Romania city of Brasov. Center of Romania - Brasov City and Attractions. Excursions in Brasov and the surrounding area
Brasov is a small, charming town in the heart of Transylvania. During our trip, it was our base, from where we made forays to attractions in different parts of the country..
And now I invite you to walk with us
along the streets of Brasov.
You can start our walk directly from our hotel :) Villa Crocus in Poiana Brasov - a ski resort above the city that is not crowded in the off-season.
Most of the time we were the only guests in the entire hotel :)
It is better to get to the city from Poiana. Walking along the serpentines is unsafe and takes a very long time... But here we are in the city.
Gate of St. Catherine. Old entrance to the fortified center of Brasov. Four small turrets at the corners mean that the ruler of the city had the right to impose the death penalty.
There is an entrance for vehicles nearby :)
One of the city's attractions: the narrowest street in Europe - Thread Street. Its width is a little more than a meter, length - about 80.
The main attraction of Brasov: the Black Church. It is called the largest Gothic church between Istanbul and Vienna. Difficult to define, but the church is still impressive!
There is a monument to Johannes Honterus near the church. Born in Brasov, he became a famous preacher of Lutheranism and initiator of the Reformation in Transylvania.
The real name of the Black Church is St. Mary's Church. It was built in the 14th century, and it received the name Chernaya after a fire that occurred during the Turkish War in 1689.
City Hall of Brasov. On the facade you can see the city's coat of arms - a crown with roots.
The original name of the city was Corona. Subsequently, it changed its names several times, and among them were such as Stefanopolis, Kronstadt, Stalin (!) and, now again, Brasov.
Now the entire center of Brasov belongs to tourists. Shops, restaurants, city cafes.. Even the musical accompaniment has an unexpectedly Latin American quality:)
The City Hall of Brasov is the Romanian name for the city government. Previously, the Palace of Justice was located here.
The building is not very remarkable, but in the rays of the evening sun everything is so picturesque...
We wanted to have a snack at a hunting restaurant. We had one reason for this...
Here we could try bear meat :) It turned out that bears on the street are not a joke at all. Romania has the largest population of wild bears in Europe, and in the vicinity of Brasov there are even more of them than can be fed in natural conditions!
Here, in fact, is the bear :) And, of course, with hominy! In general, in Romania they believe in hominy! :) By the way, the bear tasted just like lean beef))
However, all the food was very tasty and the ambiance was inviting. Although, for my taste, a stuffed hunter is already too much :)
These are not the outskirts of the city. More precisely, the outskirts of the center. Historical part. Despite some dilapidation, the streets make a pleasant impression...
As you approach Town Hall Square, of course, the facade of the city becomes more “ceremonial”.
The streets look clean and elegant. I would like to visit here in winter - it certainly looks like a Christmas fairy tale.
And here we are again on the square. Previously, at the top, on the mountain, where the letters of the “Hollywood” name of the city now stand, there was a small fortress that was part of the city’s defense complex.
And here is another church on Town Hall Square. Romanian Orthodox Council.
26.
On the way, we stop at an observation deck above the city. You can clearly see where the historical city ends and more modern development begins.
“At home” a fireplace and a hot dinner await us. The hostess personally accepts our wishes, whatever we would like. Then her loud orders to the cook are heard from the kitchen :)
But we still have a lot of interesting things to see in Romania! And last but not least - Bran, the famous Dracula castle, which is located not far from Brasov. About him - in!
In this entry:
Vila Crocus.
Along the streets of Brasov.
Fried bear.
From the observation deck...
Excursions here
If you want a city tour, here is a selection of the most popular ones. Some are now at a discount - hurry to book!
Historical city center
Among the attractions of Brasov, one can note the historical center of the city itself, the Black Church.
The houses of the city are said to be very similar to Salzburg, but I cannot confirm this since I have not been there. In general, the atmosphere of such a Middle Ages with modern splendor has been well preserved here. Judge for yourself:
The old center itself is predominantly pedestrian, with a couple of large highways. The entire complex is quite large. It takes about 3 hours to see the main thing and 6 hours to walk around it completely (this includes observation platforms and the fortress wall).
The city of Brasov was originally called Kronstadt. Who borrowed the name from whom is a question. After all, in Russia, off the coast of the northern capital, there is also the island of the same name, Kronstadt. The city was founded by the Teutonic Order. Here's what Wikipedia says about this:
Woof informs: The Kronstadt fortress was founded in 1211 by the Teutonic Order. It was first mentioned as Brasov in 1251. In medieval documents the city was called Brasco, Brasso, Stephanopolis, Kronstadt and Brasov.
Brasov is one of the main cultural and historical centers of the Transylvanian Saxons. Thanks to its favorable geographical location and trade links with Moldova and Wallachia, the city became one of the most important economic centers of Transylvania.
Johannes Honterus, leader of the Transylvanian Protestants, was born and died in Brasov. It was here that he organized the first printing house in Transylvania (in 1535), and it was here that the first printed book in the Romanian language was published. Already in 1559 there was a Romanian-language school here - probably the first in the country.
