Silversmith’s House – an ancient monument revamped as a German Center

Silversmith’ House is an architectural monument in Bistrita, Transylvania, from early Renaissance. Built in the 16th century, the Silversmith’ House earned its name by serving as the residence of one of the most famous jewelers in Bistrita.

Silversmith’s House is one of the most beautiful buildings in Bistrita from Renaissance period, especially due to the external facade, which is inspired by Florentine architecture from 15th century. This facade has had the hand of Petrus Italus of Lugano, who created the Evangelical Church, the symbol of Bistrita. The house’s name comes from the two grails on the semi-circular window on the ground floor. The grails were the stone symbols of gold and silver grails manufactured by Bistrita’s goldsmiths back then, and also a symbol of their guild. The precious metals would come directly from the nearby mines of Rodna, Bistrita.

The historic building from the sixteenth century, located in the historic Bistrita, near the Evangelical Church – was revamped with EU money and will be changed into a German Centre for cultural events meant for promoting local history, marked by the presence of the Saxons.

According to the project submitted in 2012, the County Council has accessed funding worth over EUR 1.6 million, money to revamp the building, the total project value reaching EUR 2.2 million.

Works for revamping, conservation and preserving of this heritage building will promote tourism.