For many, the Black Church (Biserica Neagra) is the most important landmark of the city and a symbol of Brasov, to others it is the most impressive gothic church in Romania. For most it is one of the first places to see in the Old City, a part which still keeps the magic, charm and elegance of ages longtime gone. Everyday, it draws at least a few dozens of visitors, ranging from tourists to locals, as well as those who come here for the religious service or concerts.
While we do not have much information about the early history of the church, we known that the structure we see today was built in 1385 - 1477, a long, very long time, which opens up new questions. Some historians say that on the same spot there was a much earlier church, destroyed in 1242 in a Mongol raid. We know for sure that the reconstruction was lenghty due to another Turkish attack, in 1421, when the church was once again severely damaged. One of the inscriptions, discovered much later on one of the walls, says that the founder of the curch was Thomas, who died in 1410. From the start, the project chosen was marked by the techniques and models used for buildings churches in the 15th - 16th century, in German towns. Most likely some or most of the workers, masters and builders came from one of the one of these towns, as the craftsmanship is surely foreign.
The Black Church is the highest place of worship in Gothic style built in south-eastern Europe, being 89 meters long, about 38 meters wide, 21 meters high on the inside and 40 meters high on the outside. It draws it's name from a devastating fire, that badly damaged and blackened the walls of the church in 1689. The inside structures were remade by a team of builders from Gdansk, who chose to change the arches and rebuild them in a Baroque manner, which makes for and interesting combination.
But the Black Church in Brasov is also famous for other things, not just for it's size : in the belltower, you can find the biggest bell in Romania, a huge one, made out of bronze and weighting over six tons. Also, inside the church there is a huge organ, the biggest in south-eastern Europe. There is also a small museum, prezenting the main moments in the history of the Black Church, a collection of Oriental carpets, many of them of tremendous value, unique in the world, several statues of saints. The peace and quiet inside the structure are well suited for praying, and it is no small wonder that the church is still opened for religious service.
Many come here just out of curiosity, others to enjoy the beautiful architecture, others out of interest for religious art, but in a few words the Black Church in Brasov has something for everybody. With it's tall, majestic structure, darkened by fire and time, with it's rich inside and outside ornaments, beautifully carved into stone, it is a special place and an unique space, worthy of a visit. Or many more. It also blends perfectly with the surrounding architecture, a testimony to how Brasov used to be in the old days. The amazing thing is that is still kept it's beauty.
Photo : vilasilvania.ro
2007-12-06
