romania city brasov

8/13/2019 Romania City Brasov

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General InformationLocation: Central Romania (Brasov County)Size: 28.5 sq. miles (74 sq. km)

Elevation: 2,133 ft. (650 meters)Population: 320,000Inhabited since: 100 BCFirst documented: 1234 AD (Corona)

Fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains and resplendent withgothic, baroque and renaissance architecture, as well as a wealth of historicalattractions, 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 medievalambiance.

The location of the city at the intersection of trade routes linking the Ottoman Empireand western Europe, together with certain tax exemptions, allowed Saxon merchantsto obtain considerable wealth and exert a strong political influence in the region. Thiswas reflected in the city's German name, Kronstadt, as well as in its Latin name,Corona, meaning Crown City (hence, the coat of arms of the city which is a crown withoak roots). Fortifications were erected around the city and continually expanded, withseveral towers maintained by different craft guilds, according to medieval custom.


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LanguageThe County of Brasov features 9 important towns, three of them are municipalities(Brasov, Fagaras, and Sacele).

The official language is Romanian. Some Hungarian and German are spoken in the

old districts, while mainly English is spoken by those connected with the touristindustry and the young inhabitantsThe City & nearby attractions

ClimateBrasov has a temperate-continental climate with cold and relatively wet weather in themountains. The summer nights in Brasov could be a little chilly. The transitionbetween summer and winter occurs gradually by the insertion of two other seasons

called "spring" and "autumn". The average temperature is 7.6 degrees C and theannual average humidity in the air is 75%. The highest temperature in summer is 35.0degrees C and the lowest in winter is -30 degree C

The Local HourEastern European Time Zone : GMT+2 hours.

TourismThree important resorts (Poiana Brasov, Predeal, Sinaia) offer tourists a wide range ofwinter and summer sports like skiing, snowboarding, driving snowmobiles, swimming,climbing, tennis and roller skating.

The Prahova Valley in the Bucegi Massif (The Omu, the highest peak 2507melevation) is an unforgettable display of nature which is worth seeing.

The landscape passes from the green of the rich flora in the plain to the gray of therocks then again to the mountain's color. The mountains are covered by oak, beech ,

fir and pine trees.

The Brasov County is home for wolf, brown bear, fox, lynx, roebuck, stag, wild boarand hare.


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The Council SquareThe Saxons built massive stone walls and seven bastions around the city that are stillvisible today, as well as ornate churches, elaborately trimmed buildings and oneof thefinest central squares in the country, said to be the spot to which the legendary PiedPiper led the children of Hamlin.Located at the heart of old medieval Brasov and lined with beautiful red-roofed

merchant houses, the Council Square, known to the Saxon population as theMarktplatz, is a nice place to rest and soak in the beautiful scenery.

In the center of the square stands the Old Town Hall (1420), now home to Brasov'sHistory Museum.

The southeast corner is dominated by the town's most famous landmark, the BlackChurch. Around the square, you'll find the renaissance-style Merchant's House (nowthe Cerbul Carpatin restaurant).


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The Black church Merchants House

The Black Church The Merchants House

Nearby are the beautiful archway of the Orthodox Cathedral and the memorialmuseum of the Mureseanu family. In late summer, the Golden Stag (Cerbul de Aur)music festival takes place here.

The Black Church The Merchants House

The entrance to Orthodox Cathedral Christmas

Brasov Biserica Buna Vestire


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The Black ChurchBrasov's famous landmark and Romania's leading gothic church, the Black Churchtowers over the Council Square and the old town.

Built between 1385 and 1477 on the site of anearlier church (destroyed by Mongol invasionsin 1242), the construction of the Marienkirche,as it was known in German, was hampered byextensive damage caused by Turkish raids in1421.

The church was given its new name afterdisaster struck again in 1689, when the Great

Fire leveled most of the town, blackening thewalls of the church. Restoration took almost 100 years. Of two towers planned, onlyone was finished.The Black Church is the largest gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul.

The Black Church boasts the largest church bell in Romania, weighing in at seventons, as well as the richest collection of Anatolian carpets in all Europe, from the 16thand 18th centuries, murals from the 15th century, and a baptismal font from 1472

The original gothic interior got a makeover during restorations, and the lofty, light

space you see today is mostly baroque. The interior is beautiful, with balconies,stained glass windows, an enormous organ, stone columns and walls adorned withfabulous Turkish carpets. Listen to the impressive 4,000-pipe organ dating from 1839during concerts held here three times a week in the summer.

