Brasov, Romania

Brasov is the second largest city in Transylvania, and one of the major travel destinations in Romania. Situated in the heart of Transylvania, inside the bend of the Carpathian Mountains, Brasov has retained much of its medieval and Austrian character. While a human presence in the area can be traced back 10,000 years, the city was established in the Middle Ages, at least by the 12th century.

The economy of Brasov is based upon agriculture and industry. 

The city and its surroundings produce many fresh and preserved food stuffs, with an important dairy industry (Prodlacta). Factories manufacture heavy equipment, such as tractors and trucks, as well as many smaller products, such as furniture. Tourism is important, giving Brasov's location near ski and hiking resorts and proximity to the Bran castle. The population is around 250,000 and there are more than 300,000 overnight guests each year, not to mention hundreds of thousands of day-trippers.

There is a good range of hotels, from hostels to 4-stars as well as very good restaurants. Most restaurant offer traditional Romanian food, although there is a growing number of restaurants that offer international cuisine.

List of attractions:

The Black Church, Piata Sfatului, St. Nicholas Church, the medieval walls and Catherine's Gate, and Central Park. For a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding countryside, visitors should take a cable car to the top of the mountain with Hollywood-like letters: BRASOV.
(composed 2015 for website of Transylvania Alive Association for Cultural Heritage) 

 

Brasov, Piata Sfatului, 2015 (photo, Eric De Sena)