Brasov

Brasov holidays

Brasov is the perfect base from which to tour Saxon Transylvania and to explore the nature, mountains and castles that surround the town. The old town, with its cobbled streets and medieval Saxon houses is a joy to visit. There are many shops, bars, cafes and restaurants tucked away in the streets and alleyways, and a colourful main square from which to watch the world go by.

The Black Church in Brasov is the largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe. Instead of having an ornate frescoed interior or walls hung with paintings, it is decorated entirely by exquisite, priceless antique carpets donated by tradesmen over the centuries. The church was gutted by fire in 1689 and, although renovated, it takes its name from the black colour of the walls – the result of smoke damage.

As well as the Black Church, it is worth visiting the Romanian Orthodox church and school museum of Biserica Sf. Nicolae. Here you will see the oldest printing press and some of the oldest books to be found in Romania. They are currently kept in very primitive conditions. For centuries, this was one of the few centres of learning for the Romanian people. The priest here is quite a character and sometimes gives very entertaining tours of this tiny museum, speaking his own brand of English!

Within easy reach of Brasov, are the medieval towns of Sighisoara (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Sibiu. Here too you will find the unique Saxon fortified churches – again listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.