The city of Brașov

The city of Brașov

Located at a distance of 166 km from Bucharest and situated north of Prahova Valley, at the base of the Tâmpa peak, Brașov is without a doubt one of the most fascinating cities of Romania. The medieval atmosphere of these lands, as well as the countless opportunities of relaxation and adventure, are only some of the attractions that it offers.

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Brașov - A Fascinating City of Romania

The Teutonic Knights and the German Colonization

The proper history of Brașov starts with the arrival of the Teutonic Knights, at the initiative of the Kingdom of Hungary. Burzenland (Țara Bârsei in Romanian), the land which they were going to administrate, had hosted an old dacian settlement. The German colonizers reconstructed an already existent fortress on the Tâmpa mountain, the Brașov Citadel, (from which today only ruins remain) for the defense of the eastern borders, and constructed Saint Bartholomew Church (the oldest building in the city, finished around 1260), with the purpose of increasing the influence of Catholicism in a region with a relatively Orthodox population.

The Germans gave it the title of Kronstad, while in documents it appears for the very first time under the name of Corona, in latin. The definitive version known today, Brașov, has its roots in terms such as Barassu, Brasu or Braso, most probably different names given to the region, Burzenland, in which the city resides.

A Thriving Trading Post and Guilds

Due to its advantageous geographical location, in the center of the three main principalities, as well as in an area of passage between the European West and Ottoman East, Brașov became a great trading post, characterized by intense commerce with Ottoman products, such as spices, textiles and delicacies.

The fruitful development of the city owes itself equally to the craftmen, who formed associations, known as guilds, with the goal of reducing competition, as well as to ensure quality. The city bastions, used in times of peace by guilds to store their goods, can be visited around the Old City Center.

The First Romanian School and Printing of Books

Culturally, in Brașov, the first school to teach in Romanian is established, nowadays a museum, and the first books in Romanian are printed by deacon Coresi. Neacșu’s letter to the mayor of Brașov, Hans Benkner, is also sent here, considered the oldest kept document in the earliest form of the Romanian language. A copy of it is kept at the Printer Museum from Târgoviște, 113 km away from Brașov and 81 km from București.

The Old City Center and Black Church

Presently, Brașov’s medieval atmosphere is almost unchanged and one of the best preserved in Europe. For those who wish to continue learning about the city’s history, a walk through the Old City Center is probably your best choice. Aside from those mentioned previously, the most famous attraction is the Black Church, a building built in the gothic style and reconstructed after a fire, an event from which it will receive the name it is known by today.

The Râșnov Citadel and Citadel Valley Cave

Another historical monument is the Râșnov Citadel, 22 km away from Brașov. Not far from there is the Citadel Valley Cave. Inside the cave, thanks to the shape of the main gallery, are held classical music concerts, announced on the official site.

Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Zipline

For those hungry for expeditions in nature, Brașov offers hiking trails, such as one that leads to the Tâmpa Peak, Zărnești Ravines or the Solomon Rocks. Close to the city there is also an adventure park, presenting a 300 m long zipline across a lake.

The Poiana Brașov Mountain Resort

Winter sports enthusiasts, as well as those who wish a relaxed vacation, can try the Poiana Brașov mountain resort, known for its ski tracks with different difficulties, which also offers its tourists other activities, such as ice skating, horse riding, fishing and boat rides.