Brasov - Romania - The Heart Of Transylvania

The oldest traces of human activity and settlements in Brașov date back to the Neolithic age (about 9500 BCE). Archaeologists working from the last half of the 19th century discovered continuous traces of human settlements in areas situated in Brașov: Valea Cetăţii, Pietrele lui Solomon, Șprenghi, Tâmpa, Dealul Melcilor, and Noua.

In 1211, by order of King Andrew II of Hungary, the Teutonic Knights fortified the Burzenland to defend the border of the Kingdom of Hungary. On the site of the village of Brașov, the Teutonic Knights built Kronstadt – the city of the crown. Although the crusaders were evicted by 1225, the colonists they brought in remained, along with local population, as did three distinct settlements they founded on the site of Brașov:

Corona, around the Black Church (Biserica Neagră);
Martinsberg, west of Cetățuia Hill;
Bartholomä, on the eastern side of Șprenghi Hill.

Germans living in Brașov were mainly involved in trade and crafts. 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. They contributed a great deal to the architectural flavor of the city. Fortifications around the city were erected and continually expanded, with several towers maintained by different craftsmen's guilds, according to medieval custom.

Part of the fortification ensemble was recently restored using UNESCO funds, and other projects are ongoing. At least two entrances to the city, Poarta Ecaterinei (or Katharinentor) and Poarta Șchei (or Waisenhausgässertor), are still in existence. The city center is marked by the mayor's former office building (Casa Sfatului) and the surrounding square (Piaţa Sfatului), which includes one of the oldest buildings in Brașov, the Hirscher House. Nearby is the "Black Church" (Biserica Neagră), which some claim to be the largest Gothic style church in Southeastern Europe.

Catherine's Gate

The gate was build in the XV century.

It was part of the city's fortification and was used as a pedestrian entrance in the citadel.

Recently it has been restored using UNESCO funds.

Șchei Gate

This gate was build in the XIX century.

It was built as an extra entrance in the citadel used by the people of Șchei.

It has been recently restored.

Tailor's Tower

This tower was built as a defense tower in the XV century.

It is build on 4 levels and the walls are 4m thick at the base and 1m thick on the 4th level.

Today it's a museum - The Regional Museum of Fortifications.

Poiana Brașov

A ski resort but also a sightseeing spot.

It is the most popular Romanian ski resort and an important tourist centre preferred by many tourists not only from Romania, but also from Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and other European states.

After the 2010s modernization, the ski area has expanded from 50 hectares to 80 hectares and the slopes length was increased from 13.8 km to 23.9 km. Most slopes now have snow cannons installed.

Tâmpa

A small mountain in the middle of the city (900m above sea level), a sightseeing spot near the old city center.

Tâmpa is a mountain, part of the Postăvarul Massif, located in the southern part of the Eastern Carpathians (alternatively categorized as in the Curvature Carpathians) and almost entirely surrounded by the city of Braşov. Its elevation is 960 m (995 m according to some sources), almost 400 m above the city.

Bran Castle - Dracula's Castle

Bran Castle (Romanian: Castelul Bran; German: Törzburg; Hungarian: Törcsvár) is situated near Bran and in the immediate vicinity of Braşov, is a national monument and landmark in Romania.

The fortress is situated on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia, on DN73. Commonly known as "Dracula's Castle" (although it is one among several locations linked to the Dracula legend, including Poenari Castle and Hunyad Castle), it is the home of the titular character in Bram Stoker's Dracula.