Brasov Travel guide

VLAD DRACULA

The historical Dracula, was a Walachian prince who ruled Romania from 1456 to 1642. During the fifteenth century Turks conquered most of what is now the Balkans. Vlad Dracula repelled the invading armies by impaling his Turkish enemies on spikes earning the sobriquet Vlad The Impaler .Because of their fear to Vlad the Turks did not press for sovereign control of the region. Dracula was also the man who founded Bucharest, the capital of Romania.

Brasov has always been a major cultural centre. Johannes Honterus (1498-1549), who led the Protestant Reformation in the area, established the first printing press in Transylvania here. The first book in Romanian language was also printed in Brasov, by the deacon Coresi, in the 16th century. Nowadays, you can spend some quality time walking down the streets that surround the old Town hall, all the way to the city walls. One of the nicest destinations is one of the original city gates, Poarta Schei, enchanting with its four towers. When you're done exploring, stop for a treat in one of the many nice cafes in the city square. For an elegant surrounding, try the "Orient Cafe".

Or, if you prefer a more distinguished cultural experience, the Art Museum shelters some valuable Romanian paintings, while the History Museum awaits you in a medieval setting inside the old fortress. The biggest attraction in town is the Gothic Protestant Church built between 1385 and 1477. It is known by the name of "Black Church" because of its smoke-blackened walls after a fire in 1689.

The establishment was recently restored, and tourists can now fully enjoy listening to organ concerts or admire the enchanting oriental rug collection. Being always an important tourist centre, the city of Brasov has some fine hotels and restaurants, of which the most known are "Aro Hotel" and the "Cetate" restaurant, famous for the authentic Romanian cuisine and medieval interior. Near Brasov lies one of the most modern ski resorts in Romania, Poiana Brasov, with about ten major ski slopes, Romanian style restaurants, swimming pools, and tennis courts.

Brasov - history

Also known by the German name of Kronstadt, the city of Brasov is one of the largest and most cherished cities of the country. Surrounded on three sides by mountains, it was a perfect place for a medieval settlement. The old city, founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211, is one of the best preserved. Lately it was thoroughly restored to the delight of an increasing number of tourists.

In the old times Brasov was the center of a powerful Saxon colony trading in cloth, weapons, metalwork, and wax throughout much of Walachia and Moldavia. The old town was heavily fortified in the 15th century against the Turks and survived with little damage to nowadays. Among the historic buildings is the city hall, erected in 1420, and the 190-foot watchtower, also called Trumpeter's Tower. Beside its economical power, Brasov has always been a major cultural center. Johannes Honterus (1498-1549), who led the Protestant Reformation in the area, established the first printing press in Transylvania here. The first book in Romanian language was also printed in Brasov, by the deacon Coresi, in the 16th century.