Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tue-Sun)
, housed in Braşov's only 15th-century building. The simple exhibits - in Ger-
man and Romanian only - include an impressive fudge-coloured cityscape model of
Braşov in the 17th century, made in 1896 by a German teacher in town.
SCHEI DISTRICT
In Saxon Braşov, Romanians were not allowed to enter the walled city but were banished
to the Schei quarter in the southwest. Entry to this quarter from the walled city was
marked by the Schei Gate. Passing through it, the sober rows of Teutonic houses change
to the small, simpler houses of the Romanian settlement.
St Nicholas' Cathedral
(St Nicolae din Scheii; 6am-9pm)
St Nicholas' Cathedral, first built in wood in 1392,
replaced by a Gothic stone church in 1495, and later embellished in Byzantine style. In-
side are murals of Romania's last king and queen, covered by plaster to protect them from
communist leaders and uncovered in 2004.
CHURCH
MUSEUM
First Romanian School Museum
(Prima Scoala Romaneasca; adult/student 5/3 lei; Tues-Sun, 9am-5pm)
This building
packs a staggering amount of antique books, including the first Russian bible and 15th-
century school books that admonish against theft in no uncertain terms: 'He who will steal
this topic shall be cursed!'.
Activities
Hikes are everywhere - from atop Mt Tâmpa in town, Poiana Braşov, Zărneşti or into the
Bucegi Mountains. Pick up maps from Himalaya or talk with a travel agent specialising in
hikes. You can also ski on day trips to Poiana Braşov, Predeal and Sinaia.
ADVENTURE TOUR
Carpathian Nature Tours
( 0745-512 096;
www.cntours.eu
; Villa Hermani, Măgura Village, Piatra Craiului Na-
tional Park)
Based in the mountainside village of Măgura in Piatra Craiului National
Park, this conservation -minded tour operator delivers immersive wildlife experiences, as
well as trekking and cultural trips.
