Brasov is one of the most important tourist attractions of Romania. Located not far away from Bucharest – the main entrance of the country, Brasov is known for its well preserved medieval citadel and for its tree-covered hills that surround the town. Once in Brasov you could roam on the quaint cobblestone alleys and streets, some of them preserving an indelible mark of the medieval times. Let yourself magnetized by the charm of the old buildings and by their intricate architectural elements. Get lost on the mountain trails that encircle the old town, reaching serene and unspoiled mountain areas. In the end you could take a break on a terrace, enjoying a drink. But let’s see the main tourist attractions of Brasov, the most known landmarks.

1. The Black Church

This landmark represents practically the history of this town. Built in times of turmoil, the Black Church is known not just for its amazing Gothic architecture or for its blackened volcanic rock but also for being the first Protestant church of Transylvania, its firs Evangelical sermon being recorded in 1542. Beside the regular religious exhibits of a church, such as the baptismal font, the altar or the impressive organ, the Black Church owns the largest Anatolian Carpet Collection outside of Turkey. And if you are lucky, you might attend an organ concert.

2. The Panoramic View

The main advantage of the old town is given by its location, an area surrounded by the hills of the Postavaru Mountain. The closest highest point from Brasov is the Tampa Mountain (960m/3149ft). Take the cable car all the way to the top and from here take the trail toward the panoramic deck. Located right next to the Hollywood-like letters of Brasov, the deck offers an stunning view over the entire old city and  beyond. From here you can observe the reddish color of the roofs, the steeple of the churches, the old watching towers, the bastions and the exterior walls. The hole medieval pattern of the old town is revealed in front of your eyes like in a giant game of a child. Beyond the old city, beyond the fortress of Brasov and the new town, one can see the plains of the former Burzenland Country.

3. The Council Square and the pedestrian alley

Before anything else Brasov is a medieval town and this can be seen very well while roaming on its streets and alleys. The main square of the old town is the Council Square. Wide, spacious and full of pigeons, the square is surrounded by many beautiful old buildings, each of them boasting interesting and intricate architectural elements. In the center of the Council Square of Brasov one can see the former Town Hall, now the History Museum. The oldest building of the town stands up majestically even today. It is here the trumpet guards used to announce the dangerous invasions. The main pedestrian alley of the old town, known as the Republicii Street, starts from the old square. In the summer time this alley practically becomes a long table with hundreds and hundreds of chairs and tens of umbrellas. It is a prefect location for a drink and a prefect spot for observing beautiful girls.

text and pictures by Daniel Gheorghita