About Brasov (Maps)
 Situated
in the heart of Romania, the city of Brasov benefits from the
influence of an ancient history.. At the beginning 13th century
the Saxons (German population coming from the region of Rhein
and Mosel) colonised the region of Brasov, finding here a strong
Romanian community. The genuine character of the city will come
from the mixture of two different cultures and mentalities. The
origins of Brasov as a town are lost in the dark times of medieval
age. However it is known that it developed as different communities
living here decided to come together into a city. The first written
documents on Brasov go back to 1235, when the city was mentioned
as CORONA, situated on the present location of the Black Church.
Later on the city was known also as Brasco, Brasso, Stephanopolis,
Kronstadt, and Brasov. However the most popular names of the city
are the last two ones. |
 The
14th century found the Turkish armies just South of the Danube
River. They were frequently attacking the region of Brasov. This
situation determined the citizens of Brasov to start building
a strong defensive city wall, fortresses and towers; the work
will last till the 18th century. The town will be now one of the
strongest cities in Transylvania. The various guilds had each
its own towers and fortresses that they would have to maintain
and defend throughout the centuries. Today you may see parts of
the old city walls or visit the Weavers' Fortress (currently a
museum). The culture of Brasov will also develop during this period.
Johannes Honterus, a great German humanist will work for most
of the time in Brasov, and the deacon Coresi will print the first
Romanian books here. Therefore in the 16th century Brasov will
host several schools, libraries, and printing houses. |
 The
19th century, the age of progress, as we all know it, will mean
a lot for Brasov. The city walls will be partly taken down, allowing
a fast development. Manufacturers and factories will replace the
old, conservative guilds. Once freed by medieval restraints, the
trade will be better than ever for Brasov. This also helped a
lot the development of education and media. "Gazeta de Transilvania",
the first Romanian political newspaper in Transylvania, was founded
in 1838. This would be the main paper to fight for the independence
of Transylvania, which was occupied at the time by the Austro-Hungarian
Empire. It was also issuing a literary review that will promote
the Romanian writers and poets living in Transylvania. |