In 1987, the people of Brasov rose up against the Ceausescu regime. These events went down in history as the Brasov uprising.
You can eat here in Brasov. There are a large number of cozy and cute cafes where you can sit. The average bill is 40-60 lei. A cozy atmosphere, delicious food and polite waitresses are guaranteed.
Central Square and Black Church
The central dominant of the old town is the old square. This is where the town hall stands (probably an attribute of any ancient city) and a well where everyone throws coins for good luck.
The “Black Church” is very close. An old Gothic temple with interesting tiles. It is considered the largest monument of Gothic architecture in Romania. Probably everyone has a question, why “Black”? In fact, this is the Church of St. Mary, built in the 1380s!!!
Woof informs: During the Great Turkish War, Austrian troops burned the city. And the church too. It was all charred and smoked, and turned black. That’s what everyone began to call it – the Black Church. It was from this popular name that the name later came.
And now there is an entrance fee...
The cost of visiting the Black Church is 8 lei, for students – 5 lei.
Now the church has been cleaned and made quite newfangled. However, in my opinion, the restoration did not go unnoticed. Moreover, there was a fee to enter the church. 8 lei, 5 – for students. There's nothing to see inside. The same Gothic cathedral in Alba Iulia is much cooler, so I didn’t focus on this church. But for the sake of completeness, you can stop by for a while.
Nitochka Street
Another attraction of this city is Nitochka Street. A very narrow small street, which is considered one of the narrowest in Europe.
Walk along it and you will feel like you are in the Middle Ages. Although it won't work. In the Middle Ages, another tub of poop was poured on top. This won’t happen here, you can be happy. 🙂
Brasov in Hollywood style
What is the hallmark of Romanian cities? You won't guess. These are awesome big letters on the hills with Hollywood style. Moreover, they are found almost everywhere. I myself saw them in Diva, in Rasnov. They are also in Brasov. By the way, you can climb up to them. There is a lift there that offers excellent views of the old city.
From above you can see that the entire city is surrounded almost everywhere by an old fortress wall.
And where it is not fenced, there are works of architecture - administrative buildings and banks:
Viewpoints in Brasov
It costs 16 lei to go up the funicular, 8 lei for a child. Open until 17.00
There are two of them in Brasov. One is located on the mountain, where the letters of the same name stand, the other can be reached on foot.
To climb the mountain there is a funicular that runs back and forth every half hour. It costs 16 lei per person, 8 lei per child. Open until 5 pm (we didn’t have time – sorry). See the location on the map below. Unfortunately, I didn’t get there, so I went to another site.
You can reach it with your paws. In fact, this is a watchtower of the old city, which stands somewhere on the side. See the map below for its location. Let me show you!
Black church and inscription on the mountain
To summarize, I would like to note that you can see the city of Brasov, wander through the old streets, get imbued with, so to speak, medieval culture, feel it. It's quite cozy and interesting here. Here, for example, is the old gate to the city:
The guys apparently loved Disney :) Or has Disney ever been here? Who knows?)))
Well, how can we do without “Ainanane, take a ride on a luxurious carriage?” There are gypsies in Brasov, and there are also a lot of people on horses and carts. But this does not at all prevent you from enjoying the ancient streets. On the contrary, it adds color.
Why is Brasov a city with a “male face”?
Well, now the most important thing. Why is Brasov a city with a masculine “face”, you ask, but the answer is already nearby. I don’t know who this brilliant designer is, but associatively... In general, you understand why:
Nothing like that, just a tree in a crown 😉
Woof informs: The city's location at the crossroads of trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and western Europe, coupled with exemption from certain taxes, allowed Saxon merchants to acquire considerable wealth and exert strong political influence in the region. This is reflected in the German name of the city of Kronstadt, as well as in its Latin name - Corona, which means Crowned City. Hence the city’s coat of arms, which depicts a crown with oak roots).
This is where my trip to Brasov ended. And I invite you to visit with me the next attraction, which is just around the corner. This - . Well, let's go look for vampires?
And of course, in Gavrezyum there is a map.
- The cost of a trip from Sinaia to Brasov is 17.5 lei. The entire journey is approximately 50 km or 45 hours of your time. The trains run different. There is also comfort, there are also our electric trains. I advise you to travel in comfort, there is a lot of ainanane on the road. Tickets online or in terminals are cheaper.
- The cost of entry to the Black Church is 8 lei, for students – 5 lei.
- I would allocate 2 days to Brasov. Very colorful streets, medieval romanticism. Be sure to go up to the observation deck (Cost 16 lei for adults, 8 lei for children. It goes every half hour, open until 5 o’clock. Although there is a free option)
- You can eat in the city center. There are a lot of cafes in the old square. On average – 20-50 lei per person. I recommend the Transylvania cafe. Very tasty and at reasonable prices.
