Customs / 01.06.2022

Romania city of brasov. Center of Romania - City of Brasov and Attractions. White and Black Tower

Excursions here

If you want a tour of the city, then here is a selection of the most popular. Some are now discounted - hurry up to book!

Historic city center

Of the sights 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, since I have not been there. In general, the atmosphere of such a Middle Ages with modern brilliance is well preserved here. Judge for yourself:

The old center itself is predominantly pedestrian, with a couple of large highways. The whole complex is big enough. It takes about 3 hours to see the main and 6 hours to get around it completely (this is with observation platforms, a fortress wall).

The city of Brasov was originally called Kronstadt. Who borrowed the name from whom is the question. Indeed, 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 it:

Woof informs: Kronstadt fortress was founded in 1211 by the Teutonic Order. First mentioned as Brasov under 1251. In medieval documents, the city was called Brasco, Brasso, Stefanopolis, Kronstadt and Brasov.

Brasov is one of the main cultural and historical centers of the Transylvanian Saxons. Due to its favorable geographical position and trade relations 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 press in Transylvania (in 1535), and it was here that the first printed book in Romanian 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 check is 40-60 lei. 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. It is here that the town hall stands (probably an attribute of any ancient city) and a well where everyone throws coins for good luck.

Very close to the Black Church. An old gothic temple with interesting tiles. It is considered the largest monument of Gothic architecture in Romania. Probably everyone has a question, why is “Black” something? 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. She was all charred and smoky, turned black. Everyone began to call her that - the Black Church. It was from this popular name that the name went on in the future.

And now the entrance is paid ...

The cost of visiting the Black Church is 8 lei, for students - 5 lei.

Now the church has been cleaned up, made quite newfangled. However, in my opinion, the restoration did not go unnoticed. Moreover, the entrance to the church was paid. 8 lei, 5 for students. There is nothing to see inside. In the same Gothic cathedral in Alba Iulia, it is much cooler, so I did not focus on this church. But for the sake of completeness of sensations - you can look for a while.

Street Nitochka

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, you will feel yourself in the Middle Ages. Although it won't work. In the Middle Ages, another tub of poop was poured on top. This will not happen here, you can rejoice. 🙂

Brasov in Hollywood

What is the hallmark of Romanian cities? Don't guess. These are awesome big letters on the hills with Hollywood style. And they are found almost everywhere. I saw them myself in Diva, in Ryshnov. There are also in Brasov. By the way, you can climb up to them. There is a lift that offers a great view of the old city.

From a height it can be seen that the whole city is almost everywhere surrounded by an old fortress wall.

And where it is not enclosed - there are works of architecture - administrative buildings and banks:

Viewpoints of Brasov

Climbing the funicular will cost 16 lei, a child - 8 lei. Open until 17.00

There are two of them in Brasov. One is located on the mountain, where there are letters of the same name, the other can be reached on foot.

To climb the mountain there is a funicular that goes back and forth every half hour. It costs 16 lei per person, 8 lei per child. Works until 5 days (did not 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 the watchtower of the old city, which stands somewhere on the side. See the map below for its location. Send me to show you!

Black church and inscription on the mountain

Summing up, I want to note that the city of Brasov can be seen, wandered through the old streets, imbued with, let's say, medieval culture, feel it. It's quite cozy and interesting here. Here, for example, the old gate to the city:

The guys, apparently, were crazy about Disney 🙂 Or has Disney been here? Who is in the know?)))

Well, how can it be without “Ainanane, a ride on a chic wagon?” There are gypsies in Brasov, there are also a lot of people on horses and carts. But this does not prevent you from enjoying the old streets. On the contrary, it gives 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, and so 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 😉

Gav informs: The location of the city at the crossroads of trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and Western Europe, together with the exemption from certain taxes, allowed the Saxon merchants to acquire impressive 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 - Korona, which means the Crowned City. Hence the coat of arms of the city, 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 within easy reach. It - . Well, let's go look for vampires, shall we?

And of course in Gavrezum - a map.

The cost of a trip from Sinai to Brasov is 17.5 lei. The whole journey is about 50 km or 45 hours of your time. Trains are different. There is comfort, there are also our electric trains. I advise you to travel in comfort, there are a lot of ainanane on the road. Tickets on the Internet or in terminals are cheaper.
The entrance fee to the Black Church is 8 lei, for students - 5 lei.
In Brasov, I would allocate 2 days. Very colorful streets, medieval romanticism. Be sure to climb observation deck(The cost is 16 lei for adults, 8 lei for children. Rides every half an hour, works until 5 o'clock. Although there is a free option)
You can eat in the city center. Lots of cafes in the old square. On average - 20-50 lei per person. I recommend Cafe Transylvania. Very tasty and reasonably priced.

