GENERAL INFO
- geographical situation: it is placed in the central part of Romania, within the arch of the Carpathians, at the point where the Western Carpathians meet the Southern ones, on the middle

course of the Olt river, it is crossed by the Merdian of 250, eastern longitude and the Parallel of 460, northern latitude;
- neighbours: in the north-Harghita, Mures, in the east-Buzau, Covasna, in the west-Sibiu, in the south-Arges, Dambovita, Prahova;
- surface: 5,363 square km (respectively 2,3 % of the country's territory);
- population: 640,000 inhabitants;
- towns: BRASOV-capital of the county (with 325,000 inhabitants, a place with a Medieval air, preserving many old buildings, an important crossroads, in the past, it used to connect the three Romanian countries. Brasov 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); Codlea; Fagaras; Predeal; Rasnov; Rupea; Sacele; Victoria; Zarnesti.
- relief: it is varied and consists of three major lavels: the highest mountains in the country, including the northern slopes of the Fagaras Mountains and the prolongations of massifs like Piatra Craiului, Leaota, Bucegi, Ciucas and Barsei (Piatra Mare and Postavarul); the low mountains, Intorsura Buzaului, Darstelor, Codlea, Persani; the depressions of Brasov and Fagaras and the hills in the south-east of the Hartibaciului Plateau;
- climate: it is temperate continental, moderate, varying according to height, the annual average temperature is situated between 2,50 C and 8,20 C. The rainfalls are variable, winds blow from west and north-west;
- watercourses: the Middle Olt and its tributaries: Aita, Baraolt, Varghis, Homorod, Felmer, Ghimbav, Barsa, Sercaia, Sebes, Berivoi, Breaza, Vistea, Ucea, they all croos the county along with Tarlung, Timis, Rⳮov.
TOURISTIC SIGHTS
MOUNTAINS
- The Fagaras Mountains-(the Moldoveanu Peak, 2544 m, the highest altitude in Romania). These mountains offer the traveler an unforgetable show, their peaks are covered with snow for 8-9 months a year. The glacial structures, inside which the "iezer" (lakes) were formed, the vast dedidous tree or spruce tree forests, the alpine meadows with rich flora and chamoises, complete the attractions of the Fagaras Mountains and account for their touristic 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 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-they make up a giant leisure park 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: "Tigaile Ciucasului" (The Ciucas Pans"), "Babele la Sfat" ("The Old Women Chatting"), "Mana Dracului" ("Devil's Hand"), "Sfinxul Bratocei" ("Batroca's Sphynx");
- The Rucar-Bran Corridor-it stretches between the Piatra Craiului and the Bucegi Mountains, with varied and impressive views, dangerous winding roads and a real satisfaction after crossing them.
PRESERVES AND MONUMENTS OF NATURE
- The Glades with Daffodils from Dumbrava Vadului-floristic preserve located in the Fagaras Depression, near the Sercaia village. These glades covered with a huge daffodils carpet (400 hectares, blossoming at the end of May) represent one of the Romania's unique beauties, attracting numerous lovers of nature beauty;
- The Bogatii Forest-forest preserve situated in the Persani Mountains, between Hoghiz and Maierus, on a distance of 17 km, consisting mainly in beech trees and a rich fauna, but it is also a hunting preserve;
- The Racos Basalts-geological preserve placed in the western part of the Persani Mountains, near Rupea, (on the national road DN Brasov-Sighisoara), with spectacular volcanic basalt structures;
- The Harman Moors-botanical preserve, (18 km north-east of Brasov), it hosts a rare flora and fauna among which numerous glacial relicts, carnivorous plants are present here as well;
- Purcareni-palaeontological and geological preserve in the Intorsurii Mountains, (6 km away from Satulung), with a rich association of corals and crustaceans;
- The Ormenis Fossil Point-palaeontological preserve in the east of the Per-ani Mountains, worldwide known, the fossils belong to the Superior Cretaceous period.
RESORTS AND SPAS
- Poiana Brasov-resort of national and international interest situated at the foot of the Postavaru Mountains (at an altitude of 1,030 m, 12 km away from Brasov and 190 km away from Bucharest). Poiana Brasov is a modern resort for winter sports, an attraction point for many skiers. The snow lasts for 4-5 months a year on the Postavaru Mountains. The resort offers the tourists a varied network of cable transports and numerous ski tracks for all those interested in skiing (children, beginners, as well as trained skiers). Poiana Brasov is the ideal place for summer holidays. The alpine climate (with its air rich in ozone), the artificial lake (offering a lot of leisure attractions), the marked paths (leading one through amazing landscapes to various chalets), the confortable lodging units, all come to justify the international fame of this resort. Access: by train-the Brasov railway station, then by bus to the resort, regular courses; by road-from any direction to Brasov, then on a local road to the resort.
- Predeal-a very visited resort, it is situated at an altitude of 1,100 m (highest altitude in Romania for an urban settlement), 25 km south of Brasov. Predeal enjoys an extraordinary position, with a splendid panorama of Timis and Prahova Valleys, or of the mountains surrounding the resort (Bucegi, Postavaru, Piatra Mare). The resort offers excellent ski slopes (with various degrees of difficulty), and also cable transport (teleski, babyskilift) being a famous winter sports resort (the thickness of the snow layer in February: above 40 cm). Predeal is an important departure point for trips in the surrounding mountains, easy to climb; festivals, carnivals and other manifestations are organized here. The modern facilities, the relaxing atmosphere, the excellent accommodation, many leisure activities offer Predeal the features of a resort which can meet all international standards. Access: by train-the Predeal railway station on Bucharest-Brasov line, by road-on the national road DN 1/E 15 from Bucharest or Brasov, DN 71 from Targoviste or from Sinaia;
- Paraul Rece-spa, (at an altitude of 960 m, 9 km away from Predeal);
- Timisul de Sus-spa, (at an altitude of 820 m, 5 km away from Predeal and 19 km away from Brasov).
