The main attraction of Brasov lies exactly in the historical old part of the town. In the
12th century, this place was
named by the German immigrants "Kronstadt". It is obvious that Germans
had a great influence upon this city if you visit the central square "Piata Sfatului".
Here you may think that you are in a traditional German market place. Fortunately the
entire city center was preserved in good conditions. In the photo one recognizes
the mountain called "Timpa" which are in the background. The tourists climb
this peak on foot and with the help of the cable railway drives. Surely the effort worth
to be done because they admire from the top a beautiful view around. It is easily to
find the Republicii Street outgoing from the market - a street where cars are not
allowed and where tourists come to buy traditional Romanian things (there are many
shops in the area).
At the south end of the market it is placed The Black Church (Biserica Neagra).
It is the largest Gothic church in the Transylvania region, whose walls were covered with
soot during the attack of the Habsburger army (1689). This is the reason why this
church was named "black". Inside, it is a famous organ and you may listen
incredible beautiful songs played by the local musicians or guests coming from
abroad.
Also you may find in Brasov the Romanian Orthodox Church "Saint Nicolas"
(Biserica Sfîntul Nicolae) a few hundred meters further southern, built in
14th Century. A magnificent
school is placed next door - the oldest of the country. There are some museums in the
city center - the History Museum (Muzeul de Istorie), The Art Museum (Muzeul de Arta),
the Etnographic Museum (Muzeul de Etnografie) and a famous tower of the past
fortifications called "Weavers Tower" (Turnul Tesatorilor).
Brasov is ideal for winter sports as ski because of its surrounding areas: Poiana
Brasov (13 km), Predeal (27 km) in the midst of the Bucegi mountains or Sinaia
(approx. 50 km). An extremely popular destination is, about 30 km far away,
The Bran Castle (Castelul Bran) in the southwest. Many people come here
because it is been said that Dracula lived in the castle. False or true, now this
historic monument is a museum.
More interesting than Bran Castle is the paysants fortress "Risnov", also
known under its German name "Rosenau". This fortress gave the entire
place its name. You must climb a little (the direct ascent is somewhat difficult to find).
If you would approach to the main entrance, you may hear classical music of far. If you
enter inside, you will be surprised: many houses and even a small church. It was built in
13th century. In the front wing,
you may see a small exhibition with numerous pictures from old times. It makes fun to
take a walk across the bent lanes. In the center it is a small, bald hill. Because we
were in the middle of the clouds and the rain, we simply saw nothing. Parts of the
Risnov Fortress are already restored but the majority of the monument consists of ruins;
this is maybe the charm of this place!!! Hopefully, this fortress is not dead like Bran!
While ascending or descending we found a restaurant at the foot of the castle (near
at the beginning of the ascent, a sign points the way). Good Romanian meal for
little money.
I think that Romania deserves to get promoted as much as possible.
I have visited this country only once so far, but I decided to come back.
I'm already planning my next trip in 2004!!!!
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