Brasov Fortifications Tour (Self Guided), Brasov
Frequent invasions by Turkish Tatars throughout the 13th-15th centuries prompted Brasov residents to build fortifications around the town. At some point, Brasov came to be known as the “stronghold of seven bastions.” Remarkably, six of them are still in place. As for the other defensive structures placed between those bastions, most of them eventually succumbed to ruin, with only a few remaining.
Among the prominent fortification landmarks, which stand tall as the symbols of the city's medieval defenses, are the Black Tower (Turnul Negru) and the White Tower (Turnul Alb). The Graft Bastion (Bastionul Graft) and the Smiths' Bastion (Bastionul Fierarior) further demonstrate the strategic planning of Brasov's fortifications, offering insights into the architectural prowess of the time.
Catherine's Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei) and Scaffold's Gate (Poarta Schei) served as vital entry points to the city, each bearing its own historical significance. These gates were crucial in controlling access and ensuring the security of Brasov's inhabitants.
Additionally, the Weavers' Bastion (Bastionul Tesatorilor), Spinners' Bastion (Bastionul Funarilor), Drapers' Bastion (Bastionul Postavarilor), and Furriers’ Bastion (Bastionul Cojocarilor) attest to the diverse crafts and trades once flourished within the city walls.
These fortifications serve as reminders of the resilience and ingenuity of the people of Brasov. Visitors to the city can immerse themselves in the mystic atmosphere of these architectural marvels. So, take the opportunity to wander through the streets of Brasov and discover the stories woven into its walls, gates, and bastions.
Among the prominent fortification landmarks, which stand tall as the symbols of the city's medieval defenses, are the Black Tower (Turnul Negru) and the White Tower (Turnul Alb). The Graft Bastion (Bastionul Graft) and the Smiths' Bastion (Bastionul Fierarior) further demonstrate the strategic planning of Brasov's fortifications, offering insights into the architectural prowess of the time.
Catherine's Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei) and Scaffold's Gate (Poarta Schei) served as vital entry points to the city, each bearing its own historical significance. These gates were crucial in controlling access and ensuring the security of Brasov's inhabitants.
Additionally, the Weavers' Bastion (Bastionul Tesatorilor), Spinners' Bastion (Bastionul Funarilor), Drapers' Bastion (Bastionul Postavarilor), and Furriers’ Bastion (Bastionul Cojocarilor) attest to the diverse crafts and trades once flourished within the city walls.
These fortifications serve as reminders of the resilience and ingenuity of the people of Brasov. Visitors to the city can immerse themselves in the mystic atmosphere of these architectural marvels. So, take the opportunity to wander through the streets of Brasov and discover the stories woven into its walls, gates, and bastions.
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Brasov Fortifications Tour Map
Guide Name: Brasov Fortifications Tour
Guide Location: Romania » Brasov (See other walking tours in Brasov)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Author: ellen
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Romania » Brasov (See other walking tours in Brasov)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Author: ellen
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Black Tower (Turnul Negru)
- White Tower (Turnul Alb)
- Graft Bastion (Bastionul Graft)
- Smiths' Bastion (Bastionul Fierarior)
- Catherine's Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei)
- Scaffold's Gate (Poarta Schei)
- Weavers' Bastion (Bastionul Tesatorilor)
- Spinners' Bastion (Bastionul Funarilor)
- Drapers' Bastion (Bastionul Postavarilor) and Furriers’ Bastion (Bastionul Cojocarilor)
1) Black Tower (Turnul Negru)
The Black Tower is not far from Bastionul Fierarilor. It is placed on Warthe Hill. The tower was constructed in the 15th century at the same time as the White Tower. It got its name after a fire in 1689, when its wall became black. The tower has 11 m height and its walls are 2 m thick. Each side of the tower has six shooting holes arranged two by two in three lines. The tower was damaged several times. There is a small museum in the Turnul Negru that tells its history.
2) White Tower (Turnul Alb)
The White Tower was built between 1460 and 1494 and represents one of the most massive constructions of the fortification. The walls are 4 m thick in the basement and the tower is 19 m in diameter. It has battlements, holes for pitch and balconies. The tower is connected to Graft Bastion with a bridge. A fireplace is still preserved in the interior of the tower. The last restoration of the construction took place in 2005-2006 and today there is a museum in the tower's hall.
3) Graft Bastion (Bastionul Graft)
The Graft Bastion was constructed in 1515-1521 to connect soldiers of the town with the White Tower. It is conveniently located in the northwest of the Old Town fortification. The walls of the bastion are 4 m thick in the basement and the constructions consist of two floors and an attic. Shooting holes and holes for pitch are still well preserved. Because of a large flood that took place at the beginning of the 19th century, the exterior wall of the Graft Bastion was greatly weakened. The construction was renovated from 2004 to 2005 and today it contains one of the sections of the Brasov Historical Museum with a collection of weapons, documents and photographs on its second floor.
4) Smiths' Bastion (Bastionul Fierarior)
The bastion is located in the corner of the Brasov fortress and has existed since 1521. The construction has a pentagonal form, shooting holes and holes for pitch. Bastionul Fierarilor was damaged by several hard rains and floods and it got its current look in the beginning of the 18th century, with some reconstruction done later. In 1923, it was converted into the Brasov Archives Headquarters, whose documentation was taken from the Council House to the bastion and is still kept there today.
5) Catherine's Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei) (must see)
Catherine's Gate (or Poarta Ecaterinei as they call it in Romanian) is part of the old defensive complex. It was built in 1559 by the local Tailors’ Guild to replace the old gate which was destroyed by flooding in 1526. It is named after the St. Catherine's Monastery that stood here before. This is the only original city gate to have survived since the medieval period.
