Brasov

About

Founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 on an ancient Dacian settlement, and redeveloped by the Saxons as one of their seven walled citadels, Brasov’s location at the intersection of trade routes allowed Saxon merchants to obtain considerable wealth during their reign. To protect their hub, the city’s fortifications were continually expanded, with each of its several towers maintained by a different craft guild. While it was an important industrial center during communism, and even renamed ‘The City of Stalin’, its historic center has managed to retain its medieval charm. The ‘Black Church’, named after the fire damaged that blackened its walls, is the largest hall church east of Vienna. Inside, along with many Gothic embellishments, visitors will find the largest organ in Eastern Europe. Behind it, the Town Hall Square is lined with colorful baroque buildings, all centered on the 15th century Town Hall, which now houses the local museum.