The pipe organ Baptismal font


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Brasov's Defensive FortificationsEver since Saxon settlers arrived in the early 12th century, invading Mongols, Turks

and others gave them a tough time, repeatedly destroying the old settlements ofBartholoma and Corona. Thereafter, the Saxons set themselves to buildingfortifications around their town.

Most work was done between 1400 and 1650, when outer and inner walls wereerected, together with massive defense towers and gates. Part of the defensive wall,once 40 feet high, seven feet thick and two miles long, can still be seen today, thoughmost was taken down in the 19th century to make room for the city's expansion.

Of the original seven bastions, only a few have survived, including the newlyrenovated Graft Bastion, located in the middle of the citadel's northwest wing. On thewest side of the wall, walk along picturesque Dupa Ziduri Street (Dupa Ziduri meansBehind the Walls) to catch a glimpse of the 15th century White and Black Towers. TheBlacksmiths' Bastion, one of the original seven built and guarded by the city's guilds,is located at the southern end of Dupa Ziduri Street. Follow the city wall southeast tothe fairy-tale Catherine's Gate. Built in 1559 and once the main entrance to medievalKronstadt, it is the only original city gate to have survived the test of time. Nearby isthe classicist Schei Gate, built in 1827. The Weavers' Bastion can be admired onGeorge Cosbuc Street.

Graft Bastion Bastionul Graft)

The newly restored 16th century bastion (1521) has four levels, accessible throughinterior staircases. Levels two, three and four host an array of medieval artifactsexhibits, while level one serves as a rest area for visitors


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White Tower Turnul Alb)Located near Graft Bastion, the semicircular White Tower was completed in 1494.A

wooden staircase spirals up four levels, offering a great view of the old town. Locatedhigh on a hill, you'll have to climb some 200 steps to reach it.

Black Tower Turnul Negru)

The squared Black Tower, also built in 1494, stands atop a rock on Starja Hill near theBlacksmiths' Bastion. The tower received its name from a severe fire in 1559 when itwas struck by lightning. Recently renovated and boasting a pyramid-shaped glassroof, the Black Tower houses a small war-related artifacts museum.

There are four floors inside, eachreached by a narrow wooden ladder.Climb all the way to the top for apanoramic view of the Black Church.


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Catherine's GatePoarta Ecaterinei)Catherine's Gate, erected in 1559 by the Tailors' Guild is the only original gate to have

survived from medieval times. The fairy-tale tower we see today was part of a biggerstructure, which unfortunately, was demolished in 1827.The original structure can be seen at the

Weavers' Bastion Museum where a largemodel of 16th century Brasov is displayed.The four small corner turrets (as seen inother Saxon citadels) symbolized the

judicial autonomy of the Town Councilwhich could apply, if necessary, the deathpenalty. Above the entrance, the tower bearsthe city's coat of arms: a crown on a tree

trunk.

Schei GatePoarta Schei)Entry to the Schei district from the walled city was marked by the Schei Gate. Old

documents mention it, also, under the name of

Porta Valacce (Wallachs'Gate) because it wasthe only entrance for the Romanians living inSchei. They were not allowed to use any of the

other entrances. The structure standingtoday was built in 1827 by Emperor Franz Iand replaced the old Schei Gate which hadbeen heavily damaged by fires. The gateresembles a triumphal arch with threeopenings.

Above the small arches on both sides, youcan see Latin inscriptions.

Weavers' BastionBastionul Tesatorilor)Built during 1421-1436 and rebuilt in 1570-1573, this is the largest medieval bastion inBrasov and the best-preserved among the seven original watchtowers constructedaround the city walls. Today, the Weavers' Bastion houses an interesting museum

(see museum details) that can be visited on the way up Tampa Mountain.
http://www.romaniatourism.com/brasov.html#weavershttp://www.romaniatourism.com/brasov.html#weavershttp://www.romaniatourism.com/brasov.html#weavers


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Brasov Fortress (Cetate)Address: Dealul CetatiiOpen: Mon. - Sun. 11:00am - 12:00am

Strategically located on a hill overlooking thetown and the plains to the north, the citadel

was part of Brasov's outer fortification system.Built in wood in 1524, it was replaced with astone structure in the 16th century, only to beabandoned in the 17th century aftertechnological innovations made cannonsstronger than the building. Today, it serves asa restaurant.

