Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Opposite the historical museum is the Renaissance Hirscher House (built 1539-45), also
known as the 'Merchants House'. It was thoughtfully built by Apollonia Hirscher, the
widow of Braşov mayor Lucas Hirscher, so that merchants could do business without get-
ting rained on. Today it shelters a gallery.
Mureşenilor House Memorial Museum
(Muzeul Memorial Casa Mureşenilor; 0268-477 864; adult/student 4/1.50 lei, Sat &
Sun free; 9am-5pm Tue-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat & Sun)
On Piaţa Sfatului's western side
stands the charming Mureşenilor House Memorial Museum, which honours the family of
Jacob Mureşan, the first editor of the Romanian-language
Gazeta Transylvania,
a political
newspaper published in the 19th century. No English is spoken.
MUSEUM
FROM BRAŞOV WITH LOVE
Between 1950 and 1960, when Romania still considered itself Moscow's buddy, Braşov was named 'Oraşul Stal-
in', with the Russian dictator's name emblazoned into the side of Mt Tâmpa thanks to artistic deforestation. At the
time the name was sadly apt, as ruthless forced industrialisation yanked thousands of rural workers from the coun-
tryside and plunked them down on the city in an attempt to crank the totalitarian motor of industry.
EAST OF THE CENTRE
Mt Tâmpa
Towering above town from the east is Mt Tâmpa, where Braşov's original defensive fort-
ress was built. Vlad Ţepeş attacked it in 1458, finally dismantling it two years later and -
out of habit - impaling some 40 merchants atop the peak. These days it's an easy trip up.
Many visitors go via the Tâmpa cable car offering stunning views from the top of Mt
Tâmpa in a communist-era dining room. There's access to hiking trails up here. Walk
south to reach the Hollywood-style Braşov sign, with a viewing platform.
You can also hike to the top in an hour following zigzag trails from the cable-car station
(red triangles) or from the northeastern edge of the wall.
MOUNTAIN
