Part of the Transylvania region of Romania, Brasov is an up and coming
city that is centrally located approximately 160 kilometres from Bucharest.
The population of Brasov is growing at a steady rate and is currently
approaching the 300,000 mark.
Brasov is one of the largest and most cherished cities of the country.
Surrounded on three sides by mountains, it was a perfect place for a medieval
settlement.
The old city, founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211, is one of the
best preserved cities in all of Europe.
It was thoroughly restored to the delight of an increasing number of
tourists. It is the capital City of Brasov County, in central Romania, in
Transylvania, at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains.
Brasov also makes a fabulous base for exploring the surrounding
countryside where the air is clean and the people friendly.
The exact origins of Brasov are not known, but there is a definite
mention of a settlement in the area in an ancient German document, where it is
referred to as Terra Saxonum de Barasu translates as Saxon Land of Baras.
It was not until 1918, when Transylvania became part of Romania, that
the region became affiliated with the State of Romania.
Following both World Wars, the area saw an increase in the numbers of
Germans fleeing to neighbouring countries.
This continued immediately after the Second World War, when the city
became communist and many inhabitants travelled back to Germany to escape the
regime.
During the 1950s, the city was named Orasul Stalin, after the Soviet
leader, Joseph Stalin. This name disappeared in 1960 when the communist regime
loosened its ties with Moscow.
Centrally located Brasov is a good starting point for trips around
Romania. The city is situated at fairly equal distances from several tourism
destinations in the country.
Just 12km or 7 miles away from Brasov city you will find Romania`s most
famous skiing resort, Poiana Brasov.
It is referred to in ski directories all over the world. The snow layer
lasts for 120 days a year.
It features great hotels and restaurants, modern winter sports
facilities and numerous ski slopes.
The Black Sea resorts, the monasteries in northern Moldavia, and the
well preserved wooden churches of Maramures.
It is also the largest city in a mountain resorts area. The old city
itself is very well preserved, and is best seen by taking the cable car to the
top of Tampa Hill which is 995m, a beautiful lookout.
Temperatures from May to September fluctuate around 23C or 75F.
Brasov benefits from a winter tourism season centered on winter sports
and other activities.
Author: Douglas Scott