Unseen Romania

Brasov - Part of the "Heart" of Romania

Brasov is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Romania. And with good reason. A visit here will provide you with so many pleasant surprises and experiences that it will be difficult for you to ever leave. And if you do, you are guaranteed to come back.

Brasov Location and History

Brasov is positioned close to the center of Romania in the region of Transylvania. The city has a long history that goes back to medieval times. The settlement went through a lot of trials and tribulations during its existence. It had to resist plague, various Turkish attacks, a period of Austro-Hungarian domination and the devastating consequences of World War II.

Still, Brasov was such of an oasis of beauty that providence did not permit it to be buried by the difficulties of history. Not only has it recovered beautifully after every fall, but it developed rapidly, thus becoming one of the most important Romanian cities today.

Mountains near Brasov

Brasov is watched over by mountains which surround the city. That is why it is a point of attraction to professional or amateur climbers and skiers everywhere as they have plenty of options to choose from. Fagaras Mountains are a very popular destination as they incorporate the highest Romanian cliffs, Moldoveanu and Negoiu, with over 2500 meters each.

The Bucegi (with Omu peak), Tampa, Piatra Craiului and Piatra Mare Mountains are also targeted by tourists who choose to spend their holidays in this region. The latter is also the location of a superb canyon called “7 Stairs” due to the fact that it is made out of 7 successive waterfalls. The place is one of the main attractions of the area and is annually visited by thousands of tourists. Postavaru Mountain particularly stands out thanks to the trendy resort Poiana Brasov (“Brasov Meadow”). The place is literally taken by storm especially during the skiing season by joyful tourists from all over Romania and beyond its borders who are eager to take advantage of all the facilities the resort has to offer. This area is not only suitable for those passionate about climbing or skiing, but also for those who adore nature, with all its wide-ranging plants and creatures. 

Churches in Brasov

Maybe you are more of a conventional person and venturing on the mountains or in the forests is not exactly your idea of a good time. But it will be impossible for you not to enjoy the incredibly fresh air and the stress-free atmosphere you will find in the city. And there are so many other activities you can conduct around here that you will surely have enough options to choose from to have a great time.

For instance, if you are constantly looking to strengthen your bond with the divinity or to study religion, there are several places where you can reach these objectives.  Saint Bartholomew Church is considered to be the most ancient construction in Brasov. Built in the 13th century, it constitutes a monument definitely worth visiting, as you can thus have the opportunity of contemplating its blend of gothic and roman elements. Saint Nicholas Church is another sacred destination in Brasov. It not only impresses its visitors with its great proportions, but also with the frescos and the Romanian personalities who are buried here. While you are around this area, you can take the opportunity of having a look at the first Romanian school (dating back to 1495) and the museums inside.

Brasov's Black Church 

  Nevertheless, the most famous religious landmark of Brasov is the Black Church. Built somewhere in the 14th – 15th century, it was named this way after it surpassed a great fire in 1689. The cathedral is built in gothic style and has impressive sizes. The monument is also renowned for its 6 tones bell, the biggest organ from South-Eastern Europe and a remarkable collection of oriental carpets. Other beautiful churches you can consider visiting in Brasov are “Sfanta Treime” Church (“The Holy Trinity” Church), the Catholic Church, “Saint John” Church, “Saint Martin” Church, the Assumption of the Virgin Church etc.

Council Square and Council House

Located close to the Black Church, Piata Sfatului (“Council Square”) represents another milestone that made Brasov widely known. It is here where local inhabitants organized commercial fairs during the medieval and modern eras. Even today, it remains the main meeting point for local residents and the place where all the important local events take place. From here you can easily get to the old city hall named Casa Sfatului (“Council House”) which currently hosts the History Museum.

If you want to take a walk on the ancient streets of Brasov, Strada Republicii (the “Republic Street”) is a good place to start. This is also the ideal place to go shopping, especially if you are looking for some souvenirs to take back home. The shops offer a lot of handicraft products, like carpets, wood artifacts and many others. Furthermore, if you want to go to a place that comprises a wide variety of merchandise, the “Star” commercial complex could be one alternative not very far away from Republicii Street. 

Next - Fun in Brasov and The Legend of Dracula  

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