Thick Tower (Turnul Gros) & Thalia Hall
A 16th-century defensive tower transformed into Thalia Hall, Sibiu's historic concert venue.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Thick Tower (Turnul Gros) & Thalia Hall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 16th-century defensive tower transformed into Thalia Hall, Sibiu's historic concert venue.
"Excellent renovation! The interiors look great and they take me to a journey around 18th century for sure."
🎟️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Within Thick Tower
Once Europe's first theater, beautifully renovated to host modern performances with 18th-century interiors.

Fortress Remnants Walking Tour
Sibiu Old Town
Discover various parts of the old town's defense belt, many of which can be viewed externally.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Thick Tower & Thalia Hall
Exploring Sibiu's Fortress Remnants
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ 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.
🚶♀️ Explore the Exterior
Many parts of the old fortress are best appreciated by walking around them.
📸 Unique Facade
The tower's white and yellow facade with varied windows is quite distinctive.
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.
🗺️ Grab a Tourist Map
Get a map from the tourist info center to find all fortress remnants.
🚶♀️ Explore the Exterior
Many parts of the old fortress are best appreciated by walking around them.
📸 Unique Facade
The tower's white and yellow facade with varied windows is quite distinctive.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
Admission costs for Thalia Hall vary depending on the performance. Check the official Thalia Hall website or ticketing partners for current pricing and availability.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
Thalia Hall hosts a variety of events, including concerts (classical, jazz), theater performances, and other cultural gatherings.
Yes, it's highly recommended for its historical significance, unique architecture, and the cultural experience offered by Thalia Hall. Visitors praise the excellent renovation.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique facade of the Thick Tower from different angles. The surrounding old town streets also offer picturesque views of medieval architecture.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Transformation: From Fortress to Theater
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.
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.
Experiencing Thalia Hall Today
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. 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. This makes it worthwhile to inquire even if initial availability seems limited.
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