Brasov

Brasov is one of the most beautiful cities in Romania and an almost obligatory stop for anyone coming to Transylvania. The old centre, with its squares, towers and colourful houses, is surrounded by mountains, and Mount Tampa rises above the rooftops like a film set. The city is about 144 kilometres from Gherghita.

A short history

The Brasov area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but the medieval city took shape around the 13th century. Its Latin name, Corona, and its German name, Kronstadt ("crown city"), recall the Saxon colonists who turned it into a powerful trading centre. Located at the crossroads between Transylvania, Wallachia and Moldavia, Brasov grew rich through trade and crafts.

The city was surrounded by walls, bastions and towers, each defended by one of the craft guilds. Outside the walls grew the districts of Schei, inhabited by Romanians, and Brasovechi. In Schei stand St Nicholas Church and the First Romanian School, an important place in the history of the Romanian language and culture.

What you can visit

• The Council Square, the heart of the city, with the Council House, the former town hall, today a museum
• The Black Church, the largest Gothic church in this part of Europe, named after the great fire of 1689 that blackened its walls
• Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in Europe
• Catherine's Gate and the Schei Gate, old entrances to the citadel
• The White Tower, the Black Tower and the Weavers' Bastion, part of the medieval defence system
• Mount Tampa, by cable car or on foot, with the big "BRASOV" letters and a full view of the city
• The Schei district, with St Nicholas Church and the First Romanian School museum

When to go and how much time to allow

Brasov is beautiful in every season. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant for walking, in summer the city is full of terraces and events, and in December the Christmas market in the Council Square draws many visitors. For the old centre allow at least a full day; if you also want Tampa and Schei, do not rush.

One-day itinerary

• 07:30 – leave Gherghita, via the A3 and DN1
• 10:00 – the Council Square and the Council House
• 11:00 – the Black Church
• 12:00 – Rope Street, Catherine's Gate and the Schei Gate
• 13:00 – lunch in the old centre
• 14:30 – Schei: St Nicholas Church and the First Romanian School
• 16:00 – Tampa, by cable car, for the view
• 18:00 – drive back to Gherghita

With children

The old centre is largely pedestrian, so walking around is pleasant with children too. Rope Street and the citadel walls spark their curiosity at once, and the cable car up Tampa is a small adventure. For little ones, bring a light pushchair or a baby carrier: Schei and the side streets have slopes and cobblestones.

How to get there from Dracula Land

The distance from Gherghita to the centre of Brasov is about 144 km, around 2 hours and 15 minutes without traffic:

• the A3 to Ploiesti
• then the DN1 through the Prahova Valley: Sinaia, Busteni, Azuga, Predeal
• after Predeal descend to Brasov; in the centre, use the public car parks and continue on foot

By train, Brasov has very frequent connections with Ploiesti and Bucharest.

Combine the trip

On the way to Brasov you pass through Predeal and Azuga, and on the way back you can stop at Poiana Brasov, only 12 km from the centre. If you leave very early, Brasov can also be combined with Bran Castle, about 30 km away.

Practical tips

• At weekends and in high season the DN1 is busy; leave early and come back after 8 pm or before 4 pm.
• Many museums and churches have reduced hours on Mondays or out of season; check before you go.
• Parking in the old centre is limited; use the car parks on the edge of the pedestrian zone.

More about the Black Church

The Black Church deserves a careful visit. Construction began in the 14th century and lasted decades, and it got its present name after the fire of 1689, which destroyed much of the city and blackened its walls. Inside is one of the best-known organs in Romania, on which concerts are held in the warm season, and a valuable collection of Oriental carpets, donated over the centuries by Brasov merchants. Allow at least half an hour for the visit.

Brasov in the evening

In the evening the old centre lights up, and the terraces in the Council Square and on Republicii Street fill with people. If you are in no hurry to leave, a walk along the citadel walls and the path below Tampa is one of the finest experiences in the city. Remember, though, that the drive back to Gherghita takes over two hours, so plan your return in good time.

Where to stay

Brasov is easy to see in a day from the Gherghita area, and in the evening you return to peace and quiet. See accommodation near Dracula Land.