Last updated on December 20, 2023.

There are plenty of great attractions to find in the historic city center of Braşov.

 

Council Square

The focal point of historic Braşov is the wide-open Council Square (Piața Sfatului). It’s lined with historic buildings converted into cafés, has a fountain in the middle, and plenty of benches to sit and pass the time away.

Piața Sfatului in Braşov, Romania
Council Square
Piața Sfatului in Braşov, Romania
Council Square

In 1364, annual markets began taking place in the square attracting merchants from all over the country and abroad. It was also the place where witches were punished and prisoners were executed.

Piața Sfatului in Braşov, Romania
Council Square
Piața Sfatului in Braşov, Romania
Council Square

 

Notable Buildings

The building in the center of the square is the Council House (Casa Sfatului). It was built in 1420 and was once the mayor’s office. It now holds a tourist information center and a small city museum.

Casa Sfatului in Braşov, Romania
Council House

There are some notable buildings on the square. First is the 1545 Casa Hirscher, built by Apollonia Hirscher in memory of her husband, Lukas, the former county of Braşov. She built it so merchants could do business without worrying about inclement weather. It was also known as the Merchants House.

Casa Mureşan, left of the big pink Romanian National Bank building, was the home of Jacob Mureşan, the first editor of the Gazeta Transilvania, a 19th century Romanian language political newspaper.

Romanian National Bank and Casa Mureșan in Braşov, Romania
Romanian National Bank and Casa Mureșan

Holy Dormition Church (Biserica Sfânta Adormire), a gorgeous Orthodox church from 1894, is also on the square.

Biserica Sfânta Adormire in Braşov, Romania
Holy Dormition Church
Biserica Sfânta Adormire in Braşov, Romania
Courtyard of the Holy Dormition Church

 

Black Church

Just off the square is the Black Church (Biserica Neagră). Built between 1383 and 1474 as a Roman Catholic church in the Gothic style, it’s now a Lutheran church that serves some of the remaining German community in Braşov. A 1689 fire blackened its walls and gave it its name. It’s the largest Gothic church in Transylvania.

Biserica Neagră in Braşov, Romania
Black Church
Biserica Neagră in Braşov, Romania
Black Church
Biserica Neagră in Braşov, Romania
Looking up at the Black Church

Outside of the church is a statue of Johannes Honter, a German theologian from Braşov credited for implementing Lutheran reform in Transylvania.

Johannes Honter monument in Braşov, Romania
Johannes Honter monument

 

Paul Richter House

The Paul Richter House, which holds the Honterus Library, is across from the church. It was built in the 16th century.

Paul Richter House in Braşov, Romania
Paul Richter House

 

Strada Republicii

Strada Republicii (Republic Street), the main pedestrian way, is lined with some incredible buildings, outdoor cafés, and shops. It’s a wonderful place to walk, sit and relax, and pass the time. This was my personal favorite attraction in Brașov.

Strada Republicii in Braşov, Romania
Strada Republicii
Strada Republicii in Braşov, Romania
Strada Republicii
Strada Republicii in Braşov, Romania
Flower boxes and tables along Strada Republicii
Strada Republicii in Braşov, Romania
Strada Republicii

I paid special attention to many of the buildings along the street and was impressed by the architecture.

Strada Republicii in Braşov, Romania
A building on Strada Republicii
Strada Republicii in Braşov, Romania
Statue on a building on Strada Republicii
Strada Republicii in Braşov, Romania
A building on Strada Republicii

 

Government Complex

The end of Strada Republicii leads to a couple of government buildings. The 1900 Palace of Justice sits on the right while City Hall is on the left. City Hall has a Capitoline Wolf statue out front.

Palace of Justice in Braşov, Romania
Palace of Justice
City Hall in Braşov, Romania
City Hall
Capitoline Wolf statue at City Hall in Braşov, Romania
Capitoline Wolf statue

 

Rope Street

It’s worth seeking out Rope Street (Strada Sforii), which is one of the narrowest streets in Europe. It varies between 111 and 135 centimeters in width.

Strada Sforii in Braşov, Romania
Rope Street

 

Temple Synagogue

Nearby is the Temple Synagogue, built by Viennese Jews between 1899-1901.

Temple Synagogue in Braşov, Romania
Temple Synagogue
Temple Synagogue in Braşov, Romania
Temple Synagogue
Temple Synagogue in Braşov, Romania
Window on the Temple Synagogue

 

City Walls

The historic city center was once surround by medieval walls. They served a defensive purpose, but also sadly kept ethnic Bulgarians and Romanians from entering. Those groups traditionally lived in the Şchei area to the west and were forbidden from owning property within the city walls until the 17th century.

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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