔹Porumb din jar - 34 lei 🔹Verzituri cu iaurt de bivolita - 39 lei 🔹Oa...
@looking_for_food
28.3K likes • 628.5K views

🎟️ Check Thalia Hall Schedule

Book tickets in advance for performances; even sold-out shows might have day-of availability. Reddit

🗺️ Grab a Tourist Map

Get a map from the tourist info center to find all fortress remnants. Reddit

This Is Romania 🥺🇷🇴🥺🧛🏻‍♂️ #travel #dracula #visit #romanians #vlad #romania🇷🇴 #brasov #delta #blacksea #bucharest #sibiu #beautiful #explore #aventure #bike #vibe #city #country #europe #traveling #romanians #medieval
@romania.europe.x
16.2K likes • 196.1K views
😱Am găsit casa de pe bancnota de 10 lei. Se află la Muzeul ASTRA din Sibiu. Se oare că a aparținut unei familii de boieri înstăriți din Vlădești, județul Vâlcea. 👉Se presupune că această casă a fost construită pe la 1835. Unii spun însă că ar avea peste 500 de ani. Tu știai unde se află casa de pe bancnota de 10 lei? Cum ți se pare? #traveltiktok #romaniatiktok #sibiu #muzeu #curiizitati #inedit...
@surorilecalatoare
15.2K likes • 931.6K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Exterior

Many parts of the old fortress are best appreciated by walking around them. Reddit

📸 Unique Facade

The tower's white and yellow facade with varied windows is quite distinctive. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Check Thalia Hall Schedule

Book tickets in advance for performances; even sold-out shows might have day-of availability. Reddit

🗺️ Grab a Tourist Map

Get a map from the tourist info center to find all fortress remnants. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Exterior

Many parts of the old fortress are best appreciated by walking around them. Reddit

📸 Unique Facade

The tower's white and yellow facade with varied windows is quite distinctive. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the excellent renovation of Thalia Hall, highlighting its historical ambiance and the quality of performances. The Thick Tower is appreciated as a significant piece of medieval architecture and a symbol of Sibiu's cultural evolution. Some note that viewing the tower's exterior is the primary experience unless attending an event.

"Lovely venue, with very accommodating staff. We called up because the website said it was sold out, and managed to get a couple of tickets on the day (view restricted). The performance was great and the place was clean and spacious."

Dan B

"Sibiu has a lot of historical spots. Some you can visit inside some you can only walk around. Even watching them by walking is a making a great day . Go if you have time and visit all the remainings of the old fortress. You can get the tourist information map at the tourist information centre."

Otilia Sofron

"A 1540's war machine, turned around 1780 into the first Theater in this part of Europe!
Excellent renovation!"

P. Felix (SAS)

What People Like

Excellent renovation
Historical ambiance
Cultural performances

What People Dislike

Limited interior access without tickets

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Thick Tower and Thalia Hall are located in the heart of Sibiu's old town, easily accessible on foot. If arriving by car, look for parking areas outside the pedestrian zone. Public transport options are available to reach the city center. TikTok

While the exterior and some ground-level areas might be accessible, historical buildings like Thick Tower can have limitations. It's best to contact Thalia Hall directly for specific accessibility information regarding performances and interior access. Reddit

Walking is the ideal way to explore Sibiu's old town, including the Thick Tower and its surroundings. Consider a guided walking tour to learn more about the history and architecture. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Thick Tower itself is a historical structure that can be viewed from the outside as part of the old town. Entry to Thalia Hall for performances requires a ticket. Reddit

Tickets for Thalia Hall performances can often be purchased online through their official website or at the venue's box office. It's advisable to book in advance, especially for popular events. Reddit

As a historical defense tower integrated into the city's structure, there are no specific 'opening hours' for viewing the exterior of Thick Tower. However, Thalia Hall has its own operating hours for events. Reddit

While there might not be specific tours solely for the Thick Tower, guided tours of Sibiu's old town often include this historical landmark. Check with local tour operators for options. Reddit

Admission costs for Thalia Hall vary depending on the performance. Check the official Thalia Hall website or ticketing partners for current pricing and availability. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Thick Tower, originally a defensive structure, was later adapted to house Sibiu's first theater. Today, it's renovated as Thalia Hall, so the interior is primarily a performance venue with historical ambiance. Reddit+1

