Brașov

Brașov was founded in 1211 by the Teutonic Knights. The city’s location was at the crossroads of important trade routes, connecting the Ottoman Empire with the western part of Europe and allowing the strong political influence of the Saxons in the entire region. The original name of the town, following their influence, was the German name “Kronstadt”, parallel to its Latin name (which means “crown city”). Among the historical and cultural sites in the town, you can find the Council Square, the beautiful St. Nicholas Church, the Black Church – the largest Gothic church, after the one in Vienna, so called because of its black walls that were formed after the fire that struck it. In 1689, during World War II, Brașov was occupied by the Hungarians, who were allies of the Nazis. The Hungarians wanted to concentrate the Jews in labor camps and exterminate them in their own way (almost half of the Jews of Romania were exterminated in the Holocaust), but the population of Brașov resisted and the lives of the Jews living there were saved. Today, there are about 300 Jews in Brașov, most of them elderly.

The Black Church in Brașov – without a doubt the most important site in Brașov and a source of pride for the local residents. This is a six-hundred-year-old church, whose construction took about 100 years. The church was built between 1383 and 1480, and to this day it is considered a landmark due to being the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul. In 1689, a fire broke out in the church and this event contributed to its name: the walls of the church were painted black, parts of it survived, it was restored for a century and returned to operation. It is still active today, and the color of the walls due to that fire earned it its name – “The Black Church”. Many legends have been associated with it and it fits well with the atmosphere of vampires, magic and mystery of the area and our itinerary.

The church is large, beautiful and magnificent and there are also fascinating items that you can see: rare tapestries from the 17th and 18th centuries, Renaissance frescoes, and if you come to the area in the summer you can watch a recital of wonderful music by the old organist there. There are three performances every week in the summer months.

This Piața Sfatului square served as the city’s main square in the Middle Ages and remains so to this day, certainly when it comes to tourists who come to wander the wonderful city. It is a spacious square full of cafes, and you can spend time there and soak up the atmosphere. The square includes the old town hall, the Brașov History Museum and the Trumpeter Tower, from the top of which you can take a look at the square and the city that surrounds it. A bustling and colorful pedestrian street lined with shops, stalls and many travelers emerges from the square, with the buildings on its sides built in the Baroque style and their facades amazing. In the center of Piata Săptului Square, also known as the “Council Square”, stands the old town hall, also known by the same name, the Piata Săptului Building. The building, built in 1420, served as the town hall during this period and today it serves as a historical museum, the “Museum of Brașov History”, which displays exhibitions related to the history of the city and the region.

Just like in Hollywood, on Mount Tampa the name of the city appears in giant letters. Mount Tampa, which is a nice tourist attraction, with the city of Brașov at its foot. It is a mountain 940 meters high. It is recommended to climb to the top of the mountain and admire the breathtaking view. You can reach the peak by hiking for about an hour or by cable car.

On the southeast corner of the city wall, near the Szczecin Gate, built in 1825, you will find the fortress, which is an impressive building from the 15th century and is called the “Weavers’ Museum Fortress”. Today, the fortress serves as a museum that includes various exhibits, the most notable of which is a colorful model of the city of Brașov in the 17th century. The model was designed and built in 1896 by a German teacher from the city.

Poiana Brașov is the magical resort town near Brașov. In this resort town you can have fun: good restaurants, excellent pubs, breathtaking views and lots of sports and fun activities for the whole family and even for the extremists in you. In winter, there is also an active and excellent ski resort.