Epic myths and legends about Brasov and The Black Church

Brasov makes a wonderful junction between modern days and history. Only 160 km away from Bucharest, and 43 from Sinaia, lies literally in the center  of Romania. There have been rumors and propositions for Brasov to become the Capital of Romania in different periods of the Romanian history.

You can call it Brassai in Hungarian, or Kronstadt in German, but you must accept anyway the charming reality: Brasov is attractive to any visitor due to the perfect mix between the Medieval flair in the downtown, and the excellent possibilities of entertainment.

The area provides best conditions for the human to set and live here. Archaeologists discovered an antique Dacian temple, and a later Roman fortress. Further, in Middle Age, The Teuton knights bring Saxon colonists on behalf of the mighty Kings of Hungary. Shortly, Brasov turns into the turning plate of the handle from Budapest and Vienna to the Othoman Empire and all Asia. The Teuton knights  build more fortresses, going much further the beginning order, which upsets the King Andrew of Hungary. He orders consequently the expel of the Knights, but Brasov keeps on developing. In 1234 it even appears in official documents, under name of Corona.

Tne Black Church from Brasov in winter has a special charm

The mix of population in Brasov was not always so smooth and peaceful like today. In the Middle Age the Romanians occupied an area outside the fortifications, in the today quarter of Schei, while the Hungarians and Saxons had the privilege to stay inside the fortification, around the Bartolomeu Church.

I propose to start the visit in Brasov in The Old Square, with the Council House, hosting nowadays a History museum (closed on Monday, like all the Romanian museums). It has been build around an impressive Defending Tower, where some merchants used to exhibit their products. Afterwards, The Black Church attracts you from any corner. It is among the best renowned Gothic monuments in Romania, and with its impressive dimensions (89 Meters length,28 Meters width, 65 Meters heigth)represents the biggest worship building between Vienna and Istanbul. It has been build in the XIVth century, and restored between 1770-1772, after the devastating fire from 1689 (which destroyed most of the wooden houses of Brasov).

The Black Church from brasov is a must for every culture an d art freak visiting Romania

The Black Church hides many mysteries and records. The daylight is filtered through wonderful glassworks, and the southern balcony has oak doors with the coats of arms of Matei Corvin and his beloved wife Beatrice of Aragon (probably from 1477). Discover also on the Eastern wall a significant painting of Fritz Sculerrus, depicting the City council swearing  on the "Reformation book" of Honterus in 1543 (it was one of the channels of Honterus to introduce the Protestant religion in Brasov, discover his statue near the church). The Southern tower hosts three belts; the big one wights not less than 6300 kg, being actually the biggest in Romania! Another special mention for the big organ of the church, which is also one of the biggest in Romania with its 400 pipes ( if you are really lucky, it is possible assisting to a concert). The breathtaking instrument has been build in three years, between 1836 and 1839.

Catherine gate from Brasov was one of the places to enter the fortress, actually the only one still standing

During the XIXth centuries, the attendants to the Divine service were wealthy locals, mainly traders. Everyone tried to do something for the community, making donations. along the years, decades and centuries the collection of Oriental carpets from Black Church became very rich and famous, don't miss it neither!

After so much culture and breathtaking stories, you are entitled to take a rest to the many restaurants in the neighborhood. I would recommend whether a Quiche Lorent, thinking about international cuisine, or meat rolls with a glass of wine!

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How to find the best hotels in Brasov

It is not very easy finding the best hotels in Brasov. As the most touristic city in Romania, it doesn't lack neither on tourists, nor on hotels. Based on my personal experiences and on what I shared with other travelers, I made a selection which could be helpful to you.

First, if you don't need to stay within the city of Brasov, you could stay in the neigborhood, in Poiana Brasov or Bran. About the hotels in Poiana Brasov, waiting their skiers clients or the wanderers, be very careful in the mid seasons or on week ends, due to the crowds of travelers coming mainly from Bucharest.

In Bran there are a lot of small hotels, villas and pensions along the main road. If you are luckily enough, here you can find a room without prior reservation.

About the good hotels from the very city of Brasov, you also need normally a prior reservation. The hotels are good, and the city very circulated, resulting in a huge traffic. Having a hotel in Brasov is surely a good business, despite the crisis!

Aro Palace is the normal first choice when thinking to Best hotels in Brasov

Thinking about Brasov and the good city hotels, my first choice is unfortunately also the most expensive. Being in downtown and walking there you simply can't miss Aro Palace, which has a long tradition, excellent service and a good cuisine. A room costs 100 Euros, affordable comparing with some locations from Bucharest, e.g. The golden interiors, the marble and  other golden ornaments compose a particular, but cold environment. Coming alone means that you are aware of some risks, the many groups coming here have a priority!

Hotel Postavaru is for the budget travelers

If you are on a tight budget, The Hotel Postavaru is very close, and a room only cost 25 Euros (no bathroom). Don't forget the wonderful position, and you must declare you very happy with this solution.

After presenting the cheapest and the most expensive hotels, let's think to the middle budgets. In downtown Brasov, in Piata Sfatului, you can find the totally satisfying Casa Wagner. It is small, familiar and charming with only 12 rooms ( 70 Euros for a room). Old furniture, sober interior of good taste make from Casa Wagner an important adress.

In downtown Brasov the House Wagner is a good target

Not far, maybe similar in a way with Casa Wagner one can find Casa Rozelor (The Roses' house). The house itself is very old, from the XVth century. The special of this hotel consists even on combining in style the old stone house with the modern amenities, and further in combining with a good taste the old stone with the contemporary furniture. Must see for art freaks.