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When at the Serbian-Romanian border the border guard interrogated us with passion, one of the last questions was: “Where are you going in Romania?” Of course, I could have answered that we were going to the gypsies and stayed at the border for a deeper inspection. Therefore, after thinking a little, he said: “To Brasov.” At this point the conversation ended and we were released. Brasov is the place in Romania where everyone goes. Even in the capital of the country, Bucharest, according to locals, there is absolutely nothing to do. But in Brasov it’s a different matter; it’s like Sochi, the center of resort tourism in summer and ski tourism in winter.
Rasnov
We decided to spend the night in Brasov, having arrived there from Bran and seeing along the way another town worthy of attention - Rasnov. The most interesting thing in Rasnov is on the hill. There is a medieval fortress there, built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order in 1215. One of Ryshnov’s urban legends says that during one particularly long siege, the city’s residents were very short of drinking water. Tormented by thirst, they captured two Turkish prisoners and forced them to dig a well in the center of the fortress. In order to somehow motivate them to work actively, they promised to grant them freedom as soon as the task was completed. The Turks completed the task in just 17 years, but they were still killed. Apparently, all acceptable deadlines have been exceeded. This well is still there today, its depth is 62 meters. When excavations were recently carried out there, the bones of two people were found at the bottom.
Hostel
When we arrived in Brasov, it was already dark. In "Hostelworld" we found the "Rolling Stone Hostel", not far from the city center, and rented a separate two-room apartment without windows for 60 lei (1000 rubles). A pleasant girl-administrator gave us a tour of the hostel, told us where to go in the city, what to see and where we could go tomorrow, recommending a visit to Sinaia.
We had a quick snack. that we bought in advance from Lidl. Still a handy thing, a multitool. I usually have two tools with me when I travel - a “rat” (a very sharp folding knife) for complex work and this one multitool Expedition for everyday use. Here you will find pliers, a corkscrew, a beer opener, scissors, and a bunch of other things.
Night Brasov
And we set off to wander around Brasov at night.
In the old days, Brasov was called Kronstadt and Oraşul-Stalin. It is also called the Romanian Salzburg because of the Gothic quarters of the old city. The city was founded by the same Teutonic knights. And in 1987, Brasov became the first city to rebel against the Ceausescu regime. And the first book in Romanian was also published, guess where.
Church (Orthodox) of St. Nicholas:
The Black Church, also known as the Church (Lutheran) of St. Mary. According to one good urban legend, during construction one boy pestered the workers, repeating that one of the walls was uneven. Then the builder threw the child from the tower and then walled up his corpse to hide his crime. Organ concerts are also held here.
Daytime Brasov
The next morning we decided to walk around the city again and see it in daylight.
Brasov turned out to be a really very beautiful city.
A black church is not so black during the day. And if you don’t know the legend about the boy killed by a construction worker, it’s even very cute.
Town Square:
Some Romanian cities in the Carpathian region are "signed" on the adjacent hills. The same inscription was seen in Rasnov. You can climb the hills by cable car. From there you have a good view of the city.
We limited ourselves to a panorama of the square (clickable) :)
Severe Romanian Louboutins:
Yards
But this is all a cover and showcase of the city. It is worth looking into any courtyard facing the polished central street, and there you can see the real state of affairs in the country.
Grandfather.
I love mailboxes.
Graffiti. The inscription in Romanian: “The devil knows what?”
Palm Sunday
In Romania, worship crosses are found everywhere. This Palm Sunday morning they had a particularly large crowd.
Orthodox Romanians go to church.
Instead of willow branches, Romanians have willow branches, symbolizing palm branches.
Brasov Park, where interesting mosaics are displayed along the alley.
Rome
The Capitoline she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. The name of the country Romania comes from the word “Roman” - from the time of the conquest of these lands by the Romans. Gold mining took place here, and colonists moved here.
With the next part I will complete the story about the beautiful country of Romania: there will be several photographs of the poorest region of the country - Wallachia and the gypsy village of Glod, where the film "Borat" was filmed.
More stories about this trip:
I fell in love with Brasov at first sight; the city captivated me with its fabulous atmosphere and interesting history. The central part of Brasov, which includes the Old Town, which for a long time was the territory of Brasov, is quite small. It seems to me that you can walk around it endlessly, constantly discovering new details of ancient buildings and new remarkable restaurants and bars.
Brasov is located in the southeast of Transylvania, which for a long time belonged to the lands of the Hungarian crown, so the Hungarian influence is sometimes felt in the city. However, the history of Brasov and a significant part of its culture is connected with the German population. Brasov is the center of the historical region of Tsara-Birsei, which is also called Barcaság in Hungarian and Burzenland in German. The resettlement of Germans to this region began at the end of the 12th century, when the Hungarian king decided to attract German craftsmen. These settlers were called "Transylvanian Saxons". Despite the fact that the entire region in general, and Brasov in particular, was largely abandoned by the German population after World War II, the historical influence is felt in the modern city.
Like other Transylvanian place names, Brasov has both a Hungarian and a German name. In Hungarian he calls it similar - Brassó, but its German name is . Brasov changed its name in the first years of the communist dictatorship. For ten years it was called Orașul Stalin, that is, Stalin's city.
