Transylvania 1: The Ultimate guide to Brasov

There is about 600 km to Brasov depending on where you come from. It’s officially 8h 15min from Novi Sad, but you will need a lot more time, because Transylvania built only 150km of highway…

That’s why you’re very happy when you finally arrive.

Brasov is an ideal base for researching Translivalia, both modern and old, with a Hollywood sign above the city.

Once it was called Orasul Stalin (Stalin’s city) and even earlier it was called Korona (crown) or in German, Kronstadt (Crown city).

Brasov is surrounded by rich forests with over 6000 brown bears in them. When it is very cold, they are known to descend and get near the city. The locals say that they should sing as hard as they can, and this will drive away the bear.

Brašov was settled by the German Saxons as a reward for defending the city.

Although the surrounding attractions take away his glory, here is my list of what to see and do in Brasov:

1. Visit the Black Church (Biserica Negra) the trademark of Brasov

It is considered the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Constantinople, its walls were burned up in the fire in the 17th century and thus the name remained.

The church has large organs of 4000 pipes and every Tuesday from June to October at 6 pm they can be heard.

There is a large collection of carpets in the church that the merchants donated because they were grateful for having successfully navigated the route from Vienna to Constantinople, also the windows on the church were made of UV glass to prevent damage to 115 Turkish carpets.

2. Visit the Schei Gate

This gate was the only entry into the city for Romanians. At that time, Saxons lived in this city, and the Romanians could enter the city only if they could pay.

3. Ekaterina’s Gate

Wherever a building had four towers like on this gate, it meant that the city had administrative autonomy, could pass its laws and judge them, this was valid for the Saxons in the city, while the citizens of the periphery listened to the central government.

4. Visit the streets of the old town and pay attention to some details and see the Synagogue

5. Strada Sfori (the tightest street)

Originally built for the passage of firefighters, but the Romanians made a story about the couple who are marrying and not touching the walls during the passage will be together for a long time, or if they are in a fight when they enter it, they will calm down when they reach the end.

6. Strada Dupa Ziduri (behind the wall)

As its name suggests, it leads to the remains of a fortress that once belonged to the so-called Black and White Towers.

In fact, both towers are white and under them is a walkway called Bastionul Graft.

7. Tampa

This 900m high hill, dominates Brasov, it has a lift that works every day until 17h, except for holidays.

If the weather is good, it deserves a visit. Sadly, it’s inaccessible to wheelchair users.

8. Visit the old part of Brasov where the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas and the first Romanian elementary school are located

9. Apply for a free walkabout

10. Visit the monument to the 1989 revolution victims.

11. Visit the Central Square

In front of the town house where the historical museum is located today, traders were gathering and exchanging goods from the 14th century, there was also a pillar of shame where they burned witches.

Today, the square is full of cafes, the children feed the pigeons, the tourists eat bagels.

In the main street leading to the square there is also a Serbian restaurant.

In Brasov, there is a legend that the children from The Magic Piper story ended up in this fairytale town.

12. Finish the walk around the town in one of the local restaurants

Since the Romanians love to put their national restaurants in basements, I had to adapt…

I was pleasantly surprised.

Angus burger, homemade chips, truffles with olive oil … WOW!

If I say that Brasov is 30 km from Poiana Brasov, the main ski center, then it is clear why it is best to arrive in the summer months. The surrounding mountains keep snow for a long time and it speaks a lot about climatic conditions.

In Brasov, they worship the cobbled stone paths, this is not a place where my wheelchair is singing with happiness, but there are good people everywhere so I always had help.