The Roses house in Brasov is a boutique hotel with a touch of style

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Prahova Valley, a Romanian Royal getaway

If you need to relax and detox, if you need to forget the usual trouble and the daily routine, I have the right medicine for you. I really recommend to go from Bucharest to Brasov, through Ploiesti on the A1 highway, along the spectacular Prahova Valley. But please keep in mind, that this highway is the busiest in Romania, and you must avoid it during the week end rush hours, e.g. Friday and Sunday afternoon.

The Prahova is simply superb,  meanders through Bucegi and Baiului Mountains, and could be named The Royal Valley of Romania, because the former King Carol I used to live here, in Sinaia, where he managed to build the fantastic Peles Castle from stone, wood and precious materials. Consequently, all his suite adopted Sinaia as a summer Capital. Ever since that period, the beginning of XXth century, the skiers and mountain climbers are the masters of these places.

Valea Prahovei is simply superb, the best place to disconnect from anything else.

Due to its proximity to Bucharest, Prahova Valley was an important connection between Wallachia and Transilvania., centuries before opening of a railway and a highway in 1880. Because the old highway is obsolete and overcrowded sometimes, there are plans for building a speed highway between Bucharest and Budapest, but the environmental price will be huge ( nowadays in the big forests of the area you can still find bears, wolves and lynxes). The legendary stylish train Orient Express drove this way on his long journey between Paris and Istanbul.

Peles Castle in Sinaia is a must see for any art freak

On the way to the mountains, discover first the quiet town of Campina, where you can find two interesting museums. One of them refers to Nicolae Grigorescu, the most important Romanian painter from all times, which lived here during its last years of life, and left his last masterpiece unaccomplished. He started his career by painting churches and monasteries, and finally an important politician, impressed by his paintings, offered him a scholarship in Paris. Nowadays, if you have the chance to buy a painting of grigorescu, please don't hesitate, it is a safer placement than gold! The secon interesting museum in Campina is Hasdeu Memorial Museum, with a very strange spiritual atmosphere, as Hasdeu, an important political and cultural personality, tried to further communicate with his beloved genial daughter Julia, died at 18 years.

Further, you reach the town of Breaza, which is simply very long, build mainly along the street, and very famous due to its excellent golf coarse. Afterwards, within minutes, you are in Sinaia, and you don't need to hurry up anymore. Enjoy Sinaia in all its splendor, it deserves. The quiet town is very animated on week ends, but in the rest of time keeps an interesting flair of the beginning of XXth Century. After King Carol set here his summer residence emmerged many luxury villas, his suite visited the Casino, and took part to hunting. If you are an art freak, don't miss the Peles Castle, it is simply superb. It was an avangarde building for Romania of those times, heated and electrified. Observe please the wood works, while going from the honor room in the weapon and Marocco room! Next to it, the Pelisor Castle, a paradise for Art Nouveau freaks.

Go deep in the Mountains by the cabin, if you are in the mood to climb them.  Further, before reaching Brasov, find Busteni and Predeal, very important for addicted skiers.

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Most important things to do in Brasov

Very easy accessible from Bucharest (only 170 km away), Brasov lies literally in the very center of Romania. After visiting Brasov you are going to have a tonic feeling that the World, Romania and specially Brasov are wonderful, a good place to live.

The Black Church of Brasov is not black at all, but passed many fires. It is one of the Europe,s biggest gothic cathedrals. Be sure not to pass the organ concerts on Tuesday and the fab carpet collection

Brasov (German Kronstadt, Hungarian Brasso) has a Turkish ethimology after all, as the Turks have been also active and interested in the area. Brasov is maybe the most touristic city in Romania, with the best restaurants and a much relaxed atmosphere compared to Bucharest, the Romanian Capital. The city has many cafes and hotels, but usually all of them are booked up; during the Music Festival Golden Deer you need for sure a prior reservation.

Downtown at night. Very impressive, very Medieval and very nice. A living lesson of architecture

Historically speaking, the first attested written docunent date back from the XIIIth century, mentioning the privileges granted to German Saxon in Brasov by the Hungarian King Geza IInd. The German traders and craftsmen from Brasov gained a good reputation in the neighboring Romanian countries of Wallachia and Moldavia, where they received also some privileges. The Black Church in the centre of Brasov is still today the center of the German community, still counting 2000 people. The downtown is very well preserved and offers a brillant example of German architecture, and you can feel transported elsewhere in Austria and Germany. Looks even today overwhelming for the Romanians (during Middle Age the Romanians had no right to settle in the German city, and were supposed to live in the Schei neighborhood, entering the city through Scheigate. Compare the architecture from Schei with the Downtown!). Don't miss in the Black Church the organ concerts on Tuesday and the impressive collection of hand woven carpets, donated by the German traders.

One of the two citygates still lasting today.(Catherine gate)

Very close to nature, Brasov has very near (12 km away) the winter sports resort of Poiana Brasov ( actually counting as a city neighbourhood!). In Poana Brasov's many slopes you can ski at any knowledge level, you can skate and practise other winter sports. It is really a bid for an edition of Winter Olympic games.

Poiana Brasov is a reputated winter sport resort

After a longer or shorter walk in Brasov you are normally subject to napeache, due to the many things needing your attention. If you are not hit by napeache, it surely means that you haven't been enough regardful to city beauties! A wonderful panorama of the city you can get from Tampa, the peak overseeing Brasov. Up to 1450 there was a fortress there, but Vlad Tepes Dracula destroyed it. Nowadays you can find a good restaurant there.

Another highlight in Brasov is the Romanian Orthodox Church of  St Nicholas

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