The centre

The centre of Sfântu Gheorghe is an almost perfect reflection of changing times and urban planning trends. Fewer and fewer people can recall the view of the fifties: families dressed in festive costumes walking up and down the promenade on a Sunday, the popcorn seller on the corner of the park, the restaurant - probably the last stop of the walk - known then as Székely (Szekler), now as Sugás Garden, with its barbecue, or at least a pint of beer.

These were the times brought to a close by communism's rebuilding craze. The part of Kossuth Lajos Street leading into the centre was demolished, and a row of blocks of flats and the hotel tower rose from the ground in place of the old houses. Many of the former residents went back many times, sat on the stairs, had a good cry, and then went to the new flats. Some, whenever they got drunk, went home to the old place.

Today, the irretrievable townscape is replaced by a renewed centre, transformed into a true community space. The square, surrounded by cafés and pubs, fills your heart with the sight of adults in high spirits and children running around and chattering. Townspeople have already filled the car-free square, which has become a reliable meeting place where people from Sfântu Gheorghe bring their guests. From there, one can look out over the old bazaar row, the park named Elisabeta in memory of Queen Sisi, and the building above where the story of the cannon casting of the Szekler Revolution of 1848-49 began. And this is just the beginning.