Brasov

Brașov, one of the most beautiful and historically rich cities in Romania, has a fascinating past that dates back to the 13th century. Located in the heart of Transylvania, this medieval city was founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 under the order of King Andrew II of Hungary. It soon became a significant commercial and cultural center, attracting settlers from various ethnic backgrounds, including Saxons, Hungarians, and Romanians.
During the Middle Ages, Brașov flourished as a major trading hub due to its strategic location on important trade routes connecting Western Europe with the Ottoman Empire. The Saxon settlers built impressive fortifications to protect the city, including strong defensive walls, bastions, and towers. The Black Church, the most famous Gothic monument in Romania, was built during this time and remains one of the city's most iconic landmarks.
Brașov played a crucial role in the cultural and political life of Transylvania. In the 16th century, it became a center for printing and education, with the first Romanian-language book printed here by Deacon Coresi. The city also played a key part in Romania’s struggle for national unity, with revolutionaries such as Andrei Șaguna advocating for the rights of Romanians in Transylvania.
Throughout its history, Brașov experienced periods of prosperity and hardship. During the Austro-Hungarian rule in the 19th century, the city continued to develop, with the construction of elegant buildings and modern infrastructure. After World War I, Brașov became part of Romania, and in the communist era, it underwent rapid industrialization.
Today, Brașov is one of Romania’s top tourist destinations, attracting visitors with its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to the Carpathian Mountains. The old town, with its charming squares, historical landmarks, and cobbled streets, offers a glimpse into the city's rich past. Whether exploring the Black Church, walking along the ancient city walls, or taking a cable car ride to Mount Tâmpa, visitors can experience the unique blend of history and natural beauty that defines Brașov.
It is a mandatory stop for any tour of Romania.

Council Square (Piața Sfatului) and the Council House (Casa Sfatului) in Brașov are two of the most important and iconic attractions in the city, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into its medieval history and the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Town.
Council Square, also known as the Great Square, is the historical heart of Brașov. Over the centuries, it has witnessed numerous important events, including markets, public gatherings, and cultural events. The square was once the center of commerce and social life, and today, it remains a lively place where both locals and tourists gather to enjoy the atmosphere and explore the surrounding historic buildings.
One of the most significant buildings surrounding Council Square is the Council House, an impressive structure with a remarkable history. Built in the 15th century, the Council House served as the seat of the city authorities and the local council. Over time, the building was expanded and renovated, but it has retained its medieval charm, making it a true architectural gem. Today, the Council House houses the Brașov History Museum, a place where visitors can learn about the city’s development from its founding to the present day.
The Council House stands out with its Gothic architecture, showcasing details characteristic of the medieval period. Its façade is adorned with ironwork, and the building’s tower, known as the Council Tower, offers a panoramic view of the square and the city. The tower was historically used as an observation point for city defense and as a watchtower to warn residents of any danger.
It is recommended to choose a hotel in or in the proximity of the Council Square for a better experience of your vacation time in Brasov.

The Black Church (Biserica Neagră) in Brașov is one of the most significant landmarks in Romania, both in terms of its historical importance and architectural beauty. Standing proudly in the heart of the city, it is a symbol of Brașov’s rich cultural and religious heritage, attracting visitors from all over the world.
The church’s history dates back to the late 14th century, when it was originally built as a Catholic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Black Church, however, earned its name after a devastating fire in 1689, which destroyed much of the city and left the church’s walls blackened by smoke and soot. Despite the extensive damage, the church was later restored and remained a key place of worship, eventually becoming a Lutheran church after the Protestant Reformation.
Architecturally, the Black Church is a masterpiece of Gothic style, with its towering spire and intricate details. The building is notable for its impressive size, being one of the largest churches in the region. The interior of the church is equally stunning, with a magnificent altar, a collection of medieval wall paintings, and a series of intricately carved pews. One of the church’s most famous features is its pipe organ, which is considered one of the largest in Europe, with over 4,000 pipes.
The Black Church is also home to an important collection of artifacts, including religious items and textiles, which reflect the city’s historical connection to the Lutheran faith. In addition, the church’s bell tower offers visitors a spectacular view of the surrounding area, including the Old Town and the Carpathian Mountains.
Today, the Black Church remains an active place of worship and is one of Brașov’s most visited attractions. It holds regular services and hosts concerts, particularly organ recitals, making it a cultural and religious center for both locals and tourists. The church’s rich history, impressive architecture, and role as a cultural hub make it an essential stop for anyone exploring Brașov.

