Brașov history

The history of Brașov, one of the most picturesque cities in Romania, is deeply rooted in the Middle Ages. Its emergence and development are inextricably linked to the activities of knightly orders, German colonists, and its advantageous geographical position in the very heart of Transylvania.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was founded in the early 13th century, around 1211, by knights of the Teutonic Order who, at the invitation of the Hungarian king, erected a fortress here to protect the kingdom's borders. Initially, it was named Kronstadt, which translates from German as "Crown City". The settlement is first mentioned in written sources in 1235 under the name "Corona". After the departure of the knights, the city's development was continued by German settlers, known as Transylvanian Saxons, who became its main driving force for centuries.

Key Factors of Development

Brașov owes its prosperity to several important factors:

• Strategic Location: Situated at the foot of the Carpathians, the city controlled vital trade routes connecting Transylvania with the neighboring principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia.
• Trade and Crafts: Thanks to active trade with the East and Western Europe, Brașov quickly turned into one of the most powerful economic centers in the region. Dozens of craft guilds operated in the city, and their products were famous far beyond the borders of Transylvania.
• Defensive Power: Brașov was one of the seven main fortified cities of Transylvania (Siebenbürgen). Powerful walls, towers, and bastions reliably protected its inhabitants and their wealth.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Brașov quickly became not only a commercial hub but also an important cultural and educational center. It was here in the 16th century that the humanist Johannes Honterus founded one of the region's first printing presses and actively promoted the ideas of the Reformation. During this same period, the first school with teaching in the Romanian language was opened in the city, and Deacon Coresi printed the first books in Romanian here. This laid the foundation for Brașov's transformation into a center of national awakening in subsequent centuries.

Key Dates in the History of Brașov

The history of Brașov is a kaleidoscope of events reflecting its strategic importance and cultural richness. From knightly fortresses to modern transformations, the city has always played a vital role in the life of Transylvania.

The Middle Ages and Renaissance

• 1211 — King Andrew II of Hungary grants lands to the Teutonic Order for protection against the Cumans; the knights found the fortress of Kronstadt (Corona).
• 1235 — First documentary mention of the city under the name "Corona".
• 1251 — The name "Brașov" appears in documents for the first time.
• 1395 — Construction begins on the stone parish church, which would later become known as the Black Church.
• 1421 — The city suffers a devastating raid by the Ottoman Empire.
• 1495 — The first school is founded in the Romanian district of Șchei, signifying the growing cultural importance of the Romanian community.
• 1535 — Humanist Johannes Honterus founds the first printing press in Transylvania in Brașov.
• 1559 — Deacon Coresi prints the first books in the Romanian language, marking a significant milestone in the development of Romanian literacy.
• 1689 — The "Great Fire" destroys much of the city; the main Gothic church, heavily damaged by the flames, receives the name Black Church.

Modern and Contemporary Era

• 1828 — The Șchei Gate is built in the classical style, becoming the new main entrance to the old city.
• 1918 — Following the dissolution of Austria-Hungary, Transylvania, including Brașov, becomes part of the Kingdom of Romania.
• 1950–1960 — The city is temporarily renamed Orașul Stalin ("Stalin City").
• 1987 — A major anti-communist workers' uprising takes place in Brașov against the regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu, foreshadowing the revolution of 1989.
• 2023 — The Brasov-Ghimbav International Airport opens, providing a new impulse for tourism and the regional economy.

Major Milestones of Development and Transformation

The city's development proceeded through a series of powerful transformations, each radically changing its appearance and status. From a military fortress to a modern tourist and industrial center, here are the key stages that defined the destiny of this place.

• Foundation and Fortification (13th Century). The arrival of the Teutonic Knights and subsequent colonization by Saxons turned a small settlement into a strategic outpost. The construction of powerful fortress walls and bastions not only ensured safety but also defined the boundaries and dense structure of the historic center, which has been preserved to this day.
• Rise as a Trade Hub (14th–15th Centuries). Thanks to royal privileges and an advantageous location at the intersection of routes between East and West, the city became a customs and commercial center. This led to capital accumulation, the flourishing of the merchant class, and the formation of a unique architectural appearance combining practicality with wealth.
• Flourishing of the Guild System (15th–16th Centuries). The city's economy was strengthened by dozens of craft guilds — from armorers to weavers. Their influence was so great that the guilds were responsible for the defense and maintenance of the fortress towers, creating a unique model of urban self-governance and civic responsibility.
• Cultural Revolution and Reformation (16th Century). The activities of Johannes Honterus and Deacon Coresi made the city a center of printing and education. The appearance of the first printing press and books in native languages (German and Romanian) turned it into the intellectual capital of the region, promoting the spread of humanistic ideas.
• Architectural Rebirth (Post-1689). The devastating "Great Fire" was a turning point in urban planning. The restoration of the city proceeded in the Austrian Baroque style, giving the historic center the elegant and ceremonial look we see today, replacing the austere medieval Gothic.
• Industrialization and the Railway (19th Century). The laying of railway tracks and the appearance of the first factories took the economy to a new level. The city began to expand beyond the medieval walls, forming new residential and industrial districts, marking the transition from artisanal production to mass manufacturing.
• Industrial Giant (1950–1980s). During the socialist period, the city was transformed into one of the country's largest industrial centers. The construction of giant factories (for example, for truck and tractor production) attracted thousands of new residents, leading to the large-scale construction of multi-story residential areas and a radical change in demographics.
• Modern Revitalization (21st Century). After the change of political regime, the city successfully reoriented itself towards tourism and the IT sector. The restoration of historical heritage, the development of ski infrastructure, and the opening of its own international airport in 2023 have secured its status as one of the most attractive destinations in Eastern Europe.

