Brasov

Surrounded by the picturesque Carpathian mountains, Brașov has always been considered one of Romania’s most beautiful cities, thanks to its stunning natural surroundings. First documented in 1234 in the Catalogus Ninivensis under the name “Corona,” the city began its life around what would later become the Council Square and the Black Church.

Brașov’s strategic location allowed it to fulfill two key roles: as a vital defensive stronghold and a bustling hub for trade between the Balkans and Central and Western Europe. The city is surrounded by mountains, and in 1395, the Citadel on Straja Hill was constructed, one of the strongest fortifications in Transylvania. Positioned to trap invading forces between two fronts, it became a formidable barrier to any army attempting to pass.

Local tradition dates the founding of the city to 1203. By 1211, the Teutonic Knights were granted the Burzenland region by King Andrew II of Hungary. These knights likely reinforced, or possibly even established, the fortress on Tâmpa Hill, known as Brașovia, one of the seven fortifications that earned the region the German name “Siebenbürgen.” However, the Teutonic Knights, notorious for their warlike disposition, were expelled after just 25 years, during which they waged battles against the Cumans. The fortress on Tâmpa Hill, however, predated their arrival and was ultimately destroyed in 1455 by John Hunyadi.

The 1241 Tatar invasion brought destruction to another fortress, Sprenghi, located near an ancient Roman castrum. After the Tatars withdrew, the fortifications were strengthened with a hexagonal tower, which stood for two more centuries before being destroyed by the Ottomans. Brașov was first mentioned by its modern name in 1252 as “Terra Saxonum de Barasu,” referring to the Burzenland region. Other historical records show variations of its name such as “Brassou” in 1331 and “Kronstadt” (Crown City), reflecting the city’s multi-ethnic heritage.

Brașov became increasingly important in the 14th century as an administrative and ecclesiastical center for the Burzenland region. The city’s economic vitality required robust defenses, prompting the construction of Bran Castle in 1377 to secure key mountain passes. Neither Tatars, Ottoman Turks, nor the Kurucs of Tokoly could conquer the castle.

By 1397, King Sigismund authorized Brașov to build stone fortifications, recognizing the need for protection amid repeated invasions. The 15th century saw Brașov transform into one of the strongest medieval cities in the region, with eight bastions, five fortified gates, 32 defensive towers, and three concentric walls, surrounded by a water-filled moat. Even so, the city endured invasions, such as those in 1421 and 1438.

Over the centuries, Brașov’s fortifications expanded. By the mid-17th century, the addition of structures like the Goldsmiths’ Bastion and the completion of defensive ditches solidified its status as one of Southeastern Europe’s most impregnable cities. These walls and bastions were built and maintained by guilds, leading to the city’s nickname, “The City of Seven Bastions.”

 

Brașov’s Key Bastions and Towers

 

The Weavers’ Bastion
Built between 1421 and 1436 by the weavers’ guild, this bastion is located at the southwestern corner of the city. Over the years, it has served various purposes, from a guild headquarters to a museum nowadays.

The Rope Makers’ Bastion
Situated along the southern wall of the citadel, this hexagonal bastion was first documented in 1416. It has endured fires and restorations and is now a restored tourist attraction.

The Drapers’ Bastion
Initially constructed by the goldsmiths’ guild, this southeastern bastion was heavily fortified with Prague bombards, small cannons, and arquebuses. Over time, it was handed over to the drapers’ guild.

The Blacksmiths’ Bastion
Located in the northwestern part of the city, this pentagonal structure was rebuilt multiple times after floods and fires. Initially documented in 1529, it served as a grain storage facility and later as the city archives.

The Graft Bastion
Built in the mid-16th century, this bastion connected the city to the White Tower via a wooden bridge. Its defenses included openings for boiling oil and arrows.

The Black Tower
Standing over 11 meters tall, this tower was connected to the city via a drawbridge. A lightning strike in 1559 charred its roof, giving it its name. It served as a quarantine station during the 1756 plague.

The White Tower
Built on a rocky outcrop about 60 meters from the city walls, the White Tower features semi-circular architecture and five levels of wooden galleries. Damaged by fire in 1689, it was restored in 1723.

The Fortress on Sprenghi Hill
This fortress, originally a Roman castrum, was rebuilt in the 13th century after a Tatar invasion but fell into disrepair over time. By the 19th century, it was reduced to ruins as its stones were used for other constructions.

The Citadel on Martin Hill
Initially built in 1395, this citadel was later rebuilt and fortified in the 16th and 17th centuries. Though it has served as a prison and archive, it now stands as a tourist attraction.

Modern Developments

In the 19th century, Brașov expanded beyond its fortified walls, leading to the gradual dismantling of its medieval defenses. Despite this modernization, nearly 50% of the original walls, bastions, and towers remain, serving as a testament to Brașov’s rich medieval history.

Your Guide in Transylvania has been proudly providing travel and tourism services across Transylvania since 2010. With a focus on history and culture, our curated tour packages are designed to satisfy your desire for exploration and connection to the past. We aim to offer you an unforgettable journey, capturing the essence of medieval times while ensuring all the comforts of modern travel.

For more details, visit our day tours or extended tours offer from the menu above. We look forward to helping you uncover the magic of Transylvania, anytime throughout the year.