Tampa Mountain (MunteleTampa)Tampa Cable Car(Telecabina Tampa)

Address: Aleea Tiberiu Brediceanu

Brasov is often referred to as the city at thefoot of Mount Tampa. Above the Weavers' Bastion, along the southeastern side of thefortress walls, is a very romantic alley (Aleea Tiberiu Brediceanu), shaded by old trees

and dotted with many benches. From here, youcan hike to the top of Tampa Mountain, where theoriginal defensive fortress was built.

When Vlad Tepes attacked Brasov in 1458-60, the

citadel was destroyed and 40 merchants wereimpaled on top of the mountain. Walking to the toptakes about an hour; follow the red triangles fromthe cable car station or the yellow triangles from

Brediceanu Alley. You also could elect to take the Tampa cable car to the peak (3,000feet) for the best views of the old town.


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The Schei DistrictDuring the Saxon rule of Brasov, from the 13th to the 17th century, Romanians wereforbidden from owning property inside the citadel walls and so they settled in thesouthwestern Schei district. Romanians could only enter the town at certain times andhad to pay a toll at the gate for the privilege of selling their produce inside the citadel.

Every spring, thousands of Romaniansgather at Solomon's Rocks for amassive picnic and sing-along, afterfollowing the traditional JuniiBrasovului procession through town.This festival celebrates the one day ayear that Romanians were allowed toenter the Saxon town freely.

Walk up Strada Prundului to Piata Unirii and the beautiful St. Nicholas Church; then,wander around the small curving streets that gradually slope upwards against the hill.Continue to the southern end of Schei and you'll end up on the gravel road to theimpressive Solomon's Rocks (Pietrele lui Solomon), a popular picnic area for localsduring the weekend but relatively quiet all other times.

Historic ChurchesFranciscan Monastery(Manastirea Franciscanilor)

Address: Str. Sfintu Ioan 7The monastery was built by the Lutherans in 1725 on the ruins of an old buildingdestroyed by fire. Later, it was given to the Franciscans monks. It houses a 1729organ with 18 scales, set on a gallery.

Saint Peter and Paul Roman-Catholic Cathedral(Catedrala Romano-Catolica Sfantul Petru si

Pavel)Address: Str. Muresenilor 19-21Built between 1776 and 1882 on the site of an oldDominican church, the cathedral is considered to be

the most representative baroque style building inBrasov.Saint


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Nicholas Orthodox ChurchSaint Nicholas' Church dominates the Schei District.First built in wood in 1392, replaced with a stone structure in 1495 and considerablyexpanded in the 18th century, the church is a true architectural masterpiece. With amix of Byzantine, baroque and gothic styles, it features a slender tower and fourcorner towers.

Like other medieval churches, it is surrounded by protective walls with large woodengates. The enclosure shelters a small old cemetery where several *prominent peopleof Romania are buried. The First Romanian School, now a museum(see museumdetails),the Library and the Archives of Saint Nicholas Church also are found onnearby grounds.

* The old cemetery shelters the grave of Nicolae Titulescu (1882-1941), finance minister,foreign minister and president of the League of Nations. The monument near his grave quotes

a line from his will: "I wish to be buried in Transylvania. My friends will know to find a place

according to my wish."

Romanian Orthodox Cathedral(Catedrala Ortodoxa Adormirea MaiciiDomnului)

Address: Piata Sfatului 3

Located on the east side of the Council Square, opposite the Old Town House, theRomanian Orthodox Cathedral was built in aglaring Byzantine style in 1896 and displayssome impressive interior frescoes anddecorations. On Saturdays, brides and groomsline outside (being careful to avoid glancing ateach other - bad luck) to get married here.
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Saint Bartholomew Church(Biserica Sfantul Bartolomeu)Address: Str.Lunga 247

Considered the oldest architectural monument inBrasov, this church was built in 1223 in Romanarchitectural style mixed with early gothic elements.Inside, you can admire an ancient sundial on thesouthern side of the tower, as well as remarkably well

preserved fragments of original frescoes.