Currently, Brasov ranks only eighth in terms of population among Romanian cities. However, it retains its importance in industrial terms. Brasov, thanks to its history and culture, has become an important tourist destination in recent years. According to my impression, in the last few years the city has been actively developing in the tourist direction, buildings are being restored, interesting events are being held and new establishments are opening.
How to get there
There is no direct connection between Moscow, St. Petersburg and Brasov by any means of transport other than a car. The 1,800-kilometer-long road trip, including overnight stays on the road, will take one and a half to two days. In my opinion, the most convenient way is to fly to one of the nearest Romanian airports (Sibiu) and take a bus from there. If you are afraid of flying, you can travel from Moscow by bus or train to Chisinau, and from there by bus to Brasov.
By plane
The airport in Brasov was supposed to be built by 2016, but so far the city still does not have an airport. Brasov is approximately equally distant at 150-200 kilometers from the airports of three other Romanian cities: Bucharest, Targu Mures and Sibiu. Of these, the best connection with Moscow and St. Petersburg is, of course, the airport in Bucharest (read about flights and prices in the corresponding section of the article about). But low-cost airlines fly to Targu Mures airport. For example, Wizz Air operates flights to from Budapest (on average, about 30 EUR). In turn, Wizz Air flies to from Moscow (about 50 EUR) and from St. Petersburg (about 70 EUR). Price options can be viewed.
From Bucharest, Sibiu or Targu Mures you can reach Brasov by bus or train.
By train
To get to Brasov from Moscow using exclusively rail transport, you will have to change trains at least twice. As noted above, you first need to get from Moscow to Chisinau. Unfortunately, Brasov and Chisinau do not have a direct railway connection and you will have to travel by train with a transfer through Bucharest. I think this option takes too much time. Taking into account transfers, the travel time will be almost 50 hours and will cost about 120 EUR.
Approximately 20 trains a day depart from Bucharest to Brasov between 6:00 and 22:00. Travel time and ticket price depend on the type of train. I prefer the fastest train, which takes two and a half hours to Brasov. Unfortunately, this train is also the most expensive. A one-way ticket costs approximately 11 EUR. The slowest train takes almost 4 hours, but a ticket costs only 5.3 EUR.
Brasov is also connected by rail to other Romanian cities in Transylvania, as well as to Hungarian cities (for example, Budapest) and Vienna. Personally, the journey even to Budapest seemed endlessly long to me, unlike the special fast train to, in other directions the trains are terribly slow. Detailed information about timetables and ticket prices can be found on the Romanian Railways website.
Brasov Railway Station (Gara Brașov, Bulevardul Gării 1A) is a pompous communist-era building. It is located three and a half kilometers from the Old Town. I usually get there on foot: there are only 3.5 km between the station and the Old Town, and you can walk there in 40-45 minutes. It is also possible to get there by buses No. 4 or No. 51. If you need to take a taxi, it is better to call it by phone or move a little further from the station (for information about the features of taxis in Brasov, see the “Taxi” section).
By bus
Unlike trains, there are direct buses between Brasov and Chisinau, which means you can get from Moscow by bus with only one transfer. The travel time will be about 45 hours, and the cost of this option is about 140 EUR. I tried the Chisinau - Brasov bus only once and was very dissatisfied with the age of the bus. So, when trying to travel by bus from Moscow, you should be prepared for anything.
Buses from Bucharest to Brasov take longer than the high-speed train due to the characteristics of the roads and terrain. Travel time will be 3 hours 30 minutes or 3 hours 45 minutes. At the same time, a bus ticket will cost more than a train ticket, which takes the same time (9 EUR). As for other cities with airports closest to Brasov, the bus from Sibiu takes 2-3 hours and the ticket costs about 6 EUR. The bus from Targu Mures goes about the same and costs a little more (6.5 EUR). Unlike trains to Bucharest, trains to Sibiu and Targu Mures are slower, so I recommend buses.
In addition to Romanian cities, Brasov is connected by bus to Hungarian, Austrian, and German cities. Most international flights are operated by Eurolines.
In my opinion, the main difficulty in using intercity and international buses in Brasov is the presence of many bus stations. I advise you to carefully check when purchasing which bus the bus you want departs from. Most of them are located at a distance of 3-4 kilometers from the center. As in the case of the train station, taking a taxi near bus stations is also not worth it.
By car
From Moscow
The route to Brasov from Moscow is about 1,800 kilometers long, and the driving time itself will be about a day. However, it is better to plan at least one overnight stay along the way. A factor that can significantly increase travel time is crossing borders. On this route you will have to cross three state borders.
As you can see on the map, after Kyiv there are two route options: northern (via Balti) and southern (via Chisinau). I happened to go with both one and the other. In my opinion, the roads are better on the southern route. However, this route passes through the territory of Transnistria, which can significantly increase travel time due to the border crossing procedure. Therefore, in my opinion, it is optimal to prefer the northern route option.
There are toll roads in Moldova and Romania, so you will have to purchase a vignette. Moldovan costs 4 EUR, and Romanian – 3 EUR for 7 days. Be careful, unlike the Moldovan one, the Romanian vignette is not sold near border points. It can be purchased at gas stations (Rompetrol, Petrom and OMV) or ordered online.
