| GENERAL
INFORMATION ABOUT BRASOV COUNTY |
| |
| Short History of Braşov County |
| The first
traces of human existence in the area are 60.000 years old. The inhabitants
of the area undoubtedly crossed all the stages of ancient civilization. The
Roman Camp in Râşnov, situated at the north-eastern border of the Roman
Empire, stay witness. |
| Bârsa Land (Braşov and its surroundings) played an important part
during the Middle Ages, as it had three strategic spots that ensured its
economic, military and political development: |
| |
| - the first was
the fortified town of Făgăraş, the region being known as Făgăraş Country. For
quite a long period it was under Romanian administration, preserving the old
customs of the area. It was also a place of refuge in Transylvania for the
rulers of the Romanian Province. |
| - the second
spot was Bran Castle (located 30 km away from Braşov City on the E 574
European road to Piteşti) currently an ensemble of museum hosting three
permanent exhibitions: one inside the castle, the castle within the
Ethnography Museum (in the open), and the third within the building of the
Old Customs House. |
| - the third
spot was Braşov, first attested in documents in 1235, the most important
Transylvanian city of the Middle Ages, an economic fortress during the 14th
16th centuries. |
| Most of the
villages inhabited by the Saxons (German population that colonized
Transylvania during the 12 century) still preserve fortified churches, places
of prayer and shelters at the same time. The largest church-fortress of
Braşov County is located in Prejmer, but those of Viscri and homorod are
equally interesting. |
| |
| Geographical
situation |
| It is placed in
the central part of Romania, within the arch of the Carpathians, at the point
where the Eastern Carpathians meet the Southern ones, on the middle course of
the Olt river, it is crossed by the Meridian of 25°
, eastern longitude and the Parallel of
46°, northern latitude. |
| |
| Neighbours |
| In the north:
Harghita and Mureş Counties, in the east: Buzău and Covasna Counties, in the
west Sibiu County, in the south Argeş, Dâmboviţa and Prahova Counties. |
| |
| Surface |
| 5,363 square km
(respectively 2,3% of the countrys territory). |
| |
| Population |
| 640,000
inhabitants. |
| |
| Towns |
| Braşov, capital of the county, with 280,000
inhabitants, a place with a Medieval air, preserving many old buildings, an
important crossroads, in the past it used to connect the tree Romanian
countries. Braşov is situated in the depression with the same name, at an
altitude of 520-650 m, at the foot of the Tampa Massif, with an annual
activity, marked by The Golden Stag Festival. Other towns: Codlea, Făgăraş,
Predeal, Râşnov, Rupea, Săcele, Victoria, Zărneşti, Ghimbav. |
| |
| Relief |
| It is varied
and consists of three major levels: the highest mountains in the country,
including the northern slopes of the Făgăraş Mountains and prolongations of
massifs Piatra Craiului, Leoata, Bucegi, Ciucaş and Bârsei (Piatra Mare and
Postăvarul), the low mountains, Întorsura Buzăului, Dârste, Codlea, Perşani,
the depressions of Braşov and Făgăraş and the hills in the south-east of the
Hârtibaciului Plateau. |
| |
| Climate |
| It is temperate
continental, moderate, varying according to height. The rainfalls are
variable, winds blow from west and north-west. The annual average temperature
is situated between -2,5oC and 8,2oC, in January is 4 -10oC and in July is 6 -18oC. |
| |
| Watercourses |
| The Middle Olt
and its tributaries: Aita, Baraolt, Vârghiş, Homorod, Felmer, Ghimbav, Bârsa,
Şercaia, Sebeş, Berivoi, Breaza, Viştea, Ucea, they all cross the county
along with Tirlung, Timiş, Râşnov. |
| |
| TOURISTIC
ATRACTIONS |
| |
| Mountains: |
| The Făgăraş
Mountains (the Moldoveanu Peak, 2544 m, the highest
altitude in Romania). These mountains offer the traveller an unforgettable
show, their peaks are covered with snow for 8-9 months a year. The glacial
structures, inside with the iezer (lakes) were formed, the vast spruce tree
forests, the alpine meadows with rich flora and chamoises, complete the
attractions of the Făgăraş Mountains and account for their turistic fame. |
| |
| The Piatra
Craiului Mountains, a point of attraction for many
tourists (especially climbers) who are delighted with impressive views of
precipices with vertical walls opening at their feet. It is here that the
garden pink of the Piatra Craiului grows, plant declared monument of nature,
unique in the world. |
| |
| The Bucegi
Mountains (Omu Peak, 2505 m), the most visited massif
of the Romanian Carpathians, they offer good conditions for mountain tourism,
for all range of tourists, in any season. |
| |
| The Ciucas
Mountains, make up a giant leisure due to the variety
and beauty of the landscape, in a peaceful and pure environment, offering
excellent conditions for the alpine tourism. The limestone rocks and
conglomerates take the strangest forms: Tigăile Ciucaşului (The Ciucas
Pans), Babele la sfat (The old women chatting), Mâna Dracului