Saint Martin Church(BisericaSfantul Martin)

Address: Str. Dealul de Jos 12Not as richly decorated as otherchurches, Saint Martin Church has

preserved its original 15th centuryform.

Holy Trinity Church ("Pe Tocile")Brasov57,Comuna din Paris, BrasovThe church was erected in 1824 by the priest VionaPitis, with the help of the inhabitant of Schei. Whenthe construction was finished the priest inserted aparchment imbued in oil, which reveals the history ofBrasov.


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Orthodox-Greek ChurchBrasov12, Baritiu, BrasovThe church was built during 1787-1789 with the money donated byBrasov's merchants and the help offew boyars from Tara Romaneasca.In 1931 Nicolae Iorga found insidethe church the grave of EmilBrancoveanu and the grave ofBrancoveanu's sister. Its librarykeeps rare books belonging toBrancoveanu's family.

Groaveri Orthodox ChurchNo. 16, Baiulescu Street, Brasov

The Groaveri Church is also known as Sfnta Cuvioasa Paraschiva and was built inthe second half of the 19th century with the support of Archpriest BratholomeuBaiulescu.It becomes a parochial church in 1954. The beautiful building was modeledafter the Viennese Orthodox church, and the cemetery serves as a resting place forsuch famous people as: Andrei Rosianul, the composer of the national anthem.
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Brasov History Museum (Muzeul de Istorie al Brasovului)Address: Piata Sfatului 30Open: Tue. - Sun. 10:00am - 6:00pm; Mon. closed

Admission chargeWeb: http://istoriebv.ro/

Housed in the Old Town Hall building, the History Museum of Brasov displays rareexhibits and collections showcasing Brasov's history from ancient to modern times:tools made in stone (Paleolithic age), painted ceramics discovered at Ariusd (Neolithicage), tools made in bronze and iron, armor, ancient weapons and farming tools. Theexhibits also tell the history of the Saxon guilds, which dominated Brasov duringmedieval times.

Ethnographic Museum (Muzeul de Etnografie)Address: Blvd. Eroilor 21 AEmail:[email protected]:www.etnobrasov.roOpen: Tue. - Sun. 10:00am - 6:00pm;Closed Mon. Admission charge

The Ethnographic Museum exhibits silver jewelry craftedin Brasov during the 16th century, fur and sheepskincoats and other folk costumes; black and white

photographs illustrate exactly how they were worn andby whom. The museum also presents the evolution ofweaving from an old spinning wheel to a mechanizedloom. Folk arts and crafts are available at the museumgift shop.

First Romanian School Museum (Prima Scoala Romaneasca)Address: Piata Unirii 2-3Open: Tue. - Sun. 10:00am - 5:00pm; Mon. closed

Housed on the grounds of St. Nicholas Church, this was for centuries one of theleading learning centers of the Romanian people. The printing press that opened herein 1556 produced some of the first books written in Romanian. The museum hosts acompelling legacy: more than 4,000 rare books (many printed or copied by hand righthere), several hundreds of rare documents, the oldest Bible (printed on goat's skin)and much more.
http://istoriebv.ro/http://istoriebv.ro/http://istoriebv.ro/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.etnobrasov.ro/http://www.etnobrasov.ro/http://www.etnobrasov.ro/http://www.etnobrasov.ro/mailto:[email protected]://istoriebv.ro/


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Muresenilor Memorial Museum (Muzeul Memorial CasaMuresenilor)

Address: Piata Sfatului 25Web:www.muzeulmuresenilor.roOpen: Tue. - Fri. 9:00am - 5:00pm; Sat. - Sun. 10:00am - 5:00pm; Mon. closed. Freeadmission

Quirky and charming would well-describe this unusual family museum situated acrossfrom Brasov's Council Square. Established in 1968 through family donations, themuseum features letters, photographs, newspapers, rare books, paintings, sculptures,19th century furniture, heirlooms and keepsakes of the musical and literary membersand in-laws of the Mureseanus.

Jacob Muresan, first in a long line of Mureseanus, was a teacher who married intowealth and in 1838, became the founding editor of the Transylvania Gazette.

Its 25,000 documents comprise the largest family archive in Romania. TheMureseanus were the founders and owners of a political newspaper, Gazeta deTransilvania, for more than half a century and corresponded with the most importantpoliticians in Transylvania and other regions of Romania during the second half of the19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries.

