Bastionul Haller (The Haller Bastion), Sibiu

The Haller Bastion stands as the first-ever bastion built in the city and remains one of Transylvania's oldest, with its construction initiated in 1551 under the oversight of Habsburg military commander Castaldo and architect Alessandro Clippa. Commissioned during the Mayorship of Petru Haller, this bastion served a crucial role in securing the road from Brașov and fortifying the South-Eastern corner of the citadel.

Constructed using brick and soil fill, the Haller Bastion features walls spanning 223 meters and reaching a maximum height of 9 meters, resembling the shape of an ace of spades. Designed for enhanced defense, the walls are strategically equipped with rock spacers approximately 1 meter below the upper limit, preventing the installation of siege ladders.

Preserving its historical significance, the bastion retains openings for cannons, facing both the Thick Tower and Manejului Street, alongside discreet "eyes" concealing the blockhouses that once provided crucial fire cover for the bastion's flanks.

Withstood against sieges during pivotal moments in history, including those in 1602-1603, 1658, and 1704, the Haller Bastion played a pivotal role in defending Sibiu during the 1660 siege led by Gheorgy Rackoczy the 2nd.

In 1771, as its defensive significance waned, the bastion transitioned into a different role under Austrian rule, becoming an equestrianism school. This educational institution persisted until 1911, after which the Public Financial Administration took ownership, transforming the bastion into a midwives school and subsequently a maternity hospital.