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Brașov is, without a doubt, one of the most treasured cities of Transylvania. With its unchanged medieval atmosphere, rich history and placement in the heart of the Carpathian mountains, it should not be omitted from the list of any tourist who plans to visit the area.
Here are some of its most interesting attractions:
The Black Church
No one can question the fact that the Black Church, the largest place of worship in gothic style from Southeastern Europe
Starting from the year 1383, its construction will last for almost a century, being heavily interrupted by a Turkish invasion. The building was affected several times by earthquakes over the years until when, in 1689, a great fire engulfed Brașov. The roof, as well as all that was inside, was destroyed, and its ash blackened walls determined the locals to give it the name "the Black Church".
As for the location, you can find it in the Old City Centre, near the Council Square (Piața Sfatului). It can be visited either from 10:00, from Tuesday to Saturday, or 12:00, from Sunday to Monday, until 19:00. (between October 16th - November 31st it closes one hour earlier). The price for a full ticket is 15 lei.
Rope Street (Strada Sforii)
Another famous symbol of Brașov, the Rope Street has a length of about 80 metres and a width which varies between 1,11 and 1,35 metres, ranking as the third most narrow street in Europe.
Its existence was first attested in the 17th century, where it is described as a corridor used by firefighters. A legend is also attached to this street, according to which it was a refuge for lovers doomed by destiny. It is said that those who kiss here will remain together for life.
Rope Street is located in the vicinity of the Council Square, connecting Stag Street (Strada Cerbului) and Șchei Gate Street (Strada Poarta Șchei). For reference, for those who arrive from Stag Street, is the statue of a woman wrapped in rope pointing to the narrow passage. (I do have to add that exactly this hand, thanks to vandalisation, is missing)
Old Centre
Everything that belongs to the ancient medieval city of Brașov, like the Black Church and Rope Street, are part of the Old City Centre.
In the middle there is the Council Square, a place where, for hundreds of years, merchants gathered each day around the city hall to sell their products. Presently, it continues to be an important cultural and touristic centre for Brașov. The music festival "Cerbul de Aur" has also been held here since 1968.
Along the walls of the old city were built several points of defense, of which the most well known are the bastions. The 8 bastions were administered by the Brașov guilds, being used in times of peace for storage (this is how they got their names: Weavers' Bastion, Blacksmiths' Bastion etc.). In times of conflict, they became fortresses. Only 6 remain today that can be visited.
Ropemakers' Bastion
To the bastions were added 4 exterior observation towers, visible from the foot of the Tâmpa mountain, of which only the White Tower (Turnul Alb) and the Black Tower (Turnul Negru).
White Tower
Finally, we have the entrance gates to the citadel. The oldest is the Ecaterina Gate (Poarta Ecaterina), constructed in the 16th century, for the settlers of the Șchei neighbourhood, populated by the keepers of the citadel of Romanian origin. Another entrance that survived time is the Șchei Gate (Poarta Șchei), built much later, in the 19th century, funded by Romanian merchants so as to alleviate the growing traffic of traders.
Additionally, for those passionate about history, in the precincts of Saint Nicholas Church from the Șchei neighbourhood is the First Romanian School, where the first books in Romanian were ever printed.
Junilor Parade
If you arrive in Brașov in the month of April, Junilor Parade is one of the most popular and beautiful events which take place at this moment of the year.
Specific to this area, the parade takes place on the next Sunday after the Orthodox Easter. It is an ancient tradition with origins, they say, from the times of the Dacians, the old inhabitants of today's Romania. Junii, young and usually unmarried men, (but this is not a rule) dress in traditional festive clothes and parade through the city on horseback, announcing the arrival of spring and its triumph over winter, greeting the crowds with "Christ is Risen!" (“Hristos a Înviat!”), which in turn will be answered with "Truly He is Risen!". (“Adevărat a Înviat!”)
The last stop of the Juni is at Solomon's Stones, where several festivities take place, such as throwing the mace or playing the hora.
Fortresses
What would Transylvania be without its fortresses?
15 kilometers away from the city you can find the Prejmer Church, the oldest historical monument in Brașov county, dating from the 13th century. The building impresses with its well-reserved architecture, built in the Burgundian Gothic style.
Râșnov
Located at slightly greater distances, Râșnov Citadel at 17 kilometers, and Bran Castle at 30 kilometers, they are also worth visiting for their unique architectural beauty.
The second name might already have attracted your attention, because many associate the castle with Vlad the Impaler, Bram Stoker's inspiration for the novel "Dracula". The truth is, however, that he never lived in this castle. Obviously, that doesn't mean it doesn't have its own charm.
Bran
Of course, these are just some of the many fortresses in the Brașov area. Other examples are Cetățuia de pe Strajă (right in the heart of the city, which is, unfortunately, not open for tourists), Feldioara, Rupea or Făgărașului.
Poiana Brașov
For nature lovers, relaxation and exercise, Poiana Brașov is definitely an ideal destination.
Famous for its ski slopes, Poiana Brașov began its history in 1906, when it was recognized as a winter resort. Three years later, the first sports competitions were organized here. Since then its fame has only increased, becoming the most famous winter resort in the country.
Available to tourists, outside the areas specially designed for practicing winter sports, are saunas, spectacle and conference halls, restaurants and clubs. During the warm period of the year you can go boating, do mountain trails, horse riding lessons and try out sports such as tennis or mini golf.
Tâmpa Peak
Mount Tâmpa is part of the Postăvaru massif, at the foot of which Brașov developed (and on which the Hollywood sign is located). The routes to the Tâmpa peak are relatively easy roads and can be completed in less than a day.
The starting point is in the immediate vicinity of Weavers's Bastion (Bastionul Țesătorilor), from where you will follow the marking of a blue strip to Șaua Tâmpei. From here to the top, continue on the path with the yellow triangle, and on the way you can see the ruins of the Brassovia Fortress, destroyed due to its heavy maintenance. At the end of the trail, of course, an impressive view of the old town awaits you as a reward, of course.
Precipices of Zărnești
Not many words can be said about the Precipices of Zărneşti (Prăpăstiile Zărnești) because the beauty of this place speaks for itself. Named after the steep shape of the gorges formed by the flow of a river, the height of these stone walls is suitable for alpinism. Along the route there are also 2 caves, the Small Cave and the Big Cave from the Precipices.
Famous roads
Pasul Buzăului is a road as spectacular as its more famous sisters, for example Transfagărășanul (which deserves to be traversed as well), connecting the counties of Buzău and Brașov. In addition to the unique views, the Siriu Dam or the Valea Zimbrilor Reservation can be also visited here.
Those who want to deviate from the main road to Brașov can go on the Transbucegi, which connects Sinaia and Padina. The list of attractions is rich, from the Bolboci Lake and Ialomița Cave to the famous Babele and the Sphinx, rock formations located on the way to Caraiman Peak.
Clay Castle
Located in Porumbacu de Sus, Sibiu county, the Clay Castle from Valea Zânelor was built by hand, at the initiative of a couple from Bucharest, who decided to sell their house and to buy a plot of land on the banks of the Porumbacu River. With the help of an architect and craftsmen from Maramureș, they managed to create this place straight out of fairy tales.
At the moment, the interior of the castle is still unfinished, but that doesn't mean there aren't activities for tourists who decide to stop by. In addition to visiting the building itself, tourists can sit in the garden to enjoy both the charm of the surroundings and a picnic in nature.
Written by
Meet Andrei, a resident of Brașov and a passionate blogger. Andrei loves to explore the city's rich history and culture, and he shares his experiences and knowledge with his readers through his blog.