(Devils Hand), Sfinxul Bratocei (Batrocas Sphinx). |
| |
| The Rucăr-Bran
Corridor it stretches between the Piatra Craiului and
the Bucegi Mountains with varied and impressive views, dangerous winding
roads and real satisfaction after crossing them. |
| |
| Preserves and
monuments of nature: |
| The Glades with Daffodils from Drumbava Vadului, floristic preserve located in the
Sercaia village. These glades covered with a huge daffodils carpet (400
hectares, blossoming at the and of May), represent one of the Romanias
unique beauties, attracting numerous lovers of nature beauty. |
| |
| The Bogăţii
Forest, forest preserve situated in the Perşani
Mountains, between Hoghiz and Măieruş, on a distance of 17 km, consisting
mainly in beech trees and a rich fauna, but it is also a hunting preserve. |
| |
| The Racoş
Basalts, geological preserve situated in the western
part of the Perşani Mountains, near Rupea (on the national road DN Braşov -
Sighişoara), with spectacular volcanic basalt structures. |
| |
| The Hărman
Moors, botanical preserve (18 km north-east of
Braşov), it hosts a rare flora and fauna among with numerous glacial relicts,
carnivorous plants are present here as well. |
| |
| Purcăreni, paleonthological and geological preserve in the Întorsurii
Mountains (6 km away from Satulung), with a rich association of corals and
crustaceans. |
| |
| The Ormeniş
Fossil point, paleonthological preserve in the east of
the Perşani Mountains, world-wide known, the fossils belong to the Superior
Cretaceous period. |
| |
| Historical
monuments: |
| |
| Bărcut |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 13th Century Evangelical church
with the original bell bears the inscription O rex glorie veni cum , Oh,
come, King of glory. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Drăuşeni |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| One of the most traditional
Romanian villages preserving architecture, customs, food and dress, untouched
by influences of Saxons, Hungarians or contemporary society. The original
13th Century basilica was modified during fortification, however, Romanic ornaments
preserved are the western portal and twin windows. |
| |
| Feldioara |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Village dating back to the
Neolithic period with ruins of the Feldioara Fortress and a 13th Century
fortified church with unusual scenes from the New Testament and iconography. |
| |
| Poiana Mărului |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Perched on a hill off the beaten
track, a good base for day trips to Zărneşti, Bârsa Valley, Piatra Craiului
National Park, Măgura, Făgăraş, Sâmbata de Sus, Făgăraş Mountains,
Şinca. |
| |
| Cetatea Râşnov |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Massive peasant fortress built in
the 13th Century has a 143 m deep well built by Turkish soldiers captured
during battle. Perched on a rocky mountain, the fortress offers spectacular
views and is a good starting point for hiking. |
| |
| Sâmbăta
de Sus |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Spectacular painted monastery with
a workshop for icon painting, museum, and historically significant antique
book collection. Nearby village of Lisa produces traditional carpets. Also
nearby is a fish farm, and stables where the famed Lipizzaner horses are
bred. |
| |
| Vama
Buzăului |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Peaceful agricultural village with
traditional farmhouses and shepherd camps, and the former Customs House into
Moldova. Trail heads for hiking the majestic pine forests of Ciucaş
Mountains, 3 nearby waterfalls and the opportunity to enjoy nature and escape
from the noise and pollution of city life. |
| |
| Zărneşti |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Starting point for hiking in the
Piatra Craiului National Park, exploring gorges and caves, and observing
wildlife, and visiting the traditional villages of Măgura and Poiana Mărului. |
| |
| Crizbav |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Ruins of the
Fortress of Heroes, this 13th Century citadel rests on one of the highest
peaks of the Perşani Mountains at almost 1.000 meters. Access to the citadel
is on a small bridge over a mountain cleft 7 m wide and 10 m deep. The
fortress once had a tunnel connecting the fortress to the village church. |
| |
| Făgăraş |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Făgăraş is best know for its
enormous 14th Century citadel. The area is full of traditional Romanian
villages and is a common starting points for hiking and outdoor adventures in
the Făgăraş Massif. |
| |
| Fundata Moieciu Peştera Şirnea |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Storybook landscapes of rolling
hills characterized by pastoral highlands and breathtaking views across the
Carpathians. Highland and forested hiking trails. |
|
|
| |
| Prejmer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Excellent representation of a
Saxon village, Prejmer has the most impressive fortified church in
