Brasov
Nestled at the foot of Mount Tâmpa, Brasov is a charming
medieval town, and along with Sighisoara is one of the seven
fortified towns settled by the Saxons, with a distinct Germanic
flavour to its architecture. The Saxons built massive stone walls
and seven bastions around the city that are still visible today, as
well as ornate churches, elaborately trimmed buildings and a fine
central square that is said to be the spot from where the legendary
Pied Piper was to have led the children of Hamlin.
Lining the square are the red-roofed merchant's houses, now
occupied by cafes and shops, and in the centre is the 15th-century
Old Town Hall that is home to the History Museum. The town's
landmark is the impressive Gothic structure known as the Black
Church, so named because a fire blackened its outer walls in 1689.
The interior is beautiful, with balconies, stained glass windows,
an enormous organ, stone columns and walls adorned with fabulous
Turkish carpets. Many people use Brasov as a base for visiting the
nearby attractions of Dracula's Castle at Bran, as well as
Râsnov Castle and the ski resorts of Sinaia and Poiana
Brasov.
Website: www.brasov.ro