Built in the 16th century, the Thick Tower was a crucial part of Sibiu's medieval fortifications. It was later transformed into the first theater in Transylvania in the late 18th century. Reddit+1

Thalia Hall hosts a variety of events, including concerts (classical, jazz), theater performances, and other cultural gatherings. Reddit+1

Yes, it's highly recommended for its historical significance, unique architecture, and the cultural experience offered by Thalia Hall. Visitors praise the excellent renovation. Reddit+1

The Thick Tower features a robust construction with a rock base and brick upper sections. Its peculiar outlook includes windows of various sizes and forms, reflecting its defensive and later theatrical purpose. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Sibiu's old town is filled with restaurants and cafes. You'll find numerous dining options within walking distance of the Thick Tower and Thalia Hall, offering traditional Romanian cuisine and international dishes. TikTok

When in Sibiu, try traditional dishes like 'ciorbă' (sour soup), 'mămăligă' (polenta), and various grilled meats. Many restaurants near the historical center offer these specialties. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique facade of the Thick Tower from different angles. The surrounding old town streets also offer picturesque views of medieval architecture. TikTok

Photography policies inside Thalia Hall usually depend on the event. Generally, non-flash photography might be permitted during certain parts of a performance, but it's best to check with the venue staff beforehand. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Thick Tower itself is a historical structure, its primary modern function as Thalia Hall means family-friendly activities will depend on the performance schedule. Look for concerts or shows specifically advertised as suitable for children. Sibiu's old town, where the tower is located, is generally safe and pleasant for family strolls, with plenty of open squares and interesting architecture to capture kids' attention. TikTok

Consider visiting during the day to explore the exterior of the tower and the surrounding medieval streets. Grabbing a tourist map can help you identify other historical points of interest that might be more engaging for younger visitors. Pack comfortable shoes for walking, as Sibiu's charm is best discovered on foot.

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the Thick Tower is a must-see. Its evolution from a 16th-century defensive bastion to the site of Transylvania's first theater in the late 18th century is a fascinating narrative. The architectural details, from its rock and brick construction to its varied windows, offer insights into medieval military engineering. Reddit

Delving into the history of its transformation and subsequent fire and renovation provides a rich understanding of Sibiu's cultural heritage. The Thalia Hall's restoration honors this past, allowing visitors to experience a space that has witnessed centuries of history. Don't miss exploring other remnants of the old fortress walls scattered throughout the city for a comprehensive historical perspective. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Transformation: From Fortress to Theater

The Thick Tower (Turnul Gros), a formidable structure dating back to the 16th century, was an integral part of Sibiu's medieval defense system. Its robust construction, utilizing both rock at the base and brick for the upper levels, speaks to its military purpose. The tower's peculiar outlook, characterized by a variety of window shapes and sizes, hints at its defensive capabilities, including cannon platforms. Reddit

Remarkably, this military edifice underwent a significant transformation in the late 18th century. Driven by the need for cultural spaces, Mayor Martin Hochmeister established Sibiu's first theater within the Thick Tower. This marked a pivotal moment, repurposing a war machine into a hub for arts and entertainment, making it one of the earliest theaters in this region of Europe. Reddit+1

Tragically, a fire in 1949 destroyed the old theater. However, the tower itself endured and underwent restoration. The legacy of the theater was honored with its reconstruction on the same site, reopening in 2004 as the Thalia Hall, a testament to Sibiu's enduring commitment to culture and history. Reddit

Experiencing Thalia Hall Today

Today, Thalia Hall stands as a beautifully renovated venue that seamlessly blends its historical roots with modern functionality. Visitors often describe the interiors as transporting them back to the 18th century, appreciating the meticulous restoration that preserves the ambiance of the original theater. Reddit

The hall is a popular spot for a variety of cultural events. Whether you're attending a classical music concert, a jazz performance, or another artistic presentation, the acoustics and the visual appeal of the hall are frequently praised. Reddit+1 It's a venue that offers a unique cultural experience, allowing patrons to enjoy performances within a space steeped in history.

When planning a visit, it's highly recommended to check the Thalia Hall's schedule in advance. While the website might indicate sold-out performances, there's a chance of securing tickets on the day of the event, as some visitors have successfully managed to do. Reddit This makes it worthwhile to inquire even if initial availability seems limited.

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