Transylvania, which holds the distinction of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The town also hosts an unusually large population of storks. |
| |
| Rupea |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Ruins of three citadels atop a
hill, built between the 14th and 17th centuries, once home to a Roman camp
(Ramidava) during the time Dacia was conquered by Romans. |
| |
| Şinca
Veche |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Mystical Temple of the Fates,
reputed to be approximately 2.000 years old, holds ceremonial chambers and
altars with mysterious carvings, including the Yin Yang symbol within the
Star of David. At least 5 stories of the temples origins from Christianity
to Paganism circulate. The Temple is said to attract energy into an
underground tunnel connecting the temple with the fortress of Râşnov. |
| |
| Viscri |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Charming, well-preserved Saxon
village founded more than 800 years ago continues to observe traditional ways
of life, thanks in large part to difficult access to the main road. |
| Designated a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, blue Saxon houses lend an air of distinction to
the already picturesque surroundings and the beautiful white fortified church
from 1230. |
| |
| Buneşti |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 14th Century fortified church with
wooden altar painted in tempera colours, and linked to the Rococo pipe organ. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Caţa |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 13th Century church with two
fortifying walls, continues to use the Tower of Bacon to store bacon and
smoked meat. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Cincşor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 13th Century fortified church with
one of the oldest and most beautiful Saxon pipe organs in Transylvania. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Cincu |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Exceptional medieval architecture,
this 13th Century churchs altar depicts the lack of faith of Thomas the
Apostle (doubting Thomas) with a stone inscription Domin meus et Deus meu
Toma quia vidisti beati qui non
viderunt et credierunt . Blessed are those that did not see and still
believed! |
| |
| Codlea |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The only church in the Bârsa area
without tower, the 13th Century fortified Gothic Transylvanian style church
has a Renaissance ceiling of 252 panels, each representing another version of
Luthers rose, the most recognized symbol of Lutheran religion. |
| |
| Felmer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Built in the
13th Century as a Romanic basilica, the church in Felmer was fortified three
centuries later. Unlike other altars dedicated to images of Christ, the altar
of this church is dedicated to both Christ and an Angel. |
| |
| Ghimbav |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 13th Century Gothic church whose
altar depicts Christ overlooking the globe, and whose defence towers are
atypically built outside the fortification walls. |
|
|
| |
| Hărman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 13th Century Saxon ecclesiastical
citadel has seven defence towers and refuge chambers built into the
fortification walls. Although it fell under siege 47 times it never
surrendered. |
| |
| Homorod |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 13th Century citadel whose double
fortification walls prevented it from being captured. The altar and choir
have an unusual placement in the south of the fortification. |
|
| |
| Ioneşti |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| One of the oldest Unitarian
churches in Transylvania (where Unitarianism originated) dating back to the
12th Century. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Măieruş |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 15th Century church rebuilt in the
late 18th Century combining Gothic, Neoclassical, Baroque and Renaissance
styles. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Rotbav |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fortified
church dating to the 13th Century that burned and was rebuilt in the 18th
Century. Special features include a pipe organ from Pecs, Hungary and a
sermon chair sculpted in stone. |
| |
| Sânpetru |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Rebuilt several times, the
fortified church dates to the 13th Century with mural paintings including
Michael Archangel leading angels into the mouth of Leviathan. |
|
| |
| Şoarş |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 15th Century fortified church with
bells decorated with dragons, fantastic animals, evangelists and crucifixes. |
+ add to planner
accomodations
gastronomy
services
attractions
events
what's nearby
back previous page
Tourist Informator
September 3 2011, 20:55 Pomul Verde 8, M-Ciuc, România