Who does not repost, that fat cat! Not a cat? 🐭 Tell your friends, they are also interested!

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More amazing travel reviews!

Located in the heart of Romania, the city of Brasov is called the Romanian Salzburg. The Gothic quarters of the old town make a strong impression. A special place among the cultural monuments is occupied by the famous Black Church, the largest temple in the area between Vienna and Istanbul.

As early as the beginning of the 13th century, the Saxons colonized Brasov, finding a strong Romanian community here. The origin of Brasov as a city is lost in the dark period of the Middle Ages. The first written mention of the city refers us to 1235, when the city was called nothing but the CROWN. It was located on the site of the current Black Church. Later, the city was referred to as Brasco, Brasso, Stefanopolis, Kronstadt, and finally - Brasov. So far, the city's most famous names are the last two of the list. Because of his geographical location and strong ties with Moldova and Wallachia, the city rapidly developed its economy, becoming one of the most important centers of all Transylvania.

The Black Church, also called the Church of St. Mary, is a Lutheran church in southeastern Transylvania. Built by the Transylvanian Saxons, the building is the largest Gothic building in the country.

Mary and Jesus (sculptures on the outside of the church)

The Black Church is 89 meters long and 38 meters high. The height of the church from lowest to highest high point is 65 meters. The single belfry holds a six-ton bell, the largest in Romania. In addition, the church has an organ of 4,000 pipes, created in 1839 by master Karl Buchholz, and a large collection of Anatolian carpets brought by merchants in the Middle Ages.

As a result, the building is an example of late Gothic: a basilica of three naves of equal height. This is what all the cathedrals and castles of Germany looked like, where many architects and builders were from. The church has much in common with the cathedral in Sebes, the church of St. Michael in Cluj-Napoca and the Dominican church in Kosice. Catholic worship ceased during the Reformation, when, under the influence of the sermons of Johannes Honterus, the bulk of the parishioners converted to Lutheranism. Today, next to the building there is a monument to the reformer. The building was significantly destroyed by the Austrian troops during the Great Turkish War. Since then, the church has been called black. After a fire in 1689, the church was restored with the participation of masons from Danzig, who made significant alterations in the Baroque style. Then the original architecture of the building was heavily modified in the 18th century.

One of the attractions of Brasov is the longest and narrowest street.

Here you can also see the Christian church, where different styles are intertwined and which is located in the depths of the quarter of houses.

Christian church in Brasov. Mixed styles: Christianity, Catholicism, East.

The center of Brasov is similar to the Old Arbat in Moscow. Street in the style of old architecture. In general, it is better to see all this with your own eyes than to tell

Modern Brasov is a major industrial and tourist center, one of the most visited places in Romania. The city is known not only for its rich past and cultural monuments, but also for recent historical events: it was here that the first popular uprising against the Ceausescu regime began in 1987

In the vicinity of Brasov (30 km from the city) there is another famous attraction that serves as a real magnet for tourists - this is Bran Castle, better known as "Dracula's Palace". This monumental structure is believed to have once belonged to Vlad the Impaler, a medieval prince commonly associated with the world's most famous vampire. However, in fact, Tepes was only a prisoner of this castle, in 1462 he was thrown into his dungeon. In 1920, Bran was presented to the English Queen Mary, the wife of King Ferdinand I. She made the palace her residence. Now it houses the Museum of Feudal Art. Despite its gloomy reputation, the castle does not make a frightening impression. It is very beautiful and, thanks to its whitewashed walls and high towers, resembles a fairy-tale palace.

In addition to its historical sights, Brasov is also famous for the resort town of Payana Brasov, located 13 km from the city. This small village was founded in 1895 as a place of rest for the inhabitants of the city, in 1906 it became a ski resort, which eventually gained fame as the most famous, elite and most beautiful ski center in the country. Within the resort there are 8 ski slopes equipped with 5 lifts. There are also a lot of entertainment and sports facilities here: an Olympic stadium for athleticism, an Olympic skating rink, swimming pools, various sports fields, saunas, a horse riding center, restaurants, bars, discos, paintball courts and much more. Buses run regularly from Brasov. The recreational complex of Brasov is represented by 2-4* hotels. Private hotels, boarding houses, cozy villas and cottages for family and youth recreation are also popular. As a rule, there are no free places in local hotels during the high season.

The resort has 12 ski slopes from 300 to 3420m long. The resort has a large capacity gondola lift (which takes you to the very top within 20 minutes), several ski lifts and chair lifts.

