I have to agree with the umbrellas.. Brasov *is* probably the best city in the world! :-)
Upon leaving Bran Castle we headed into the city of Brasov. Brasov is the third largest city in Romania. It
is a huge industry town. However, once you arrive in the city you would not think so.
Brasov coat of arms
As we were driving to the city, we entered this beautiful tree lined street. Notice the Brasov sign on the hill… a little like Hollywood, eh? LOL
When we entered this street I wish I could describe my awe. It was so amazing to actually be in an Eastern European town and see all of the buildings one on top of the next… almost surreal… it felt like a Hollywood set!
Scenes from the city...
The first cathedral we stopped to visit… Just as they have had problems with retaining ownership of the land in Transylvania, the Romanians have also had trouble holding on to their religious rights. This cathedral was built as a place for Romanians to worship during times when other religious were prevalent in Brasov.
A special building outside for lighting candles for prayer, etc. The candles were removed from the church itself to help prevent the blackening of the walls and paintings.
Leigh and I got fussed at for taking pictures inside because there was a wedding in progress.
Painting in the entrance way of the church…
This was the first Romanian school built for Romanian children during the occupied years.
Brasov was built as a fortress – older maps are fascinating to see. This small tunnel drive through is one entrance to the city.
Here we are “behind the walls” --- we are on the outside of the fortress and the water acted as a moat.
A bastion.. behind the walls
White Tower... there were 7 towers situated around the city where craftsmen and workers would keep watch for enemies. They would then pass word down to the bastion so information would be passed into the citadel. I believe only 2 of the towers are still standing.
The Black Tower (operated by the blackmiths)
Hiking up (and I mean UP!) to the White Tower
Panoramic city view from the stairs leading to the White Tower
Jokingly Radu called out to me: "Look Terri it is your uncle's shop!" He says I should tell everyone that Jack Daniels is my uncle since his distillery is in Tennessee.
An optometry sotre located back inside an alley
A view of the city with the Black Church in the background
Micky D's and KFC... who wouldn't love this town?! LOL
Half way through the day we stopped at a sidewalk cafe and had ice cream and drinks. It was fun watching people and just enjoying being in the city.
The public toilets... you had to go down stairs to use the facilities.. Becky and Leigh were both brave enough. They paid their one lei (33 US cents) for a piece of toilet paper and went inside. Both of them say it is an experience they will never need to repeat!
Brasov is my favorite city in Romania. I have spent time in a couple (Barlad and Iasi) so I think it is fair to say that. The whole atmosphere of the city was fabulous... it truly did feel as though you were walking on a European movie set!
(See separate BLACK CHURCH post)
Dinner outside of Bran
One of Radu's friends recommended a restaurant for us on the outskirts of Bran. When we arrived we realized it was another resort similiar to our own but we were happy to try a new place. Dinner was delicious and the company divine! Leigh and I both had potatoes "country style" that tasted just like hashbrowns at home!! Leigh was more adventurous and tried some kind of pork that was brought to the table in a pot with a lit burner underneath!
This huge bear was hanging above our table!
At the entrance to the restaurant there was an indoor water wheel and creek
Restaurant to your left... view of hills
1 comment:
Beautiful place and awesome pictures! Thanks for posting them; I can't wait to be there in a week and two days!
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