Last updated on December 18, 2023.

The surviving city walls surround parts of the historic city center of Braşov. It’s worth exploring the walls to learn more about the city’s history.

 

Șchei Gate

The Șchei Gate (Poarta Șchei) was built in 1827 to allow more traffic into the walled city. It has a large middle arch to allow for vehicles and two smaller arches for pedestrians on each side.

Poarta Șchei in Braşov, Romania
Șchei Gate

 

Poarta Ecaterinei

The Șchei Gate was built near an older gate, Catherine’s Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei). It was built in 1559 and stood on the grounds of St. Catherine’s Monastery. It was originally the only gate that ethnic Bulgarians and Romanians were allowed to use to enter the walled city from Şchei, and they had to pay a toll to enter. The gate wasn’t used again after the Șchei Gate was built.

Poarta Ecaterinei in Braşov, Romania
Catherine’s Gate

 

Northwest Walls

It’s pleasant to walk along the walls to the northwest of the old town, with one section featuring a small shaded path next to a creek. A few towers and bastions sit along the walls.

City walls in Braşov, Romania
City walls
City walls in Braşov, Romania
City walls

 

Graft Bastion

The Graft Bastion sits in the middle of the path. It was built in 1515 and has a section of the city museum inside. Just outside is a steep staircase that leads up to the White Tower.

Graft Bastion in Braşov, Romania
Graft Bastion
Stairs to White Tower in Braşov, Romania
Stairs to White Tower
Stairs to White Tower in Braşov, Romania
Stairs to White Tower

 

White Tower

The five story White Tower, which was built in 1494, was essential to the city’s defense. A ladder was needed to enter the tower, and stones were dropped on attackers from the top. The views of the town from the White Tower are breathtaking. You can see the entire old town and Tâmpa Mountain in the background.

White Tower in Braşov, Romania
White Tower
White Tower in Braşov, Romania
White Tower
View from the White Tower in Braşov, Romania
View from the White Tower

 

Black Tower

The Black Tower, built in the 14th century, is 11m high and holds temporary exhibitions. It functioned as a watchtower until 1756. It also has some unique views of the old town.

Black Tower in Braşov, Romania
Black Tower
View from Black Tower in Braşov, Romania
View from Black Tower

 

Southern Walls

More towers line the base of Tâmpa Mountain to the south side of old town, but I didn’t make it to them. They’re named after the various guilds that built and maintained them.

 

Tâmpa Mountain

Towering above Braşov is Tâmpa Mountain. This small mountain, which is 960m tall, has a Hollywood-style sign and a cable car that takes you up to the top. I wasn’t able to go up to the top because I always missed the 5pm cutoff, but I’m sure the views are breathtaking.

Tâmpa Mountain in Braşov, Romania
Tâmpa Mountain
Tâmpa Mountain in Braşov, Romania
Tâmpa Mountain
Author

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

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