Brasov is a vibrant city that sits on the edge of the Carpathian Mountains and is known for its medieval Saxon walls and bastions. It also boasts a towering Gothic-style Black Church, lively cafes and a cobbled old town centre that is sure to appeal to any visitor!
One of the best ways to get a feel for Brasov is by walking around the medieval fortifications that surround it. Several parts of the wall date back to 600 years and they are a great way to get to know the city’s history!
The Hollywood Sign
One of the best things to see and to do in Brasov is to hike up Tampa Mountain to see the famous Hollywood Sign. You can take a cable car to the top of the mountain and then hike for about an hour or so to get to the sign.
It is a spectacular view from the top and is clearly inspired by the Hollywood Sign in the US. You can also find a similar sign in nearby Rasnov but Brasov’s is much more visible from all over the city and is easily accessible by foot.
The city also has a popular Christmas market that is held annually in the Council Square (Piata Sfatului). It is a great place to shop for holiday gifts, as well as to sample traditional Romanian foods and drinks.
The Black Tower
One of Brasov's oldest and most famous sights is the Black Tower, also known as the Black Church. The tower sits atop Warthe Hill, not far from the Blacksmiths' Bastion.
The tower survived two fires caused by lightning and it is still standing today. It is 11 m high and its walls are two meters thick, with six shooting holes arranged two by two in three lines.
It is now a tourist attraction, thanks to thorough renovations which started in 1995 and a glass roof. The tower also houses temporary exhibitions.
Inside the tower you can find an exhibition that presents artifacts made by craftsmen guilds from medieval Brasov. The exhibition is also a great source of information on the history of the citadel.
The White Tower
Brasov is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Its vibrant culture and amazing architecture are sure to charm you.
The White Tower was built in 1494 and is a semicircular structure that rises 30 meters above the city walls. It has five floors with wooden galleries decorated with illuminated portholes.
Its entrance was so high that people used to use a ladder for getting in. Eventually, it burned down in 1689 and had to be renovated in 1723.
If you have a camera, the White Tower is worth visiting as it offers a fantastic view of Brasov’s skyline. You can also see a museum inside.
The Council Square (Piata Sfatului)
The Council Square (Piata Sfatului) is the centerpiece of Brasov’s historical center. It has been a marketplace since 1364, and has been visited by merchants from all over the world.
The square also hosts a number of interesting attractions. In the middle is the 1420 Council House, now home to the History Museum, which is a must-see.
Other notable stops include the Muresenilor House Memorial Museum, the Hirscher House, and the Museum of Urban Civilization. If you’re looking for the best way to see all of these attractions, try out the GPSmyCity mobile app, which will turn your smartphone into a self-guided tour guide that works offline. It also has an impressive interactive map of Brasov. The other must-see landmarks in this town include the Black Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the First Romanian School.
The Four-Pointed Gate
One of the best ways to get a feel for the history of Brasov is by taking a stroll along its medieval walls. It’s also a great way to take in the stunning beauty of this historic city, so go ahead and indulge yourself!
The four-pointed gate in Brasov is one of the few remaining entrances to the medieval walled town. It was built by the Tailors Guild in 1559.
You can still see it in the centre of the Council Square (Piata Sfatului) and is surrounded by many other interesting historical buildings. In fact, you’ll find that much of the city center is pedestrianised and a great place to enjoy a drink or meal without having to deal with the revs and fumes of cars racing by.
