Braşov, Romania
Region: Braşov is located in Brașov County
Geographic Coordinates: 45.666700, 25.616700
Temperature Range: -30.0°C to 35.0°C (-22°F to 95°F)
Climate: Cold winters, mild springs and autumns, and warm summers with occasional thunderstorms.
Population: 290743
Language: Romanian
Braşov is a stunning city situated in the heart of Romania, Surrounded by lush green forests and mountains. With a population of over 250, 000 people, It is the seventh largest city in Romania. The name Braşov comes from the Slavic word bras which means bull and has been mentioned in documents dating back to the 13th century. The Black Church is one of Braşov’s most famous landmarks located at the center of the city.
It was built between 1383 and 1477 and got its name after a fire damaged it in 1689 causing its walls to turn black due to smoke damage. Mount Tampa stands tall over Braşov at an altitude of over 900 meters, Offering breathtaking views that visitors can enjoy by taking a cable car ride to reach its summit. The Old Town area boasts well-preserved medieval architecture dating back to when Saxons settled here during the Middle Ages.
Here you can find narrow streets lined with colorful houses adorned with flower boxes overflowing with blooms making it an excellent destination for tourists visiting Braşov. Brașov hosts many cultural events throughout the year such as Brasov International Film Festival & Market or Brasov Jazz Festival that attract thousands of visitors annually from all around Europe. For nature lovers who want to explore beyond Brașov’s borders there are plenty options too: Piatra Craiului National Park offers hiking trails through rugged mountain landscapes while Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s Castle) provides an eerie glimpse into Transylvania’s folklore history.
In terms of cuisine, Traditional Romanian dishes like sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) or mici (grilled minced meat rolls) can be found at many local restaurants around town along with international cuisine options making it a perfect place for food enthusiasts too! Overall, Braşov is a charming city that offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its rich history, Stunning architecture, And beautiful natural surroundings.
Important Landmarks
- Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)
- Black Church (Biserica Neagră)
- Council Square (Piața Sfatului)
- Mount Tampa
- Rope Street (Strada Sforii)
- First Romanian School Museum
- White Tower (Turnul Alb)
- Saint Nicholas Church
- Schei Gate
- Ecaterina’s Gate
Primary Industries
Major Industries and Businesses in Braşov, Romania
- Manufacturing
- Machinery
- Automotive parts
- Textiles
- Electronics
- Tourism
- Historical landmarks such as the Black Church and Bran Castle
- Proximity to the Carpathian Mountains
- IT & Software Development
- Software development
- Web design and development
- Cybersecurity
- Education
- Transilvania University of Brasov
- Courses in engineering, economics, law, medicine, among others
- Agriculture
- Crops such as wheat, corn, grapes, etc.
- Provides food for both locals and tourists
- Healthcare Services
- Several hospitals located in the city
- Provides medical care for residents of the Brașov region
Noteable History
- The founding of Braşov dates back to the 13th century when it was established by Teutonic Knights.
- The Black Death epidemic in the 14th century had a significant impact on Braşov, resulting in a large loss of its population.
- Johannes Honterus is a prominent figure in Braşov’s history, known for his role in promoting Protestantism and being a Lutheran pastor and scholar.
- In 1689, Braşov experienced a devastating fire that destroyed much of its medieval city center.
- From the late 17th century until World War I, Braşov was part of the Habsburg Empire and played an essential role as a trading hub between Central Europe and the Ottoman Empire.
- Nicolae Titulescu is one of Romania’s most famous diplomats and politicians who was born in Braşov and served as Romania’s foreign minister during the interwar period.
- During World War II, Brasov played an important role as an arms production center for both Nazi Germany and Romania under Ion Antonescu’s regime.
- After years of communist rule under Nicolae Ceaușescu, Brasov became one of the centers for protests during Romania’s Velvet Revolution in December 1989 that led to Ceaușescu’s downfall.
Museums and Things To See
- Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle, is a must-visit for history and vampire enthusiasts.
- The Black Church is an impressive Gothic church that dominates the Brașov skyline. It houses an impressive collection of religious art.
