I made an excursion to BRASOV recently, bringing my
Siebenburgen tally up to 4. Brasov is another city built up by the Germans invited in the 12th century to mine, develop towns, etc., and in the 13th century to fortify the Hungarian border against invasions.
Here is one of the gates to enter the Saxon part of the city. Only Saxons could live in the city, and Romanian peasants (at some points in history and writing, the word for Romanian and the word for peasant were interchangeable) had to pay a tax to enter and sell their wares or produce. Only one day a year were they free to enter the town without paying, and this day is still commemorated with a yearly festival. The funny turrets on this entrance gate are so typical Saxon, that buildings and churches are immediately identifiable as Saxon just by that design.
Here is Brasov's Hollywood sign, which is a quirky part of Brasov's charm.
Here is the city from a bit below the Brasov sign, on a hike out of the city.
The Black Church, the old Saxon church in Brasov is a gorgeous edifice. It, too, caught on fire at one point in its history, though I don't know whether it was the Gyspies or what...
The main pedestrian stretch of Brasov, full of cafes and restaurants, and grand, old architecture. I would highly recommend Brasov as one of the best places to visit in Romania. It is still distinctly historical, a bit touristy but not to the point of spoiling the rest of the culture, and has, for example, a nice, clean, up to date train station. The mountains around Brasov are excellent for hiking, as well..
Here is one of the gates to enter the Saxon part of the city. Only Saxons could live in the city, and Romanian peasants (at some points in history and writing, the word for Romanian and the word for peasant were interchangeable) had to pay a tax to enter and sell their wares or produce. Only one day a year were they free to enter the town without paying, and this day is still commemorated with a yearly festival. The funny turrets on this entrance gate are so typical Saxon, that buildings and churches are immediately identifiable as Saxon just by that design.
Here is Brasov's Hollywood sign, which is a quirky part of Brasov's charm. 
Here is the city from a bit below the Brasov sign, on a hike out of the city.
The Black Church, the old Saxon church in Brasov is a gorgeous edifice. It, too, caught on fire at one point in its history, though I don't know whether it was the Gyspies or what...
The main pedestrian stretch of Brasov, full of cafes and restaurants, and grand, old architecture. I would highly recommend Brasov as one of the best places to visit in Romania. It is still distinctly historical, a bit touristy but not to the point of spoiling the rest of the culture, and has, for example, a nice, clean, up to date train station. The mountains around Brasov are excellent for hiking, as well..
1 comment:
Try getting hold of Professor Seton Watson's "A History of the Roumanians" (sic). It is a good source of history that is relatively untainted by prejudice.
Brasov (ex Kronstadt, Brasso and Oras Stalin) has a lovely centre, pity about the suburbs and the mafia.
Since you are visiting Saxon towns, try visiting Medias and Sebes, which are relatively less spoiled by communist suburbs. Medias in particular still has a lot of character. The approach by road over the hills from Tarnaveni is especially impressive.
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