Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Town
Black Church
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(Biserica Neagră; adult/child 6/3 lei; 10am-5pm Tue-Sat, to noon Sun, closed Mon)
Braşov's main landmark, the Black Church is the largest Gothic church between Vienna
and Istanbul, and still used by German Lutherans today. Built between 1383 and 1480, it
was named for its appearance after a fire in 1689. The original statues from the exterior of
the apse are now inside.
Worshippers drop coins through the wooden grates in the floor and hope for the best.
The church's 4000-pipe organ, built by Buchholz of Berlin in 1839, is believed to be the
only Buchholz preserved in its original form. Since 1891, organ recitals have been held in
the church during July and August, at 6pm Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (5 lei).
Note the scrape marks outside the church; some locals swear it's from soldiers'
sharpened swords from centuries past. Also the original construction was intended to have
a far larger bell tower (funds ran out); see how small it is in comparison to the mammoth
base.
CHURCH
Piaţa Sfatului
This wide square, chock with cafes, was once the heart of medieval Braşov. In the centre
stands the 1420 council house Offline map Google map (Casa Sfatului), topped by a Trum-
peter's Tower Offline map Google map in which town councillors, known as centurions,
would meet. These days at midday, traditionally costumed musicians appear from the top
of the tower like figures in a Swiss clock, and trumpet songs. Apparently the tower is
haunted; not surprising given that it was the site of countless tortures. Piaţa Sfatului was
supposedly the scene of the last witch burning in Europe.
SQUARE
Braşov Historical Museum
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( 0268-472 350; adult/student 7/1.50 lei) The old city hall today houses the two-floor,
by-the-numbers Braşov Historical Museum, in which the history of the Saxon guilds is re-
counted (in limited English).
MUSEUM
Hirscher House
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GALLERY
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