Weavers' Bastion Museum (Muzeul Fortificatiilor din Tara Barsei /Bastionul Tesatorilor)

Address: Str. George Cosbuc 9Open: Tue. - Sun. 10:00am - 5:30pm; Mon. closed. Admission Charge

This small museum, housed inside the bastion, exhibits Middle Age documents,photographs of long-lost bastions, armor, impressive Turkish weapons decorated with

Arabic inscriptions, tools used by local artisans, guild flags, a street lamp from the16th century, pieces from an aqueduct, rare books and much more. Most impressiveis the elaborate small-scale model of Brasov circa 1600, made in 1896 for theMillennium Exhibition in Budapest.

Free walking tour of Brasov with a local guideTake a historical walk through Brasov's medieval section and discover the largestGothic church east of Vienna, the Town Council Square and the city's 14th Centuryfortifications.The tour ends with a general view of the Old Town from one of Brasov's medievaltowers.

When:every day at 6:00 p.m.Tour starts:from Piata Sfatului (Council Square), next to the fountain.Tour ends:at White TowerDuration:two - two and a half hours.Cost:free (donations are appreciated)More info:www.guided-brasov.com
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Nearby AttractionsPoiana Brasov5 miles SW of Brasov

Access: Bus #20 leaves every

half-hour from Livada Posteibus stationA 15-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride

from Brasov leads to Poiana Brasov

(3,300 feet), a mountaintop ski andsummer resort. During winter months, Poiana Brasov offers some of the best skiing in

Romania. In the summer, it is a great place for hikers to launch treks into the Southern

Carpathian Mountains. For a panoramic view of Brasov and the more distant BucegiMountains, take the cable car to the summit of Postavarul Mountain (5,756 feet).

Rasnov Fortress9 miles southwest of Brasov

Access: car, buswww.RomaniaTourism.com/Castles-Fortresses.html#Rasnov

Bran (Dracula's) Castle in Bran16 miles southwest of BrasovAccess: car, bus (buses to Bran leave from Brasov's bus terminal # 2 Autogara Bartolomeu -

approximate travel time to Bran 45 minutes)www.RomaniaTourism.com/Castles-

Fortresses.html#Bran

The Fortified Church at Harman

4 miles north of BrasovAccess: car, bus

www.RomaniaTourism.com/Castles-Fortresses.html#Harman

The Fortified Church at Prejmer6 miles northeast of Brasov

Access: car, bus, train(Prejmer is a short train journey from Brasov on the line towards

Sfantu Gheorghe. Note: Get off at Ilieni halt, which is actually closer to the church than

Prejmer station itself)www.RomaniaTourism.com/Castles-Fortresses.html#Prejmer
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Performing ArtsOPERA BALLETBRASOV OPERA

ADDRESS: STR. BISERICIIROMANE 51, BRASOV

TEL: (268) 415.990WEB:WWW.OPERA-BRASOV.RO

SYMPHONIC MUSICBRASOV PHILHARMONIC(FILARMONICA BRASOV)

ADDRESS: STR. APOLLONIA

HIRCHER 10TEL: (268) 473.058WEB:WWW.FILARMONICABRASOV.RO

THEATRESICA ALEXANDRESCUTHEATRE (TEATRUL SICA

ALEXANDRESCU)ADDRESS: PIATA TEATRULUI 1

TEL: (268) 418.850

THEATREARLECHINO PUPPET THEATRE(TEATRUL DE PAPUSI ARLECHINO)

ADDRESS: APOLLONIA HIRSCHER10

TEL: (268) 475.243

Festivals EventsThe Pageant of the Juni (April)The Golden Stag Festival (August)The International Chamber Music Festival (September)The Beer Festival (September)The International Opera Festival (September)The Annual International Jazz Festival (November)

The Contemporary Drama Festival (November)

Company NameStreet Address

Address 2City, STZIP Code

Phone (325) 555-0125Fax (325) 555-0145

Web site address
http://www.opera-brasov.ro/http://www.opera-brasov.ro/http://www.opera-brasov.ro/http://www.opera-brasov.ro/http://www.filarmonicabrasov.ro/http://www.filarmonicabrasov.ro/http://www.filarmonicabrasov.ro/http://www.opera-brasov.ro/http://www.opera-brasov.ro/

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