Brasov Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Brasov

Brasov is a city in the historical Romanian region of Transylvania. It is surrounded by the Southern Carpathians including Mount Tampa, which overlooks Brasov.

The city was first called Corona from the Latin word for "Crown." This name was first mentioned in 1235 AD. It is thought to have been named Corona for the reference St. Catherine's Monastery. It was then renamed to Brasov, after the river Barsa. For a brief period from 1950 to 1960, Brasov was named Stalin City.

Brasov was historically an important commercial trading hub between Austria and Ottoman Empire. The city was part of Hungary from its earliest days through 1570 when it was ruled by the Principality of Transylvania. It then came under control of Austria and Austria-Hungary from 1804 to 1918 when it was turned over to Romania.

The city is known for manufacturing industrial equipment, airplanes and textiles. Brasov is also home to Ursus Brewery. It was established in 1892 as a small brewery. Today, it is the largest beer producer in Romania.

In 1583, the first school of Romanian language was established in Brasov. Visitors can learn a great deal about this part of its history at the Museum of the First Romanian School.

Brasov has retained much of its medieval charm so today the city is a growing tourist destination. Visitors can see the ruins of the walled city and the bastions as well as historical buildings like the Black Church and the numerous charming historical houses surrounding Council Square.

Those who want to have a bird's eye view of all of Brasov can take a cable car to Tampa Mountain where they will also see ruins of historical structures.

Follow this self-guided walking tour to see the historical beauty of Brasov, Romania.