Brasov, an Inhabited Medieval Fortress
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The inhabited medieval fortress of Brasov is one of the few existing medieval fortresses in Europe, whose former sites are still inhabited. The Fortress of Brasov was built between the 14th century and 17th century and it is considered to be one of most powerful in Transylvania. It still preservers its numerous relics which, after the restoration works from the last years, have become a big attraction. These include: the Skinners` Bastion, the Drapers` Bastion, the Weavers` Bastion - the Fortress Museum Brasov; the Ropers` Bastion; the Black Church; the City Hall Square - the County History Museum; the White Tower; the Black Tower; the Butchers` Tower; the Graft Bastion - fortified bridge over the Graft spring; Ecaterina`s Gate; the Fortress; the Blacksmiths`s Bastion; Museum "Casa Muresenilor".
The Medieval Atmosphere of Brasov City
The County Council of Brasov carried out a project by which the city's medieval atmosphere was revived to attract as many tourists as possible. Therefore, the walls of the Fortress, as well the towers and bastions and some of the city's patrimony buildings were rehabilitated. In addition, the "Military Traditions of Brasov" project included the presentation of a historical reconstruction of the periods which marked our city's military tradition: the Teutonic knights (beginning of the 13th century), the soldiers from the Prime Judge Michael Weiss` period (beginning of the 16th century) and the Habsburg garrison from the Napoleonic wars` period.
The Teutonic Knights
The military traditions of Brasov and those of the "Juni" (young men) groups from Brasov - Schei neighbourhood, overlapped during the parade of the Juni through the Brasov Fortress, on the first Sunday after the Easter's Holiday, called "the Sunday of Thomas". The Teutonic knights, the soldiers from the age of the Prime Judge Michael Weiss and the militaries of the Habsburg garrison from the beginning of the 19th century, they all greeted the arrival of Juni in the City Hall Square. This moment was announced by cannon shots fired from the White Tower and tunes specific to Brasov ethnic groups, the Romanians, the Hungarians and the Saxons, played by medieval trumpet players in the City Hall building tower.
According to the event agenda of the County Council Brasov, the Changing of Medieval Guards in the sound of trumpets took place every day at 6 P.M. in the City Hall Square. People could watch this ceremony during the weekend between 12 P.M. and 6 P.M. Tourists were welcomed to live through the medieval atmosphere of Brasov City.
A Unique History
"Brasov is located in the heart of Romania, revealing a unique mysterious history, full of priceless architectural works, still preserving an exceptional cultural patrimony. Attested in documents in 1235, Brasov is currently a modern city from the 21st century, which brings old and new things together in the most natural and attractive way possible. At the same time, it is among the favourite destinations of all tourists who may find here breathtaking panoramas, medieval buildings, cultural institutions and the chance to take part in cultural events all along the year," said Mr. Aristotel Cancescu, President of the County Council of Brasov.