Ski slopes located at altitudes of 1000 m - 1700 m.

You are convinced that in Brasov, as in all of Romania, there are places worth visiting, there is something to see here - you will certainly be satisfied!

In the vicinity of Brasov is interesting ski resort Poiana Brasov (12 km), Predeal (27 km), Bran (30 km), Rasnov (20 km), Prezhmer, Fagarash and others. You can usually get to these places from the Autogara 2 bus station or Bartolomeu area, or Stadionul Municipal.

Search for flights to Bucharest (nearest airport to Brasov)

Money

It is best to exchange money in large banks: BCR, BNR, BT (Bank Transylvania) or Raiffeisen. They accept the main currencies of the world - EUR, American or Canadian dollars, British pounds, the staff is very friendly and speaks English. You must have your passport or driver's license with you.

If the banks are closed, you can exchange money in small exchange offices, of which there are many on the main pedestrian thoroughfare of Brasov - Republicii Street. However, you should be careful - they can cheat, deceive, and so on and so forth.

Transport Brasov

Buses, trolleybuses (about 40 routes in total) and taxis serve as public transport. The fare is ~ 20 RON, on route number 20, which follows to Poiana Brasov - 4 RON. Travel card for all types of transport for the day (except taxi and No. 20) - 15 RON, weekly - 30 RON, 10 days - 40 RON (using travel cards you must have a passport or any identity card with you).

Tickets must be purchased before boarding at special kiosks and validated directly in the cabin. Fine 100-200 RON. The only inconvenience is that ticket kiosks are not available at all stops (and some even fail), so you have to look for the nearest supermarket or newsstand.

The easiest way to get around the historical center is on foot: all the main sights are within walking distance. You can also get to the hotel by taxi, the fare is low, ~ 2 RON per km.

Convenient parking is available in the very center of the city, on Eroilor Boulevard (2 RON per hour, free on Sundays), as well as throughout the city. From the same boulevard begins a large pedestrian street of the city, leading directly to the heart of the old city - Republicii street. It houses most of the restaurants, cafes and shops of the city.

Prices on the page are for September 2018.

Brasov Hotels

Perhaps the most pleasant thing to stay is not in the city itself, but in Poiana Brasov - a ski resort 15 minutes drive from the center. In winter, here you can observe not the most picturesque queues for the ski lift, in summer, on the contrary, silence, mountains, deserted streets and small chalet hotels. In addition, Poiana is located halfway to the castles in Bran and Rasnov.

Guides in Brasov

Entertainment and attractions of Brasov

The Gothic Black Church, whose walls acquired their color after the Austrian army almost completely burned the city in 1689. At the entrance is a statue of Johannes Honterus, reformer, educator, follower of Martin Luther.

Church of St. Bartholomew is the oldest monument in Brasov, built in 1223. And also: the Church of St. Nicholas, the first Romanian school (where you can sit at the desks of the 19th century) and Catherine's Gate - one of the oldest original gates in Brasov.

There are several museums in the city: the Museum of History, the Museum of Ethnography, the Museum of Art and the Museum of the First School.

Nearby, 15 km from the city, is Ryshnov - the fortress of the Teutonic Knights, which is now being restored from ruins.

Bran - Dracula's castle

Bran is the most touristic castle in Romania, better known as Dracula's castle. In fact, the real Dracula has little to do with him: once he spent the night here (according to another legend, he spent a couple of months in captivity here). In reality, this castle is the summer residence of Queen Maria of Romania, the great-granddaughter of the British Queen Victoria. Currently, there is a museum of history and medieval art here: furniture, collections of weapons and armor, as well as other interesting items of the 14th-19th centuries.

The Romanian city of Brasov is located in the center of the country. This is the main and largest city of the historical region of Tsara Birsei, one of the oldest cities in the country with a long history. Among its fifteen districts is the popular Carpathian ski resort Poiana Brasov. Today, the city of 275,000 is a significant economic center for the country.

Over four dozen large enterprises produce trucks and tractors, spare parts for them, electric cables, cement, fabrics, food and other products.

There are many sights of different historical periods surrounded by amazing Carpathian nature. All this attracts thousands of Romanian and foreign tourists here, who meet here the hospitality and attention of local residents.

In 1559, in order to strengthen the defense of the city, a gate was built, which was named after the monastery of St. Catherine that once stood on this site. This building with the coat of arms of Brasov above the entrance has three floors and four small turrets in the corners.

They are symbols of the legal independence of the city, and the right to impose the death penalty on them. It was the only entrance to the city, which at that time could be used by the Romanians living behind the fortress wall. Today there is a museum here.

