I spent two months in Brasov, my internship wasn’t hectic, so I did have time to look around again and again. While I haven’t been to other Transylvanian cities such as Sighiasoara, Sibiu, e.t.c I certainly had a blast in Brasov. Some days were really cold, with snow blocking the roads, but towards the end of February, the cold dissipated. With the pictures below, I hope you could have a peep/glance of Brasov.
Brasov in Pictures
Old town squareCity hallOld town squareOld town square
Black churchBlack churchBlack ChurchDressTasty soup with potatoes, beef, veggies. At Brasovia, Old TownChurch at old town squareOn my way to turnul alb
Both towers were used in olden days as watch towers.
View from Turnul AlbView from turnul albView from black towerView from black tower
On my way to Cetatuia de pe Straja (Brasovia Citadel), basically hiking, make sure to wear proper shoesBrasovia CitadelBrasovia CitadelThe view from Tampa MountainBrasovia Citadel (atop Tampa Mountain)Brasivia CitadelBrasovia citadelView from Tampa mountainZoomed in view of the citadelWhite Church, hehe don’t know the name. On another way to Brasovia citadelIn the town centerNice store for getting groceries
Note on Romanian church buildings
This post has about three church buildings, in Bucharest I saw even more churches, much more than the few in my previous post. These buildings aren’t for show at all. Actually on most of my visits they happened to have some masses and people were a plenty, and all ages of people, young, middle aged and elderly. And my visits weren’t on a Sunday. Often times there were notices saying we could go in, the only rule was to keep quiet so as to not disturb the ongoing service.
In fact, Most European countries had a time in their history when churches, especially Catholic, held massive power and influence. Hence you would see these church buildings, massive in size, striking in architecture and situated in strategic locations. However, Romania is the first amongst the European countries I’ve been to, in which the churches are not merely for sightseeing but still hold regular and populated services. I just had to comment about this.
I do recommend visiting these church buildings, just as I’d recommend visiting the temples and shrines in Japan. The designs are particular and well thought out. Majority are old, but have been maintained properly, really a feast for the eyes.
And while you are there, be respectful, for others on site, they are not just sightseeing, but are worshipping. Respect their practice. Don’t be noisy, confirm if pictures are allowed or not and if you can use flash or not.