From Saint-Petersburg
What are the prices for holidays?
In general, in terms of price level, Brasov is cheaper than Bucharest and other large Romanian cities. However, the tourism industry here is not so developed, so prices for some tourism services, including accommodation, are higher than one might expect.
Housing
A double room in a hotel in the Old Town will cost about 30 EUR in the cheapest option. The average cost of hotel rooms in the city is about 60 EUR. You can save money by renting an apartment or room through Airbnb. Brasov has a huge selection of excellent apartments in the very center for 25-30 EUR. The rooms are not much cheaper, about 20-25 EUR for options in the Old Town. Brasov has a large selection of hostels. For a place in a dormitory room you will have to pay approximately 10 EUR, and for a double room 20-25 EUR.
Nutrition
Brasov has low prices in cafes and restaurants. On average, lunch for two will cost 20 EUR. A cup of coffee costs about 1 EUR, as does a glass of beer. Groceries in supermarkets are inexpensive, but you can save even more by buying them at local markets.
Transport
Brasov has cheap public transport and taxi services. However, you should be careful when using a taxi so as not to unknowingly pay a double or even triple fare.
Excursions
In this regard, Brasov has average prices. As mentioned above, the cost in the tourism sector is higher due to little competition. Therefore, participation in a group excursion will cost 15-20 EUR, and individual excursions cost from 50 EUR. Everything related to Dracula is especially expensive (for example, excursions from Brasov to Bran Castle).
Clue:
Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things
Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub Romanian Leu, lei
Main attractions. What to see
The main attractions of Brasov are concentrated in the Old Town area, which was originally the entire city, and the Shei area, which was a Bulgarian and later Romanian suburb. From the point of view of history and architecture, all of these areas are huge attractions.
Therefore, I advise you, when walking here, to carefully look at the details that ancient buildings can delight you with. My favorite pastime while walking around Brasov is trying to guess the cultural influences in the urban environment, which, with such an intersection of trends, is a whole puzzle.
In order to better understand the intricate history of Brasov, I advise you to take part in a free tour, which takes place every day, regardless of the weather. The group gathers at six in the evening near the fountain in the main square (Piata Sfatului). The tour lasts from two hours (sometimes two and a half hours) and includes the main attractions of both the Old Town and Shei.
Top 5
Old city
The main attraction of Brasov is its historical center, the Old Town. It is difficult for me to single out individual attractions from it, since the unique atmosphere of this place is made up of the combination of all its cobbled squares, narrow streets and ancient buildings. It is by walking here that you can feel the long and intense history of the city, as well as the intersection of cultural influences.
The most famous building here is the Black Church (Biserica Neagră), which will be discussed in the “Churches” section. Particularly popular with both tourists and local residents is Rope Street (Strada Sforii), which is one of the narrowest in Europe. It appeared in the 17th century and initially served as a fire corridor.
Shay (Șcheii Brașovului)
The historic district adjacent to the Old Town was once a suburb. However, it was initially inhabited mainly by ethnic Bulgarians, who were invited to the city at the end of the 14th century as skilled craftsmen to participate in the restoration of the city. By the 19th century, this population was almost completely Romanianized. For a long time, Shay was a rural suburb, its residents were prohibited from settling in the Old Town, and they had to pay a fee to enter it. Although Shay has long been a full-fledged part of the city, its semi-rural charm, low-rise buildings and proximity to nature still remain.
City Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei and Poarta Schei).
Historically fortified by the fortress, the Old Town had several suburbs, with which it was connected by border gates. Few gates have survived to this day; Catherine’s Gate and the Shei Gate are of particular interest to travelers. Catherine's Gate has existed since the 16th century. However, as a result of fires and floods, they were rebuilt more than once, but generally retained their medieval appearance with pointed towers. It was through these gates that the Romanian population of Shei could enter the Old Town.
Its neighboring Shey Gate was built in the first half of the 19th century to relieve pressure and traffic on Catherine's Gate. The gate has a neoclassical appearance, reminiscent of a triumphal arch. A small gate on the side of the main one was intended for pedestrians.
Mount Tâmpa
This mountain, over 900 meters high, is located in the center of Brasov, and at its foot lies the Old Town and Shei. In my opinion, climbing Mount Tempa is an obligatory part of visiting Brasov, as it offers a breathtaking view of Brasov. On clear days, not only the city itself is visible, but also all its surroundings. There is a developed tourist infrastructure here, there are cafes and restaurants, as well as a natural park. There are many scenic trails leading up the mountain, along which you can reach the top of the mountain in an hour. However, I recommend going down them and going up the mountain by cable car, which will take your breath away - the views are so beautiful.
The cable car leads to a mark of 940 meters, from there in 5 minutes you can walk to the Brasov sign, the inscription that adorns Timpa. Please note that the cable car operates from 9:30 to 16:00 every day except Monday. The travel ticket costs 3.5 EUR.