In the 19th century, due to the increase in the traffic flow through the city, gates were built, which received the name of the surrounding area. Their construction began on the orders of the Austrian emperor Franz I, who was passing through Brasov. The gates are built in the classical style with three spans and look like a triumphal arch. Vehicles moved through the largest span, pedestrians through the others. After their construction, passage through the nearby gates of Catherine was closed.

This high picturesque mountain above Brasov has long served as a place of worship for their gods for the ancestors of the Romanians and Roman legionnaires. Most of it is a natural reserve.

Locals and tourists like to go up to the observation deck, arranged at the top, to admire the city and its surroundings. To overcome a mountain path with many sharp turns in the environment beautiful nature an hour goes by. You can climb there in a few minutes in a comfortable cable car.

Among the picturesque Carpathian mountains in the vicinity of Brasov is the Peles Palace, named after the river flowing under it. Its construction began at the end of the 19th century and was completed at the beginning of the next.

The castle of exquisite architecture is a masterful mix of different styles. The interiors of the palace are a collection of high quality works of art. They are carved furniture, doors and ceilings, numerous works of art, unique collections of weapons and utensils. The castle is surrounded by a huge luxurious park.

This rock-top castle is often named after Dracula. There is a legend that the famous governor Vlad Tepes-Dracula often hunted in the surrounding mountains and spent the night here.

The castle is known for being built in the Middle Ages local residents at their own expense in exchange for their exemption from taxes for several centuries. It has four levels, numerous halls and corridors, which are mysterious labyrinths. At the beginning of the 20th century, the inhabitants of the town of Bran gave the castle to the Romanian Queen Maria, who set up a royal residence in it.

Location: Strada General Traian Moșoiu - 24.

A twenty-minute drive from Brasov is the city of Rasnov with a population of 16,000. It is known for its impregnable fortress, which was built in 1215 by the knights of the Teutonic Order.

According to one of the legends, when there was an acute shortage of water in the city, two previously captured Turks were forced to dig a well. After that they were promised to be released. However, when the well is deep 62 meters was dug, the captives were killed. During the last years excavations at the bottom of the well were found the bones of two people.

In 1495, the building of the first school in Romania was built on a small square next to the church of St. Nicholas. The teachers in it were the priests who served in the church. A fascinating tour of this school today is also conducted by a local priest.

Here you can see a rich collection of ancient books, other unique masterpieces of the Romanians' culture. The first Romanian grammar appeared in this place, the first books in Romanian were printed. The museum houses the original first Russian-language bible printed by Ivan Fedorov.

Location: Piata Unirii 2-3.

It is set in a small well-groomed square with an abundance of flowers, called the Park of Heroes. Symbolizes the events that took place in Romania in 1987. Then thousands of workers and residents of the city opposed wage delays and mass layoffs. Significant police and security forces were brought into the city to quell the riot. The uprising was brutally suppressed. Dozens of people died. Such actions led to the removal from power and the execution of the dictator Ceausescu. The monument resembles a huge commemorative basket of flowers.

This modern ski resort is one of the districts of Brasov. It became a winter resort at the beginning of the 20th century. International and national winter sports competitions are held here, for which excellent conditions and modern infrastructure have been created.

Today it is a respectable resort place with fashionable hotels, expensive restaurants, luxury villas, nightclubs and other entertainment.

The decoration of the Old Town in Brasov is the Town Hall Square. In its center is a medieval town hall building with a very beautiful clock tower. It houses the museum of the city.

The square is surrounded by perfectly preserved buildings built in the past centuries. Today they have many shops, cafes and souvenir shops. A very beautiful Orthodox cathedral was erected on the square in 1896, in which wedding ceremonies are performed on Saturdays.

The narrowest street in the city in Romanian sounds like "Strada Sforii", which means "Rope Street" in translation. Its greatest width is 135 cm, and at its narrowest point it is 111 cm. The length of the street is 80 meters.

It was built in the Middle Ages as a special passage for firefighters. Like an ordinary street, it is covered with paving stones. The windows of some houses overlook it. In the dark, it is illuminated by lanterns. At the beginning of the 21st century, it was restored and is an interesting tourist attraction.

St. Mary's Lutheran Church, often referred to as the Black Church, is the largest Gothic building in the country. It was built in the Middle Ages by the Saxons living in Transylvania. Saint Mary is considered the heavenly patron of the city.

The name "Black" church received after the fire. The temple is 89 meters long and 38 meters wide. The only bell tower has a height of 65 meters. It contains a six-ton bell, unique for Romania. An organ of German work with four thousand pipes is installed in the temple. Richly decorated interiors.

