What to see in Brasov
The Council Square (Piata Sfatului) : in the past the city was protected by strong stone wall and seven bastions, which can still be seen today, and the Coucil Square, located in the middle of Old Brasov, it is a good place to start your visit. Surrounded by tall, red-roofed houses, one could find here the Old Town Hall (1420), now hosting the Brasov History Museum, the Black Church, considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe and the Orthodox Cathedral. In the past years it was in this very square that the Golden Stag festival took place.
The Old Town Hall (Casa Sfatului) : was built in the 13th century and it was a meeting place for councilors of the city. The building is also guarded by the Trumpeter's Tower, used as a watchtower in the past.
The Black Church (Biserica Neagra) : certainly one of the most beautiful gothic churches in the world - Romania's best - it is a landmark and o symbol of Brasov, drawing thousands of visitors every year. It's story is also fascinating, as is it's architecture and interior decorations.
The Black Church was actually built in 1385 - 1477 on the very site of an earlier church which was destroyed in 1242 by the Mongols. The building took longer that it was supposed to for in 1421 the church was once again severely damaged, this time by the Turks. The unusual and distinct name, still used, was given to the church in 1689, when a terrifying fire destroyed most of the town and blackened the outside walls of the church. The Black Church was to have two towers, yet only one was completed.
The splendid gothic interior further gained a baroque touch, and is impressive with it's balconies, stained glass windows, a gigantic organ, several stone columns, and one of the best collections of carpets in the world, the largest of it's kind in Europe. The Black Church is still in service today, and it is also a tourist landmark.
Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church (Biserica Sfantul Nicolae) : another important church in Brasov, it dominates the Schei District. Build in wood in 1392, it would later be rebuilt in stone in 1495 and once again further expanded in the 18th century, becoming the masterpiece that it is today, an unique blend of byzantine, baroque and gothic style. Nearby, one can find several interesting landmarks, such aas The First Romanian School, now a museum (see museum details), the Library and the Archives of Saint Nicholas Church.
Romanian Orthodox Cathedral (Catedrala Ortodoxa Adormirea Maicii Domnului) : located nearby the Council Square, it is a beautiful example of Byzantine style, being built at the end of the 19th century, with impressive interior decorations.
Jewish Brasov
The history of the Jewish community in Brasov starts in 1807, when the first Jew, Rabbi Aaron Ben Jehuda, received the permission to settle here. The Jewish Community will be officially founded in 1826 and the first Jewsih school was founded in 1864, the first Synagogue being built in 1901. Over the next century the Jewish community in Brasov further grew, counting 4000 people in 1940. Many of them left Brasov in the Comunist period for Israel.
Art Museum (Muzeul de Arta) : Brasov has several important museums, and the Art Museum is one of the best in town and even in the country. On the ground and first floor visitors have the chance of admiring an impressive collection of paintings, from forgotten artists to major Romanian masters, such as Theodor Pallady, Nicolae Grigorescu, Stefan Luchian, Horia Bernea, Frederic Storck, Dimitrie Paciurea. In the cellar you can see a beautiful collection of European porcelain and crystal objects and several Oriental vases and statuettes.
Brasov History Museum (Muzeul de Istorie al Brasovului) : it is housed in the Old Town Hall and is literally filled with rare exhibits from the Ancient times to modernity, ranging from stone tools to ceramics, bronze and iron tools, armors and ancient weapons.
Ethnographic Museum (Muzeul de Etnografie) : this museum's collections are rich and varied, offering an interesting image of the crafts of the town. One can find here silver jewelry, coats made out of fur and sheepskin, folk costumes, old photographs, documents, a history of weaving and can even buy folk arts and crafts at the gift shop.
2007-11-06
