Romania isn’t the typical tourist destination for western Europeans. In their heads the country is associated with poverty, migration, and crime – only Bram Stoker and his vampire tale are linked to Romania with the same intensity. In reality, it is a country full of friendly people making the best of their situation. A country in development with a coast at the Black Sea, a country with vast forests (housing the biggest population of brown bears in Europe) and a long history between the east and the west.
Continue reading “Gateway to the orient”Biserica Neagră
The Black Church is the main sight of Brașov, Romania. It is a protestant (formerly catholic) church in Gothic style built in the 13th century CE. In 1689 the city was burning, and the walls of the church turned black by the fire, therefore it received its current name. As an important church of the Siebenbürger Sachsen you can discover German inscriptions in several places.
Continue reading “Biserica Neagră”Kronstadt
Transylvania (or Siebenbürgen) is a region of Romania where different languages are spoken. It was once part of Austria-Hungary, and the Siebenbürger Sachsen have settled there, bringing the German language and culture to this area. Therefore, the cities always have at least two names: Bran is also Törzburg, Sibiu can be referenced to as Hermannstadt and Brașov is also known as Kronstadt (city of the crown). Transylvania itself translates as ‘through the forest’.
Continue reading “Kronstadt”