Location: Curtea Johannes Honterus - 1.

This Gothic-style Romanian Orthodox church was built in the Middle Ages. The Russian Empress Elizaveta Petrovna donated funds to him for the construction of a clock tower, a chapel and a vestibule.

Catherine II presented the temple with icons, religious objects made of valuable metals, church books and cash. The Church of St. Nicholas was eventually rebuilt in the Baroque style. Its interior features a richly decorated iconostasis and frescoes by the famous Romanian artist Mishu Popa.

Location: Piața Unirii - 1.

This very beautiful building, which is often called a high tower, was attached to the building of the city hall in the Middle Ages. At first it was called the sentinel or the tower of trumpeters, who gave a signal in case of danger.

With its 48-meter height, it dominates the low houses of the Old Town. Today, the tower decorated with clocks is an important landmark of the city. At nightfall, it is romantically illuminated.

The road from Sibiu to Brasov is unremarkable and faceless, just about two hours and you are in Brasov.
By Romanian standards, and not only, Brasov is a big city - 277 thousand inhabitants.

The first thing that catches your eye is dirt and disorganization.
A huge crowd of taxi drivers, screaming and fussing, is trying to confuse the head of visitors, unmistakably catching strangers. Prices above the ceiling, in the naive hope of a fool.
I pass several bawling enthusiasts, immediately reduce the requested amount by three and calmly leave.

Do not believe anyone that Brasov is the Romanian Salzburg, they look like the wives of the mayors of Muhosransk and Windsor.
A completely unprepossessing, mediocrely built new city, with a mute reproach, haunts you all the way, right up to the historical center, which, like shagreen leather, has shrunk catastrophically.
Disorder, abandonment, not prosperity, despondency, devastation, these are the feelings that spontaneously arise and which are difficult to overcome.

The remains of the old city are not large, but quite well preserved, rather in spite of, than according to someone's good will.

Conditionally, with a stretch, I would define it as a circle from the White Church to the City Hall along Eroilor Boulevard. From the same boulevard begins a pedestrian street leading directly to the heart of the old city - Republicii street. Past the Black Church to the church of St. Nicholas and the base of Mount Tympa with the Hollywood inscription Brasov.

Whatever they say in terms of size and condition, it is much less impressive than the “old town” of Sibiu or Sighisoara. All this is still accompanied by some kind of unkemptness, as if the city authorities have nothing to do with it.

Along the base of Mount Tympa, the remains of the fortress wall and several watchtowers have been preserved, but they are practically not used as tourist sites.
A beautiful forest has been preserved along the mountain and on the mountain, partly turned into a very beautiful, but neglected park that needs cleaning and care.
The Black Church is impressive - the church of St. Mary, with a beautiful organ, in which excellent concerts are systematically held.
Above all praise is the church of St. Nicholas, the most beautiful church of many that I have seen.
There is a very beautiful synagogue in Brasov, built at the beginning of the 20th century.
It must be emphasized that the Romanians are very religiously tolerant and even in the most troubled and harsh times, Antonescu and Ceausescu did not incite religious wars.

On the hill dominating Brasov, the old citadel, built in the 16th century, is well preserved. The Fortress is difficult to get to, but worth it.

In a good condition central square of the old town, and the buildings surrounding it, in the building of the Town Hall there is a historical museum with an interesting exposition. There is also a beautiful old Orthodox church. Everything as a whole creates the illusion of a functioning medieval city.
On the square and adjacent streets, there are numerous cafes and restaurants, with a wide variety of cuisines, for every taste. Prices are very moderate, and the quality is comparable to any European.
There are many different boutiques and shops, as well as various souvenirs.

In general, in Romania, it is striking that there is a complete absence, excuse me for intolerance, of any rabble, both local and alien, so typical, for example, for France, Italy, Spain, England and appeared in Germany. I'm just silent about Athens - this is Africa.
To be honest, not only homeless people and drunks are not visible, even the gypsies, whom everyone mentions, do not stand out for something special, there are no beggars, the poor - no. Hooligans and brawlers are not visible, there are no crowds of teenagers whose appearance would inspire fear.
Romania is changing - this is obvious, but Brasov, unlike its neighbors Sibiu and Sighisoara, shows how much it depends on the citizens and those who lead the citizens.
Disappointment is the feeling that you experience when seeing missed opportunities, but hope is an indestructible feeling inherent in a person that does not allow him to calm down, which makes him look for new, better ways to a decent life, based on the historical experience of his ancestors.

Walls of old Brasov with an observation tower

Old city