Brasov

By Kerry Kubilius, About.com Guide

Brasov, a city in Transylvania, is one of Romania’s can’t miss cities. It is centrally located within the country and is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, which contribute to its atmosphere of timelessness. The Germans who settled the city as early as the 13th century brought with them handicrafts skills and an enthusiasm for trade, both which enabled them to accrue wealth in Brasov, situated conveniently along a trade route. Like other trade cities in East and East Central Europe, Brasov’s attractiveness is due, in part, to these early traders who elevated Brasov’s status from settlement to city. Some of their efforts to improve the city’s defensive structures remain as a part of the urban landscape and contribute to its variety of architectural styles from several historic periods. Because of this wealth, Brasov was known as the Crown City (Kronstadt in German or Corona in Latin). Today, Brasov continues to wear its crown as one of Romania’s most attractive travel destinations.

Brasov is associated with the real Dracula legend through Bran Castle, known by some as Dracula’s Castle.

Sights in Brasov

Castles and Fortifications

• Bran Castle: Bran Castle isn’t actually in the city of Brasov. Rather, it’s located nearby in the city of Bran. However, as one of Romania’s best-loved castles and one of the main reasons visitors come to Brasov in the first place, Bran Castle is worth mentioning as an important sigh for travelers.
• Catherine’s Gate and Schei Gate: These gates are located beside each other. Catherine’s Gate is the older gate by far and contains a museum. The Schei Gate dates from the 19th century and was constructed in order to facilitate large amounts of traffic accessing Brasov at that time.
• Brasov Fortress: This fortress-turned-restaurant was a part of Brasov’s outer system of defensive structures and dates from the 16th century.
• Graft Bastion: Four newly renovated levels of the Graft Bastion welcome visitors with exhibits of medieval artifacts.
• White Tower and Black Tower: Both towers afford splendid views of the surrounding area to visitors who work for the pleasure. The White Tower requires 200 steps to reach the top, while the roof of the Black Tower, which is also a museum, is achieved by scaling a series of ladders.

Churches, Cathedrals, and Monasteries

• The Black Church: The hulking Black Church was built by Germans who settled in the region and is now a Lutheran church. It is famous for being Romania’s largest Gothic church, and its presence dominates Brasov’s old town.
• St. Bartholomew Church: St. Bartholomew, from the 13th century, is Brasov’s oldest church.
• St. Nicholas Church: This church is a Romanian Orthodox church decorated in Baroque style.
• Franciscan Monastery: The point of pride for this monastery is its 18th-century organ.

Other Sights

• Tampa Mountain: Tampa Mountain is literally a mountain that juts up from the center of Brasov. Now a nature preserve, it offers splendid views of Brasov and the surrounding countryside. For the quickest route to the top, take the cable car that transports visitors to the summit in a couple of minutes.
• The First Romanian School: The First Romanian School exhibits some of Romania’s firsts, for example its first Bible and its first printing press. The school was an important center for learning in Romania for centuries, and its history is preserved here in Basov.
• Town Hall: The Brasov Town Hall is home to the city museum of Brasov

Getting to and Getting Around Brasov

Currently, train is one of the best ways of reaching Brasov. Regular trains run from Bucharest to Brasov, as well as from other Romanian and international cities, such as Budapest.

Though plans are underway to construct an airport that serves the Brasov area, Brasov’s residents are still waiting for this potential boon to tourism. Brasov can also be reached by car from Bucharest (via E60) or by bus.

Walking is the best way to get around any city, but if you choose to ride public transportation, Brasov doesn’t disappoint with its network of buses and trolleybuses. Taxis are also readily available and can take you directly where you want to go.

Hotels in Brasov

In Brasov, it isn’t difficult to find a hotel that suites your personal style and budget. Hotels situated in the Old Town may be best for sightseeing, but these should be booked early during the high tourist season (summer) and during important festivals and holidays.

Restaurants in Brasov

Brasov’s restaurants offer an eclectic collection of world cuisines: Argentinian, Hungarian, Mexican, Arab, and of course traditional Romanian cuisines! Dine in historic buildings, in modern settings, on open terraces, or even at the top of the Tampa Mountain!

Brasov Festivals and Events

The following are annual events and festivals, some of which showcase Romanian culture and Romanian folk costumes, that occur in Brasov:

• Beer Festivals: The Beer Festivals celebrates beer, food, and drink at Brasov’s version of Oktoberfest.
• Junii Fest: The first Sunday after Easter sees the climax of the Junii Fest tradition. It recognizes the return of spring as well as the new year for the Dacian people, the ancient precursors to modern-day Romanians.
• Etnovember: Etnovember showcases cultural traditions of the ethnic groups that inhabit the area of Brasov. Performances, music, dance, exhibitions, and a market help spread information about the colorful heritage of Brasov’s residents.
• Christmas Market: Brasov’s Christmas market might not be as large as other major European cities’ markets, but if you’re in Brasov at Christmastime, you will enjoy the sparkle of the holidays, complete with decorations and souvenir vendors, in the center of Old Brasov.