Transylvania II
Brasov
Fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains and resplendent with gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture, as well as a wealth of historical attractions, Brasov is one of the most visited places in Romania.
Founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 on an ancient Dacian site and settled by the Saxons as one of the seven walled citadels, Brasov exudes a distinct medieval ambiance and has been used as backdrop in many recent period films.
Archaeological sites found in different places around Brasov prove that there lived a strong community of native population, mixed later on with roman colonists developing into the romanian population. At the beginning of the 13th century, the saxons colonised the region of Brasov. The genuine character of the city will come from the mixture of two different cultures and mentalities. The origins of Brasov as a town are lost in the dark times of the Medieval Age. However ,it is known that it developed as different communities living here decided to come together into a city. Thanks to its geographical position and the good connections to Moldavia and Valachia, Brasov will grow economically fast, becoming one of the most important centres of Transylvania.
Stroll around the old Town Hall Square where you can admire colourfully painted and ornately trimmed baroque structures. Take a peek inside the Black Church, the largest gothic church in Romania. Its name derives from damage caused by the Great Fire of 1689, when flames and smoke blackened its walls. The interior is impressive and well kept and houses one of the largest organs in Eastern Europe.
The location of the city at the intersection of trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and western Europe, together with certain tax exemptions, allowed Saxon merchants to obtain considerable wealth and exert a strong political influence in the region. This was reflected in the cities German name, Kronstadt, as well as in its Latin name, Corona, meaning Crown City.