- The First Romanian School Museum is a historic building that was once home to the first Romanian school in Transylvania. It has been turned into a museum showcasing the history of education in Romania.
- Council Square (Piața Sfatului) is a bustling square in the heart of Brașov’s Old Town, surrounded by colorful buildings and street performers.
- Rope Street (Strada Sforii) is one of Europe’s narrowest streets, measuring just over 1 meter wide at its narrowest point.
- The Art Museum Brasov showcases works from local artists as well as international exhibitions and is a must-visit for art lovers.
- Mount Tampa (Tâmpa) overlooks Brașov and offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
- The White Tower (Turnul Alb), built in 1494 to protect Braşov’s eastern side against invaders, offers great views over the city from its top floor.
- Saint Nicholas Church is one of Brasov’s oldest churches dating back to 1292 which has undergone many renovations but still retains some original features like its gothic portal.
- Poiana Brasov, located just outside the city limits, is Romania’s most popular ski resort with plenty on offer throughout all seasons including hiking trails during summer months.
Sports Teams
- Corona Brașov Hockey Club was founded in 1931 and is considered the oldest and most successful ice hockey team in Romania. They have won numerous national championships and have also competed in European competitions.
- FC Brașov, established in 1936, is one of the most popular football clubs in Romania. They have won several national cups and reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup back in 1993.
- CSM Brașov is a multi-sport club that competes across several disciplines including basketball, handball, volleyball, athletics, and swimming.
- SCM Gloria Brașov is another multi-sport club that has teams competing across various sports such as ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, skiing, snowboarding and curling.
- ACS Transilvania Brașov is a rugby union team founded recently back in 2010 that competes at a regional level.
- CSU Brasov Baschet was founded recently (in 2018) as a basketball team playing its games at Sala Sporturilor din Brasov (Sports Hall from Brasov).
- CSKA Brasov was founded recently (in 2020) as a futsal team which played for two seasons so far at a regional level.
Cultural Events
- Brasov International Film Festival & Market
- Brasov Christmas Market
- Junii Brasovului Festival (The Young Men of Brasov)
- Cerbul de Aur (Golden Stag) International Music Festival
- Medieval Days in Brasov
- Transylvania International Guitar Festival
- Romanian Traditional Costumes Parade
- Braşov Jazz & Blues festival
- Oktoberfest Brașov
- Brașov Street Musician’s Festival
Cuisine
- Sarmale – a traditional dish made of minced meat, rice, and spices wrapped in cabbage or vine leaves.
- Mici – grilled minced meat rolls served with mustard and bread.
- Papanași – a dessert made of fried dough filled with sweet cheese and topped with sour cream and jam.
- La Ceaun – a restaurant that serves traditional Romanian cuisine like sarmale, mici, and papanași.
- Sergiana Restaurant – another popular restaurant that serves Romanian dishes such as lamb stew, beef soup, and dumplings.
- Bistro de l’Arte – a cozy bistro that offers international cuisine with Romanian influences.
- Beer Zone Brașov – a pub that serves local craft beers along with traditional Romanian snacks like mici and fries.
- La Perla Carpatilor – a mountain lodge-style restaurant serving hearty dishes like goulash soup, grilled meats, and polenta dishes.
- Restaurant Transilvania – another popular spot for traditional Romanian food like pork knuckle stewed in beer sauce or roasted duck breast served with red cabbage salad.
- Bella Musica – an elegant Italian-inspired eatery that offers delicious pasta dishes alongside specialties from the Brasov region such as stuffed cabbage rolls or roasted pork loin served in creamy mushroom sauce.
Parks and Recreation
- Parcul Central Braşov (Central Park)
- Parcul Sportiv Tractorul (Tractorul Sports Park)
- Parcul Noua (Noua Park)
- Aventura Park Braşov (Adventure Park)
- Dino Parc Râşnov (Dinosaur Theme Park)
- Poiana Braşov Ski Resort
- Piatra Mare Mountain Hike
- Tâmpa Mountain Hike
- Quad Biking in the Carpathian Mountains
- Horseback Riding in the Surrounding Countryside