Fortification of Brasov (Fortificațiile Brașovului)
Brasov is a city located at the crossroads of many paths and influences. Due to its strategic position, it was often attacked. For protection, the city was surrounded by a fortress wall, and entry into the Old City through the city gates was strictly regulated. Currently, several towers, bastions and a small section of the fortress wall itself have been preserved from the fortress.
However, not far from the city center, a citadel (Cetățuia de pe Strajă) has been preserved on a hill. Initially, it was located outside the city and guarded the approaches to it, so it was destroyed more than once. In the 17th century it acquired its current appearance, but lost its military purpose. Since then, this complex has served as a warehouse, barracks, prison, archive, and eventually became one of the main tourist attractions.
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?
Residents of Brasov are proud of the history of their city, so most museums are dedicated to history in one way or another:
Parks
If in Brasov you want to visit nature, then I recommend, first of all, going to Mount Timpa. City parks, in my opinion, have nothing to contrast with its monumental picturesqueness, however, they also have their own charm. A green area of several parks surrounds the Old Town to the north and west. Of particular importance among them is Central Park(Parcul Central Nicolae Titulescu). It bears the name of the Romanian politician and diplomat Nicolae Titulescu, who became famous for being the President of the League of Nations.
The park arose at the end of the 19th century on the site of a former deserted customs zone preceding the entrance to the city. It often changed names and modernized to become better. Now there are alleys with rare trees, fountains, statues, flower beds - an ideal place to take a break from the bustle of the city near the Old Town.
Tourist streets
In my opinion, all the streets of the Old Town are vying for the title of “tourist streets”. Each can delight the traveler with its historical atmosphere and beautiful ancient buildings.
However, two are particularly significant:
[Add a screenshot of a map with street markers]
What to see in 1 day
Although Brasov is a small city, it is full of interesting sights, museums and natural delights. Therefore, if you only have one day, I advise you to start early:
- 8:00–10:00 – time for a morning walk around the Old Town. Starting in the morning, you will be able to see how the city wakes up, almost alone, without crowds, and enjoy the delights of the main square and tourist streets. I advise you to complement your walk with a cup of coffee in one of the establishments with a terrace on the pedestrian street of the Republic.
- 10:00–12:00 – on the main square there are two important museums for Brasov: the Historical Museum and the Museum of Urban Civilization. You can visit both (each will take about an hour and a half) or focus on one. If this is your first time in Transylvania or you have little idea of its history, then I definitely recommend going to the history museum. However, if you come to Brasov from another Transylvanian city, I think you will be more interested in the Museum of Urban Civilization.
- 12:00–14:00 – time to explore the remains of the city fortifications, without visiting which an acquaintance with the city can be considered incomplete. After the bastions and towers we go for lunch at one of the national restaurants in the Old Town.
- 14:00–16:00 – time to conquer Mount Tympa. Personally, I like to take the cable car up the mountain, enjoying the views, and go down along one of the many scenic trails. However, if you like walking in the mountains, you can go up the mountain on foot (it is not high, the climb takes about an hour). From the top of the mountain there is a charming view of Brasov, and especially of the Old Town, which is in full view. At the top you can also have a snack in one of the cafes.
- 16:00–18:00 – walk through the historical district of Shei. If you go down the mountain southwest of the Old City, you will find yourself in the Shay area. A walk here will allow you to feel the spirit of a medieval suburb. I recommend visiting the Museum of the First Romanian School if you are interested in Romanian culture. In my opinion, the Church of St. Nicholas is a must-visit because of its fantastically beautiful dark fresco paintings.
- 18:00–20:00 – time for a leisurely dinner. If you choose national Romanian cuisine for lunch, then for dinner I advise you to choose a Hungarian or German establishment, or vice versa. After walking through the city space, which has mixed with different cultural influences, it is also interesting to enjoy the gastronomic diversity.
- 20:00–22:00 – the ideal end to a day in Brasov, in my opinion, is to go to the hill northwest of the Old Town (you can take a taxi) and watch the dusk fall on the city and the city lights come on.
What to see in the area
Food. What to try
The cuisine of Transylvanian cities was formed under strong Hungarian and German influence. Considering that Brasov was one of the main cultural centers for the Transylvanian Saxons, the German influence in the local cuisine is especially strong. You can also still find German restaurants in the city (for example, Am Rosenanger, Piața George Enescu 13). In general, in Brasov restaurants you can try both general Romanian and Transylvanian dishes.
Three dishes particularly highlight the local cuisine:
- pike perch in Brasov style (Șalău brasovean),
- Brasov-style roll (rulou brasovean),
- Brasov pancakes (clatite brasovene).
You can find them on the menus of other cities, but it would be logical to try them in Brasov. Pike perch in Brasov is nothing unusual - just fish with vegetables. But the taste of the Brasov roll can surprise you. This dish is a minced pork roll stuffed with a boiled egg and pickled cucumber. It sounds strange, but the taste is very interesting.
Brasov pancakes are the most famous local dish. These are not just pancakes with a rich filling (minced meat, mushrooms, cheese), their specificity is that ready-made pancakes with filling are fried in breading.
