The eyes of Sibiu, Romania

 Many buildings in the town of Sibiu have "eyes"! Sibiu is a historic city in Transylvania in central Romania. 

Sibiu is known for Germanic architecture in its old town, the legacy of 12th-century Saxon settlers. Hermannstadt is the German name of Sibiu. 

The eyes are actually eyebrow dormers on the roofs.

It is thought the eyes originate from as early as the 15th century, but most of them were built in the 19th century. They were probably invented by a local of Sibiu, because they are widespread in the city and its surroundings. They are an element of Baroque architecture which is highly decorative and theatrical.

The purpose of the eyes was ventilation for the attic. Although needless to say there are legends they 

were built to frighten the people, making them believe they are being watched. 

The main square -

This house has a more traditionaly style of dormer window -

This is Sighisoara, which is about 90 km NE of Sibiu. The house on the left has eyes -