Top Historical Sights in Brasov

Set near the foothills of the Southern Carpathians and Mount Tâmpa, Brasov was built and fortified by Saxons in the 13th century. Today it is home to some of Transylvania’s top attractions, such as Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress. Here are Brasov’s top historic sites to check out.

Council Square (Piaţa Sfatului)

At the heart of Old Town is this picturesque public square lined with Gothic and baroque buildings, including the former Council House, now repurposed as a museum. The center of public life and commerce since the 14th century, the square was once the site of markets, gossip, beheadings, and even punishment for suspected witches. 

Black Church (Biserica Neagră)

Impossible to miss, Brasov’s imposing Gothic basilica was built in the 15th century and today is one of Romania’s largest Lutheran churches. Its name comes from a fire that partially destroyed the structure, leaving only a scorched, blackened shell that has since been restored. 

Rope Street (Strada Sforii)

Take a walk down one of Europe’s narrowest streets, originally built as a corridor for firefighters. The tiny walkway measures only 44 inches (112 centimeters) at some points. 

Yekaterina’s Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei)

Brasov’s only surviving gate from the original defensive walls, this grand entryway—also called Catherine’s Gate—separates Old Town from the Schei neighborhood, once the only place in town where ethnic Romanians could live. The fairytale-like design features a main watch tower and the city’s coat of arms.

St. Nicholas Church (Biserica Sf. Nicolae)

An easy walk from the city center, this Romanian Orthodox church houses impressive frescoes and icons depicting religious scenes and important moments in Transylvanian history. It is also the site of the First Romanian School, which operated for nearly 500 years and is now a museum.