Pasajul Scărilor (Passage of the Stairs), Sibiu

The Passage of the Stairs stands as a captivating stone and brick passage in the heart of Sibiu. Constructed in the 14th century, this architectural gem served a crucial role by connecting the Upper Town to the Lower Town, forming part of the third fortification belt that safeguarded the medieval city.

As an integral component of the 3rd enclosure of Sibiu's fortifications, which includes renowned structures like the Defense Towers, Carpenters' Tower, Potters' Tower, Arquebusiers' Tower, Gate Tower, and curtains dating back to 1357-1366, the Passage of the Stairs has earned its place on the List of historical monuments in Sibiu County since 2004.

This passage, often referred to as the "Wall with Needles," intricately weaves through the historic landscape, connecting the two parts of the city through a series of stairs and arches that gracefully envelop the walls of the fortress around the Evangelical Church. The defensive wall of the Upper Town, rising about 10 meters high in two terraces, is supported by robust buttresses resting on arches that extend over the buildings of the Lower Town, some dating back six centuries. At the summit of the passage, it converges with Odobescu Street, the Gate Tower, and the Old Town Hall, now home to the History Museum within the Brukenthal National Museum.

Over the years, the Passage of the Stairs has undergone restoration efforts in 1860 and 2006, with the City Hall of Sibiu investing significant resources to consolidate the soil, restore masonry, and pave the stairs for enhanced accessibility. Recognizing its historical significance, the passage gained international attention when the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso, visited in September 2007, pledging financial and logistical support for the preservation of Sibiu's rich cultural heritage.

The four houses lining this enchanting passage, numbered 1-4, have withstood the test of time, originating from the 15th and 16th centuries, undergoing modifications in the 18th century, and experiencing restoration in 1860. These houses, resonating with historical charm, were rightfully included in the List of historical monuments in Sibiu County in 2004.