HISTORICAL VESTIGES
- The Fortress of Brasov-its construction began in 1395 at the order of Sigismund of Luxembourg, King of Hungary, it was the strongest fortess in Transylvania, in those times;
- The Fortress of Fagaras-it was built in the 15th century on the ruins of an ancient wooden fortress; it was very famous hosting the voivode's court (Michael the Brave let his family here during the battles of 1599-1600). Part of it can be seen today in the city centre;
- The Feldioara Fortress-(21 km north of Brasov on the national road DN 13), it was built by the Teuton Knights between 1211-1225 (the Merienburg fortress), then transformed into peasant fortress in 1457 (today only ruins). Near the walls of this fortress the battle between the army led by Petru Rares and the one led by Ferdinand the 1st of Habsburg took place; the Moldavians won the fight (1529);
- The Roman Camp from Cumidava-Rasnova, today ruins;
- The Roman Camp Pons Vetus-Hoghiz, today ruins;
- The Cohal Fortress-Rupea, 12th century, it resisted the Tartar invasion from 1241;
- Fortress-Breaza, 13th century, built by Negru Voda;
- Fortress-Prejmer, 15th century; 3-4 m thick walls; inside there are 300 rooms, arranged on several levels;
- Peasant Fortress-Rasnov, 14th century;
- Fortress-Codlea, (1432), it was built by different guilds;
- Ecaterina Gate-Brasov, (1559), it was built in Renaissance style;
- Weavers' Bastion-Brasov, 1421-1573, it is the best preserved of the fortress bastions, an unique construction of this type, in the country; it hosts "Brasov Fortress" Museum;
- Smiths' Bastion-Brasov;
- The Black Tower-Brasov;
- The White Tower-Brasov;
- Bran Castle-(22 km away from Predeal), remarkable monument of architecture, it was built between 1377-1382 on a 60 m high rock. The castle had both a military and customs-point purpose. Although it suffered various transformations, this impressive fortress preserves elements of its original Gothic style. The castle hosts a museum of medieval art (weapons and furniture, hunting trophies). With its medieval atmosphere, the Bran Castle came to be connected with the legend of DRACULA (with its origins in the Transylvanian Middle Ages). As a result, many Romanian and, especially, foreign tourists, visit these places seeking the hidden truth of this famous legend;
- Haller Castle-Hoghiz, (1553);
- Medieval Castle-Racos, (1625);
- Castle-Sambata de Sus, (20 km south-west of Fagaras); it was built by the Wallachian ruler, Constantin Brancoveanu, (1688-1714), today only ruins;
- Castle-Sambata de Jos, it was built in 1770 by Baron Brukenthal, Governor of Transylvania.
RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS
- Black Church-Brasov, (1385-1477), one of the most important monuments of Gothic art from Romania, impressive by massiveness, artistic value of architecture, the treasures kept here and the historical past. The name, the Black Church comes from its black walls, result of a big fire from 1689. Inside the church we can find one of the biggest organs in Romania and a collection of Oriental old carpets (15th-18th centuries);
- Bartholomeus Church-Brasov, the oldest monument of architecture in the town, it was built in 1223 in Romanesque style; later, Gothic elements were added;
- "Saint Nicolas" Church-Brasov, the construction began in 1495 at the order of Neagoe Basarab and lasted for almost a century. Subsequent restaurations gave it a new face by the combination of different architectural styles;
- "Saint Nicolas" Orthodox Church-Fagaras, it was built by the ruler Constantin Brancoveanu, between 1694-1697;
- Evangelic Church-Rasnov, the oldest religious building of the Basarabs in Transylvania, (1384);
- Saxon Church-Codlea;
- Lutheran Church-Feldioara, (12th-15th century);
- Church-Harman, (12 km north-east of Brasov), in Romanesque style, with Gothic elements, valuable frescos, (13th century);
- Reformed Church-Fagaras, (1712-1715);
- Evangelic Church-Rupea, (1488);
- The S⭢ata Monastery-Sambata de Sus, it a was built by the ruler Brancoveanu, (1688-1714).
CULTURAL BUILDINGS
- The Council House-Brasov, it is situated in the center of the town, a monumental building, attested since 1420. The tower, 58 m high, overlooking the town square was built between 1525-1428. Today it hosts the County Museum;
- The Museum of the First Romanian School-Brasov, inside an old Romanian school (attested for the first time in 1495). At the school from Scheii Brasovului, Romanian was used in teaching, for the first time, in 1559. The archives of the museum preserve a series of values which give a complete picture of our cultural traditions.
MONUMENS AND STATUES
- The Statue of Johannes Honterus-Brasov, a great Saxon scholar and humanist born in Brasov (1498-1549). In 1530 he published a description of the world, one of the most required handbooks of Geography and Astronomy of that time. In 1533 he founded here the first printing house of Transylvania.
Source: Romanian Travel Guide / Publirom