I visited Brașov during my five plus months backpacking journey across Central and Eastern Europe. After few days in Iași, the second largest city and the cultural capital of Romania, I took a bus to Brașov, a beautiful city in Transylvania. This was my second visit to this beautiful city, the first visit was in Dec 2015, as a day trip to Transylvania from the capital city of București.
Brașov, part of the historical region of Transylvania, is located in the central part of Romania, surrounded by the Southern Carpathians. It’s known for its medieval Saxon walls and bastions, the towering Gothic-style Black Church and lively cafes. Piaţa Sfatului (Council Square) in the cobbled old town is surrounded by colorful baroque buildings and is home to the Casa Sfatului, a former town hall turned local history museum. It is also the birthplace of the national anthem of Romania.
Pictures below are from my visit during August 2018.
Welcome to Brașov ! A beautiful Manhole Cover with City’s Coat of Arms.Casa Sfatului, Council House, an ancient town-hall building, now hosting historical exhibits & community events. Huge Hollywood Style “Brașov” Sign in the backdrop.Piata Sfatului, The Council Square, located at the heart of old medieval Brasov and lined with beautiful red-roofed merchant houses, known to the Saxon population as the Marktplatz, is a nice place to rest and soak in the beautiful scenery.Poarta Ecaterinei, Catherine’s Gate, erected in 1559 by the Tailors’ Guild, is the only original gate to have survived from medieval times. The fairy-tale tower exist today was part of a bigger structure, which unfortunately, was demolished in 1827. The four small corner turrets symbolized the judicial autonomy of the Town Council which could apply, if necessary, the death penalty.Biserica Neagra, The Black Church, boasts the largest church bell in Romania, weighing in at seven tons and is the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul. Built between 1385 and 1477 on the site of an earlier church (destroyed by Mongol invasions in 1242), was hampered by extensive damage caused by Turkish raids in 1421. The church was given its new name after disaster struck again in 1689, when the Great Fire leveled most of the town, blackening the walls of the church. Restoration took almost 100 years. Of two towers planned, only one was finished.Biserica Sfantul Nicolae, Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church, first built in wood during 1392, replaced with a stone structure in 1495 and considerably expanded in the 18th century, Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church, with a mix of Byzantine, Baroque and Gothic styles, it features a slender tower and four corner towers. The first Romanian School, now a museum, found on nearby grounds.Şcheii Braşovului (Şchei district) is the old ethnically Bulgarian and Romanian neighborhood of Braşov. This village-like section of the town is mostly made up of small houses with gardens, built along narrow streets. Until the 17th century, the inhabitants of Şchei were forbidden from owning property inside the city walls. The people living in the Şchei could only enter the town at certain times and had to pay a toll at the Catherine’s Gate for the privilege of selling their produce inside the town. Catherine’s Gate was the only entrance for the Romanians — they were not allowed to use the other four entrances. It was in Şchei that the first Romanian School was established, next to the Romanian Orthodox church of St. Nicholas.Thirsty pigeons, a drinking water fountain in the Şchei district.Narrow streets of the Şchei district.Beautiful building of Brasov’s main Tourist Information Center with a huge Hollywood Style “Brașov” Sign in the backdrop.Shops around Piata Sfatului (The Council Square).Old town of Brașov.A panoramic view of the Brasov town center. A sunset over Brasov town center.Town hall, mayor’s office Strada Republicii, Brașov’s lively pedestrian only street in the old town area.One of the side street of Strada Republicii, old town of Brasov, with a huge Hollywood Style “Brașov” Sign in the backdrop.An Indian (Gujju) American friend, when I met her, she was on the road for last 4+ years. As we both were backpacking through the Balkans, met her again in Bulgaria, Kosovo and Albania. Cold Turkish beer at Strada Republicii, old own of BrașovA picnic spot with beautiful nature, just outside the city.An anti-government rally outside the town hall. Family with kids joined the rally too.
Pictures below are from Dec 2015, I made a day trip to Transylvania from the capital city of București.
A huge Christmas tree in Piata Sfatului, The Council Square.A view of Biserica Neagra, The Black Church, from the The Council Square.Christmas market in Piata Sfatului, The Council Square.Christmas market in Piata Sfatului, The Council Square.Christmas in the Air! A shop selling cheese and freshly baked bread.Christmas in the Air! A shop selling sausages and cured pig meat.Vin Fiert, Mulled wine, a beverage made with red wine along with various mulling spices. Best cure for a cold weather as it is served hot or warm.New City HallCasa Sfatului, Council House, an ancient town-hall building, It was very cold during December.
Pictures below are of the Bran Castle, Commonly known outside Romania as a Dracula’s castle. Visited as a part of my day trip to Transylvania in Dec 2015,
The Dracula’s Castle ( Bran Castle ).The Bran castle from Inside, not that big.Western tower of the Bran Castle , seen from inside.One of the room inside the Dracula’s castle.
Pictures below are of the Peleș Castle, a Neo-Renaissance castle in the Carpathian Mountains, built between 1873 and 1914. The cost of the work on the castle was estimated to be 16,000,000 Romanian lei in gold (approx. US$ 120 million today). Visited as a part of my day trip to Transylvania in Dec 2015,
The Peleș CastleThe courtyard of Peleș Palace .A statue of King Carol I, the king who built the Peleș Castle.The castle has beautiful terraces with many sculptures.
During August 2018 trip, I made Brașov my base and made trips to UNESCO World Heritage Sights of Viscri and Sighișoara in Transylvania before moving to Sibiu.
In May 2017, 23 days before I was going to complete 50 years, grabbed an opportunity and took an early retirement.. Picked up a backpack and traveling ever since.. Love to travel around the world, experience different culture, local cuisine & drinks .. and take pictures.. so far been to 108 countries and still counting...
Viscri and 
Sighișoara in Transylvania before moving to 
Sibiu. 
Window on the World 