If you like to cook yourself, then I recommend going to the Piata STAR market (Strada Nicolae Bălcescu 62) for groceries. It is located near the center, and there is a large selection of vegetables and fruits, as well as dairy and meat products from farms.
Budget
Mid-level
Expensive
Holidays
The main holidays and festivals occur in Brasov during Easter and November.
- At Easter, like other Romanian cities, Brasov is beautifully decorated and delights residents and guests of the city with numerous fairs. However, the most interesting things in Brasov begin after Easter: the main city holiday in Brasov is celebrated for three days. This Days of Brasov (Zilele Braşovului), which are celebrated on a special scale. I advise you to come to Brasov on these dates. These days, travelers are guaranteed complete immersion in the atmosphere of the city, as well as a wide variety of activities. For example, as part of the city day, a gastronomic festival, a masquerade, a flower fair, theatrical performances and concerts of local and invited musical groups are held. Of particular interest to tourists is the crafts fair held as part of the city day. Here you can buy handicrafts from the villages surrounding Brasov.
- Another important, and most importantly colorful holiday is the so-called "Parade of the Young" (Parada Junilor). This action takes place on Fomino Resurrection (Antipascha), that is, on the first resurrection after Easter. Seven groups of young riders descend from the Shei area into the Old Town of Brasov. On the one hand, this holiday is an interweaving of pre-Christian customs with Christian holidays and is associated with the idea of ritual “renewal” and “rebirth.” The roots of the holiday go back centuries and it was not possible to establish them precisely, but the holiday itself is associated with the customs of celebrating the New Year among the Dacians, the ancestors of the Romanians, as well as the spring festival. On the other hand, it is an important part of local folklore traditions. At the beginning, horsemen in national clothes parade through the central streets, and then the holiday continues with folk festivities and concerts.
- In November, Brasov hosts the International Festival of Opera, Operetta and Ballet (Festivalului Internaţional de Operă, Operetă şi Ballet), as well as the National Festival of Contemporary Drama (Festivalul Naţional de Teatru Contemporan). However, in my opinion, the main interest for a wide audience is the folklore festival Etnovember. The holiday made an indelible impression on me. This three-day festival celebrates Brasov's ethnic diversity. In addition to the Romanian population, Brasov is home to Hungarian, Jewish, German and other communities. During the festival, all national groups demonstrate their culture in the form of concerts, performances, exhibitions, poetry readings, etc. On the second day of the festival, a medieval market is also held, and at the end of the day there is a torchlight procession along the central streets.
Safety. What to watch out for
Brasov is a very peaceful, cozy and calm city. The center is absolutely safe at any time of the day. Unlike Bucharest, there is no problem with theft here, so you can ride the bus without fear for your belongings.
However, you should not lose your vigilance, especially during the tourist season, when local pickpockets become more active. According to statistics, the only possible problem is the risk of things being stolen from the car. The surroundings of bus stations can cause existential discomfort if you are unaccustomed to them, but they are absolutely safe.
Things to do
Although Brasov is primarily known for its history and architecture, it has a lot to offer travelers beyond its classic attractions.
Firstly, while in Brasov, you can go climb Mount Tympa or visit the Poiana Brasov ski resort (more about it in the corresponding section). In addition to skiing, Poiana Brasov offers rock climbing and horse riding.
Secondly, in Brasov there is an amusement park " " and a water park " " (read about them in the section "Holidays with children").
Shopping and shops
Few tourists come to Brasov for shopping, however, those who love shopping will be able to find something interesting for themselves in Brasov.
Many shops, including designer items, are located on the main street of the city, Strada Republicii, as well as on strada Muresenilor. Here you can buy not only clothes and shoes, but also books, souvenirs, jewelry, etc.
Brasov has several large shopping centers, however, most of them are located outside the city center.
Bars. Where to go
Pubs occupy a leading position in Brasov. There are excellent pubs at every turn in the Old Town; beer here costs about 1.5 EUR per glass. Unfortunately, most bars are open until midnight.
- One of the most popular places in the city has the controversial name "Dr. Jekelius – Pharmacy Cafe" (Strada Michael Weiss 13), but an interesting concept. The interior and glassware are stylized as a pharmacy, and in addition to classic cocktails, there are also experimental ones.
- If you like rock music, I recommend going to a bar
From a trip to Romania I have the warmest memories. I especially remember the beautiful one. I had enough time to get to know it and explore it far and wide. Surprisingly, few people come to Romania on excursions or just to relax. But there are always a lot of people in Brasov. People are drawn here for the legend of Count Dracula, to see all the sights associated with this name. Although, there is nothing here that would connect this mythical hero. It's sad, but I was counting on the banal tourist traps in this city. But a myth is a myth. This is what attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Crowds of tourists (of course, these are not the same crowds as in Paris or Amsterdam) come to Brasov and find here a wonderful balance between history and modernity. Having been in the very center of Brasov, walking for five to ten minutes along its medieval streets, you begin to notice modern glass buildings and shopping centers, wide streets and expensive cars very nearby. And this is already a new Brasov. In addition, Brasov will be able to surprise everyone with its cuisine: from local Romanian dishes to international cuisine. I also enjoyed the wonderful walking routes and beautiful parks where you can take a break from the bustle of the city.
