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Freemasonry in Sibiu: Symbols, Brukenthal's Legacy and Influence

Samuel Brukenthal, Sibiu's richest and most prolific figure, was also a famous Grand Master among Freemasons. His palace, the famous Brukenthal Art Museum in Sibiu was a meeting place for masons and a fascinating educational hub. And Sibiu is filled with symbols of masonry and its legacy. Let's go on a tour to find out!

What you need to know

  • This is a private tour in the Sibiu Old Town area focused on history and legacy of the Freemasons. Duration: 2,5h.
  • We will visit specific attractions and sights connected to Freemasonry and find out about the organisation's activity, influence and 'folk stories' over the course of several centuries.
  • You will learn how the artisans, craftsmen and merchants members of Freemasonry played an important role in the construction and layout of Sibiu
  • You'll discover symbols of masonry spread throughout Sibiu in the most unsuspecting - yet obvious - places. We'll relate to the international Freemasonry and Illuminati organisations in Europe and USA.
  • Learn who were the well-connected members of the masonry, including major political and cultural figures, who influenced the politics and development of Sibiu and Transylvania, until its disolution

Additional information

Starting point and time will be agreed after your booking is confirmed.

Depending on where you're staying, I can pick you up from there. During May - September the tour will start around 5pm.

As Sibiu has many cobbled streets, please wear comfortable shoes.


Moments to expect

The Lower Town and Small Square

The Lower Town is where the craftsmen lived and were organised. Following Christian Evangelical principles introduced when the Saxons settled these lands, we'll see how from the 13th century onwards Sibiu had a steady organisation, social hierarchy and developed into a flourishing city and trade centre.
We'll learn about the the constructors' guilds and the operative masonry, a concept developed in the whole Europe.

The Lower Town and Small Square

The Sibiu Lodge

As we stop at Brukenthal Highschool we'll learn about the Sibiu masonry lodge "St. Andrew at the three lotus flowers" and the new speculative masonry. When was it active, what did it do in the city, prominent European members as well as myths, theories and stories.

The Sibiu Lodge

Brukenthal, the grand master

Samuel Brukenthal was the Governor of Transylvania at the end of the 18th century and personal advisor to Empress Maria Teresia of the Habsburg Empire. He was also the wealthiest man in Sibiu, a patron of the arts and a supporter of education.
As such, he had a significant role as a grand mason of the Sibiu lodge with an enduring legacy. If possible, we might even visit his personal study room in the Brukenthal Museum where some meetings were held.
At the entrance of his palace - the Brukenthal Art Museum - there is a mason declaration that we'll also decipher.

Brukenthal, the grand master

Transforming the city

The masons transformed the city in ways few locals are aware of. One of the defence towers and bastions of the Old Town became a place of culture and theatre. Let's go see it!

Transforming the city

Hidden symbols of masonry

As we pass through the Small Square, Big Square and Huet Square I'll show you symbols, houses and inscriptions connected to masonry. They point to significant members and their contributions, as well as the values and impact this organisation had over our city. You'll be surprised how many people pass them without noticing! And wait till you hear the stories and legends people had about them...

Hidden symbols of masonry
2 x 30 Euro
How to book this tour?
  1. Choose how many people and whenHelp
  2. Request a booking and fill in your detailsHelp
  3. Flexible payment and cancelationHelp
  4. Guide answers in 24hHelp
  5. Children pricesHelp

Cancelation & refund policy

Easy

Sends us or the guide an email 24h before the tour informing us you can't make it and you'll get a full refund of your payment, no questions asked.

Location details

  • Starting point: Sibiu
  • Nearest airport: Sibiu or Cluj International
  • Nearest train station: Sibiu Train Station
  • Landscape: Cobbled streets/ Stair Passageway

Reviews from travellers

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