Sibiu, Romania

Sibiu is a city of roughly 150,000 people in southern Transylvania, founded by Saxon settlers in the 12th century along the Cibin River. Its medieval core, organized around the Large, Small, and Huet squares, is listed by UNESCO and ranks among the best-preserved historic centers in Romania. The Bridge of Lies, completed in 1859, became the country's first cast-iron bridge, and the Brukenthal Palace opened its collection to the public in 1817 as one of the oldest museums in Europe. Named a European Capital of Culture in 2007, the city continues to add layers to its long Saxon story.