In Brasov you feel very closely at one with nature: beautiful mountains, green valleys and impregnable castles with medieval houses on narrow streets. There are stunning views from the surrounding mountain ranges. If you happen to find yourself in Brasov, here's what I would recommend you do there:
WALKING TOUR OF BRASHOV
To see the most interesting Brasov attractions, local students offer inexpensive guided walking tours. They last only 2-3 hours. But young people will show you not only the most interesting places in the city, but also the hottest places, where guides usually don’t take you. Students tell the full history of the city, even some urban legends. This tour starts at 6 pm from the town square.
MAIN SQUARE OF BRASHOV. BLACK CHURCH
The main gothic temple of Brasov - Black Church(The Black Church). Why is it called "Black"? The thing is that most of the building burned down during the Great Fire in 1689. The main part of the interior is built in Baroque style, although many parts are in Gothic style. After the fire, some parts of this church were rebuilt many times. I can’t say that I haven’t seen it better, but some of the architectural styles inside are worth attention. You can also take a short tour of the old buildings and bastions, which are well preserved. There are two large towers on the square - White and Black, when you climb them you can admire excellent views of the city. Climbing them is free.
CITY MUSEUM
Located at City Hall city Museum has exhibits from the Stone Age to the present day. Most of the museum tells about the history of the city, with all the sequential chronology. There are many artifacts, old medieval furniture, some weapons, and dishes on display here. The only drawback is the description of everything (however, this is a problem in most museums in Romania) A lot of information is missing in context. Therefore, sometimes you have to resort to the Internet to find out a little more about a particular relic.
BEAUTY OF BRASOV
Mount Tampa(Tampa) is a huge mountain that can be observed when visiting Brasov. You can climb it on foot (this climb will take you about an hour) or by cable car. Climbing up the mountains, you will have a beautiful view of the city and its surroundings: gloomy Gothic churches, red tiled roofs of houses, and all of this is surrounded by greenery (one can only imagine how beautiful it is here in winter). At the top of the mountain there is a small restaurant where you can have delicious food. have a snack.
ROPE STREET
Probably one of the narrowest streets in Europe is located here in Brasov. Its width is only 1.3 meters. That's all its peculiarity. But it's a great place to take some nice photos.
CHURCH OF SAINT NICHOLAS IN THE SHEA AREA
Shay District(Schei District) located outside the city walls where the Romanians lived. Only the Saxons were initially allowed to reside within the city. Today, the square is a maze of cobbled streets with cozy medieval houses, quiet streets, and a few truly chic houses. You can easily get lost wandering these narrow streets. In the center of the square is Church of St. Nicholas, built in the Gothic style (although later reconstructed in the Baroque style).
FIRST ROMANIAN SCHOOL
Very close to St. Nicholas Church is first Romanian school. This is a small two-room building. One side is a small classroom where you can sit at a 19th century desk. In the other there is a first printing press and original books of the 16th-17th centuries. If you come here on an excursion, you will definitely be told about its history from the beginning of its foundation in 1499.
BRAN CASTLE
It is rightfully considered a place of tourist pilgrimage in Romania, 30 kilometers from Brasov. I don't understand why this castle is called " Dracula's Castle", considering that this character never stayed there and has nothing to do with him. But in any case, the castle attracts tourists. It actually has a room dedicated to the life of this legendary hero. And among the local population there are often rumors that heartbreaking screams are heard near the castle at night, and in the morning there is the smell of blood around it. But this is just a fiction. There is nothing special there, apart from the grandeur of Bran Castle itself. Cafes also remind us of vampires, where you can sit on a coffin bench or drink beer in a crypt. And of course, souvenirs in the form of Dracula figurines, coffins, bats, etc.
FORTRESS RASHNOV
The second most visited attraction in the Brasov area after Dracula's Castle is Rasnov fortress. Inside the citadel you can find an interesting historical museum, do archery and have a beer in a tavern. It also offers stunning views of the countryside. The city itself resembles a mini version of Brasov. Every year, in August, they host rock festival Pro Istoria Fest and historical film festival. You can visit this fortress on your way back by bus from Bran Castle to Brasov
A city that perfectly combines modernity and medievalism. Unlike other medieval cities in Romania, it is filled with some kind of peculiar energy (perhaps the spirit of Count Dracula really lived here) And here life is bustling around the clock. Overall just a great place to stay.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN GOING TO ROMANIA:
- VISA . Although Romania is part of the EU, it is not a member state of the Schengen Agreement. A visa is required to visit Romania. It can be issued at the Romanian Embassy in Kyiv.
- WHERE TO STAY . You can safely book a hotel or hostel in Bucharest. Accommodation there for a week for 2 people will cost you from $128.
- HOW TO GET THERE. You can fly to Bucharest by flight Kyiv-Bucharest. Round-trip tickets will cost you $440.
You can also get to Brasov by car using the route we offer. At the same time, you will pass through picturesque places of Ukraine and Moldova.
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