The architectural appearance of Brașov is a living illustration of its rich history, where each style reflects a specific era. Founded by German colonists, the city developed under the influence of Central European traditions, creating a unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque in the very heart of Transylvania.

Gothic (13th–15th Centuries)

Medieval Brașov was a powerful fortress and a thriving trade center, which is reflected in its monumental Gothic architecture. This style is characterized by pointed arches, high vaults, and massive walls.

• The Black Church (Biserica Neagră): Undoubtedly the most outstanding Gothic monument in Romania. Its construction began in the 14th century, and despite subsequent alterations, it has preserved its majestic Gothic core.
• Defensive Structures: Fragments of the old fortress walls, as well as towers such as the Black Tower and the White Tower, are prime examples of medieval military Gothic architecture.

Renaissance (16th–17th Centuries)

The Renaissance era brought more refined and decorative elements to Brașov's architecture. Although there are few pure examples of the Renaissance, its influence is noticeable in the details of merchant houses that were rebuilt during the period of economic prosperity. The facades of buildings on Council Square (Piața Sfatului) and adjacent streets often combine a Gothic foundation with Renaissance decorations, such as painted friezes and ornamental molding.

Baroque (17th–18th Centuries)

The city's rebirth after the Great Fire of 1689 took place under the sign of the Baroque. This lush and dynamic style defined the new look of the historic center. Buildings began to be adorned with complex facades, shaped pediments, and rich decor.

• Buildings on Council Square: Most of the houses surrounding the main square were restored or rebuilt in the Baroque style, creating a harmonious and cohesive ensemble.
• St. Nicholas Church (Biserica Sfântul Nicolae): Originally Gothic, the church was significantly rebuilt and acquired expressive Baroque features.
• Council House (Casa Sfatului): Although the building was founded in the 15th century, its tower and facades eventually acquired Baroque elements.

Classicism and Later Styles (19th–20th Centuries)

In the 19th century, strict and symmetrical forms of Classicism appeared in the city's architecture. A striking example is the monumental arch of the Șchei Gate (Poarta Șchei), built in 1827. Later, in the 20th century, the urban landscape was supplemented by Art Nouveau buildings, as well as the functional architecture of the socialist period, which formed the appearance of new districts outside the historic center.

Prominent Personalities Associated with Brașov

Over the centuries, Brașov has been the home and place of activity for many outstanding individuals who have left a significant mark on the history, culture, and science not only of the city but of all Romania. Their legacy still defines the cultural landscape of this Transylvanian center.

• Johannes Honterus (1498–1549) — A Saxon humanist, theologian, and reformer. Known as the "Apostle of Transylvania", he led the Protestant Reformation in the region. In 1535, Honterus founded the first printing press in Brașov, where he published textbooks, maps, and theological works, facilitating the spread of education and new ideas.
• Deacon Coresi (Diaconul Coresi, d. 1583) — An early printer and translator who played a key role in the development of Romanian literacy. Moving to Brașov, he printed the first books in the Romanian language here, including a "Catechism" and the "Gospels". His work helped establish the Romanian language in church usage and laid the foundations for a unified literary language.
• George Barițiu (1812–1893) — A historian, publicist, and politician, and the founder of the Romanian press in Transylvania. In 1838, he founded the newspaper "Gazeta de Transilvania" and its literary supplement in Brașov, which became the voice of the Romanian national movement. Barițiu was one of the founders and presidents of the ASTRA cultural society.
• Ștefan Octavian Iosif (1875–1913) — An outstanding Symbolist poet and translator. Born in Brașov, he became one of the key figures of Romanian literature in the early 20th century. Iosif was a co-founder of the Romanian Writers' Society and is known for his lyrical works and translations of European poetry.
• Sextil Pușcariu (1877–1948) — A world-class linguist, philologist, and literary historian born in Brașov. He was a member of the Romanian Academy, the first rector of the Romanian university in Cluj, and the initiator of fundamental works such as the "Dictionary of the Romanian Language" and the "Linguistic Atlas of Romania".
• János Mattis-Teutsch (1884–1960) — A painter, sculptor, and art theorist, and a leading figure of the European avant-garde. A native of Brașov, he was associated with movements such as Expressionism and Constructivism, and his works were exhibited in Budapest, Berlin, and Paris.
• Lucian Blaga (1895–1961) — A philosopher, poet, playwright, and diplomat, one of the greatest figures of 20th-century Romanian culture. Although not born in Brașov, his years of study at the Andrei Șaguna High School (1906-1914) were decisive for his intellectual development.
• Ion Țiriac (born 1939) — A former professional tennis and ice hockey player, now an influential businessman and philanthropist. Born in Brașov, he achieved global recognition in sports, winning the French Open in doubles in 1970, and became a successful entrepreneur after his retirement.