The most iconic landmark of Brasov is the Black Church. First built from the late 1300s to the early 1400s, the Gothic church was nearly destroyed by fire in the late 1600s due to the invasion of an Austrian army. From its blackened walls, the church gained its present name. Since restored, the church now has a beautiful collection of Turkish rugs from the 17th and 18th centuries, balconies, stained glass windows, and stone columns, as well as an impressive organ which was added in 1839.
Brasov is also home to a number of medieval fortifications which have still survived today. Some of these include Graft Bastion from the 16th century with four levels and exhibits of medieval artifacts, the White Tower near Graft Bastion which offers views of old town from the top, the Blacksmiths' Bastion which now houses Brasov's archives of more than 100,000 rare documents of antiquity, and the Black Tower near Blacksmiths' Bastion which has panoramic views of the Black Church from the top. Another very popular attraction is the famous Dracula Castle in the nearby town of Bran. It's easy to reach and one of the most popular attractions in all of Romania.
Other well-known attractions include Catherine's Gate, the only original gate to have survived since medieval times (iconic for its fairytale towers), as well as the triumphal arch of Schei Gate, the hilltop Brasov Fortress, the preserved tower of Weavers' Bastion, and the castle-like Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church.
The best way to experience Brasov is to explore the old village on foot, taking in the intricate details of its medieval architecture, and enjoying the bustle of shops, cafes, and restaurants on the pedestrian streets around the main square. Visitors can explore on their own or join a guided tour for some deeper insight into the history and culture of the city.
Another popular activity is to visit the summit of Mount Tampa, the site of the original defensive fortress, for spectacular views of the city and surrounding area. There are plenty of trails for hiking the mount, as well as a cable car for riding access.
In Brasov there are also plenty of museums dedicated to showcasing the art, history, and culture of the region as well as a zoo, opera, theater, and more.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Brasov. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Small Group Walking Tour Of Brasov Old Town for $43 details
- Horseback Riding Tour In Brasov - Ride Through Fields, Forests & Hills for $128 details
- Ski & snowboard lessons on Poiana Brasov- Full Private day tour from Brasov for $128 details