Brasov area
History
The origins of Brasov as medieval town are lost in the
dark times. Archaeological discoveries mention life on this
land since the Bronze Age, 60,000 years ago. The most
impressive monument of the Antiquity is the Dacian
Sanctuary of Racos, hardly accessible to tourists. Another
testimony of life on this land is the Roman camp
discovered in Rasnov, the former Northeastern border of
the Roman empire. An inscription in stone reveals the
ancient Dacian name of the land: Cumidava. The DacianRoman
settlements (Brasov, Harman, Cristian, Feldioara)
in this area stand proof that after the Romans retreat (the
year 271) the inhabitants (Daco-Roman population) remained on this land.
However the first documentary attestation dates back from the year 1234, when the town
was mentioned as CORONA. At that time the town was situated on the present location of
the Black Church Later on the town was known as Brasco, Brasso, Kronstadt or
Brassovia Citadel.Due to its geographical position, at the crossroads of Moldavia and
Valachia, Brasov has had a fast economic growth, becoming one of the most important
markets in Transylvania. On the 14th century Brasov became one of the most economical
and political strongholds in the Southeast of Europe and on the 16th century also a
cultural center. Johannes Honterus, a great German humanist, worked most of the time in
Brasov and Deaconu Coresi printed the first Romanian book also in Brasov.
On March, 1600, Mihai Viteazul visited Brasov and summoned “The Diet of Transylvania”
recognizing the rights of Tara Birsei’s inhabitants.
In 1688 when the Austrian army conquered
Transylvania, Brasov was the last Bastion
standing. 1689 was a one of the toughest years in
the history of Brasov. On April, 21, a big fire
destroyed most of the town and killed 3,000
people. Most of the houses were destroyed and
the monument Saint Maria, smoked by the fire,
will become “The Black Church”. Still hopeful,
the citizens rapidly rebuild the city. In 1838
George Baritiu edited the first Romanian
publications in Brasov: “Gazeta de Transilvania”
and the “Paper for Mind, Heart and Literature”. It was also issued a literary review that
was promoting the Romanian writers and poets in Transylvania.
In the period following the 1st World War, Brasov became a strong economical center in
Europe, but the town was partly destroyed during the 2nd World War. It was rebuilt and
the historical buildings were repaired.
Geography
BRASOV – is situated in the central part of the the country being considered the
second best town in Romania. Located 160 km from Bucharest, Romania’s capital,
Brasov is surrounded like a halo by the Carpathians, being in the middle of the
country at the crossroads of the the Eastern Carpathian and the Southern
Carpathians. Across the mountains to the South and East there are Wallachia and
Moldavia, to the West the Banat region and to the North the rolling hills of Northern
Stretching over a surface of 5,363 sq km the County of Brasov comprises Barsa
depression and Fagaras land and in the North-Northeast Persani Mountains and the
depression neighbored by Olt river and Tarnave (Hirtibaciului Plateau).
Tourism
Brasov’s natural tourist potential is closely
connected with its relief since the nearest Eastern
and Southern Carpathians are able to satisfy the
tastes and desires of all tourists, who are longing to
practice either winter sports or summer sports.
Three important resorts (Poiana Brasov, Predeal,
Sinaia) offer tourists a wide range of winter and
summer sports like skiing, snowboarding, driving
snowmobiles, swimming, climbing, tennis and roller
skating…
The Prahova Vally in the Bucegi Massif (The
Omu, the highest peak 2507m elevation) is an unforgettable display of the nature which
worth seeing.The landscape passes from the green of the rich flaura in the plain to the
grey of the rocks then again to the mountain’s colour. The mountains are covered by oak,
beech and fir trees.The Brasov County is home for wolf, brown bear, fox, lynx, roebuck,
stag, wild boar and hare.
Other places of interest: Bran (Bran Castle), Rasnov, Harman, Prejmer, The Clearing
of Narcissuses (near Fagars town), Poiana Marului.
With many facilities for winter and summer sports, nice and cozy accommodation and
very tasty cuisine, Brasov is one of the best places to spend a holiday.