The medieval walls, towers, bastions, and gates of Brașov are some of the most impressive historical landmarks in Transylvania, offering a fascinating journey into the city’s fortified past. Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, these defensive structures played a crucial role in protecting Brașov from invaders and preserving its status as an important commercial and cultural center. Today, they remain a testament to the city's medieval strength and architectural ingenuity.
The Fortified Walls and Towers
Brașov’s medieval walls originally encircled the entire city, forming a strong and imposing defensive system. Made of stone and brick, these walls were up to 12 meters high and several meters thick, with numerous towers and bastions providing additional protection. Although parts of the walls have been lost over time, large sections still remain, allowing visitors to experience the city’s historic fortifications firsthand.
Among the most famous defensive towers are the White Tower (Turnul Alb) and the Black Tower (Turnul Negru). The White Tower, standing on a hill above the city, provided a crucial lookout point and offers panoramic views of Brașov today. The Black Tower, which was struck by lightning and partially burned in the past, is not entirely black but retains its historical significance as part of the city’s fortifications. Both towers now serve as museums, showcasing medieval artifacts and offering insight into Brașov’s defensive history.
The Bastions of Brașov
The city’s defense system also included a series of bastions, built and maintained by Brașov’s powerful guilds. These bastions served as additional strongholds, each assigned to different groups of craftsmen who took responsibility for their upkeep and defense. Some of the best-preserved bastions include:
Weavers’ Bastion (Bastionul Țesătorilor) – One of the largest and best-preserved bastions in Brașov, built and maintained by the city’s weavers’ guild. Today, it houses a museum showcasing Brașov’s medieval history and the impressive model of the city’s old fortifications.
Blacksmiths’ Bastion (Bastionul Fierarilor) – Located near the Black Church, this bastion played a key role in defending the southern part of the city.
Graft Bastion (Bastionul Graft) – Connecting the White Tower to the rest of the fortifications, this bastion was essential for city defense and has been restored for visitors to explore.
The Medieval Gates of Brașov
Brașov’s fortified walls also featured several gates, controlling access to the city and ensuring security. The most famous of these include:
Catherine’s Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei) – Built in the 16th century, this is the only remaining original city gate. Its distinctive fairy-tale-like towers make it one of the most picturesque landmarks in Brașov. The four small towers on top symbolized the city's right to administer justice, including capital punishment.
Schei Gate (Poarta Schei) – Constructed later in the 19th century, this gate was built to allow Romanian residents to enter the city, as they were historically restricted from using Catherine’s Gate.
Brașov’s Fortifications Today
Today, Brașov’s medieval walls, towers, bastions, and gates stand as remarkable relics of the city’s rich past. Walking along the fortifications, visitors can immerse themselves in the medieval atmosphere while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding Carpathian Mountains. These historical landmarks not only highlight Brașov’s strategic importance but also serve as a cultural treasure for Romania, making the city a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. They can be easily seen in a walking tour of Brasov.

The First Romanian School and Saint Nicholas Church are two of the most significant historical and cultural landmarks in Brașov, located in the picturesque Șcheii Brașovului district. These sites offer a deep insight into the city’s educational and religious heritage, marking key moments in the development of Romanian language, literature, and Orthodox traditions.
The First Romanian School – A Center of Education and Culture
The First Romanian School, established in the late 16th century, is an emblematic institution for Romanian history. Located within the Saint Nicholas Church complex, it was the first documented school where teaching was conducted in Romanian, marking a crucial step in preserving and developing the national identity.
One of the most remarkable figures associated with the school is Diaconul Coresi, a scholar and printer who worked tirelessly to translate and print some of the first Romanian-language books. His contributions helped spread literacy and Orthodox teachings among Romanians at a time when most religious and educational texts were written in Old Church Slavonic.
Today, the school functions as a museum, displaying a collection of old manuscripts, the first printed books in Romanian, and original wooden desks used by students centuries ago. Visitors can explore historic classrooms and admire the vast collection of cultural artifacts, including old printing presses and religious documents. The museum also houses rare paintings, icons, and exhibits showcasing the evolution of Romanian education over the centuries.
Saint Nicholas Church – A Jewel of Orthodox Architecture
Right next to the First Romanian School stands Saint Nicholas Church, one of the most impressive Orthodox churches in Transylvania. Originally built in the 14th century from wood, the church was later reconstructed in stone in a blend of Gothic and Baroque styles, with stunning frescoes and intricate architectural details.
The church has long been a spiritual and cultural center for the Romanian community in Brașov. Over the centuries, it has been expanded and adorned with beautiful Byzantine-style frescoes, which depict religious scenes and historical figures. The church’s iconostasis, richly decorated with gold and intricate carvings, is one of its most striking features.
Many prominent historical figures have been associated with Saint Nicholas Church, including Romanian rulers and scholars who contributed to the development of national culture and education. The churchyard also houses several important tombstones and monuments dedicated to significant personalities in Romanian history.