Interesting fact is that during the Saxon rule - between the 13th and the 17th centuries - the Romanians were forbidden from owning property inside the fortress and could only enter the town at certain times. At entry, they were to pay a toll for the privilege of selling their goods inside the citadel. The four small corner turrets of the gate symbolize the town's judicial autonomy and in particular "the right of the sword" which is the right to execute. Above the gate is the city's coat of arms, featuring a crown on an oak tree trunk and roots.
Interesting fact is that during the Saxon rule - between the 13th and the 17th centuries - the Romanians were forbidden from owning property inside the fortress and could only enter the town at certain times. At entry, they were to pay a toll for the privilege of selling their goods inside the citadel. The four small corner turrets of the gate symbolize the town's judicial autonomy and in particular "the right of the sword" which is the right to execute. Above the gate is the city's coat of arms, featuring a crown on an oak tree trunk and roots.
6) Scaffold's Gate (Poarta Schei)
Scaffold's Gate (Poarta Schei) is a 19th-century gate with passages for one-way automobile traffic and two pedestrian passages on either side.
According to the gate's inscription, it was built after a visit from the Emperor of Austria, Francis Joseph I. He visited Brasov in 1817, and the construction was completed in 1828. The gate was necessary as it allowed high traffic to pass through the walls.
Designed in a Classical style, the Scaffold's Gate is made from stone and brick and includes decorative masonry and Latin inscriptions that show both the dates of construction and the purpose of the gate.
The gate is located south of a roundabout where both Prundului Street and Sirul Ludwig van Beethoven Street meet Porta Schei Street. Tourists can walk directly through the gate, and then pause to view the domed interior ceiling.
According to the gate's inscription, it was built after a visit from the Emperor of Austria, Francis Joseph I. He visited Brasov in 1817, and the construction was completed in 1828. The gate was necessary as it allowed high traffic to pass through the walls.
Designed in a Classical style, the Scaffold's Gate is made from stone and brick and includes decorative masonry and Latin inscriptions that show both the dates of construction and the purpose of the gate.
The gate is located south of a roundabout where both Prundului Street and Sirul Ludwig van Beethoven Street meet Porta Schei Street. Tourists can walk directly through the gate, and then pause to view the domed interior ceiling.
7) Weavers' Bastion (Bastionul Tesatorilor)
Weavers' Bastion (Bastionul Tesatorilor) is a historic fortification that now functions as a medieval museum. Unlike many of the bastions in the region, it withstood the great fire of 1689. It remains preserved in its original shape.
Construction on the bastion began in 1421. It has four levels with oil wells and two watchtowers, containing rooms for weaving workshops, a sentry room, a ballroom, and a wedding hall. The bastion was built, defended, and maintained by the linen weavers' guild.
The bastion was abandoned in 1750 due to a lack of need for this type of defense. Later, it was used for document storage, a meeting place, and grounds for the confirmation of weaving apprentices. In the early 20th century, the excellent acoustics in the bastion led to its use for operas and concerts.
Today, Weavers' Bastion is part of the County Museum of History. The exhibits show documents and artifacts from archaeological excavations. Concerts and festivals are also regularly held at Weavers' Bastion.
Construction on the bastion began in 1421. It has four levels with oil wells and two watchtowers, containing rooms for weaving workshops, a sentry room, a ballroom, and a wedding hall. The bastion was built, defended, and maintained by the linen weavers' guild.
The bastion was abandoned in 1750 due to a lack of need for this type of defense. Later, it was used for document storage, a meeting place, and grounds for the confirmation of weaving apprentices. In the early 20th century, the excellent acoustics in the bastion led to its use for operas and concerts.
Today, Weavers' Bastion is part of the County Museum of History. The exhibits show documents and artifacts from archaeological excavations. Concerts and festivals are also regularly held at Weavers' Bastion.
8) Spinners' Bastion (Bastionul Funarilor)
The Spinners' Bastion ( Bastionul Funarilor) is the oldest bastion of the Brasov citadel. It was first mentioned in documents in 1416, though it might have been built much earlier than this.
The bastion is six-sided with firing ports for defense. It was about 39 feet high in its original shape, but damages to the structure over the years have significantly altered its appearance. It survived the great fire of 1461 but was damaged in the great fire of 1689.
After its restoration, the Spinners' Bastion was used as a warehouse by the ropemakers' guild. A home for the guild was constructed near the bastion in 1794, but both were sold 100 years later.
The Spinners' Bastion was renovated in 2006 and is now a popular tourist site. Visitors are welcome to explore the bastion daily from 12 PM to 7 PM.
The bastion is six-sided with firing ports for defense. It was about 39 feet high in its original shape, but damages to the structure over the years have significantly altered its appearance. It survived the great fire of 1461 but was damaged in the great fire of 1689.
After its restoration, the Spinners' Bastion was used as a warehouse by the ropemakers' guild. A home for the guild was constructed near the bastion in 1794, but both were sold 100 years later.
The Spinners' Bastion was renovated in 2006 and is now a popular tourist site. Visitors are welcome to explore the bastion daily from 12 PM to 7 PM.
9) Drapers' Bastion (Bastionul Postavarilor) and Furriers’ Bastion (Bastionul Cojocarilor)
The Drapers' Bastion is one of the six bastions of the preserved Brasov Fortresses. It is located in the southwestern corner of the fortification line. It was constructed between 1450 and 1455. The construction has an elliptical form with four levels, 16 meters in diameter. It is one of the best-preserved bastions in the city. A new glass dome is planned to be added to the structure and the bastions’ building will be used as a museum.
Furriers’ Bastion is located next to the Drapers' Bastion and was constructed in 1452. It is a heptagonal construction, with shooting holes and holes for pitch. Brick arches were added later. It is currently a half-demolished construction. Furriers’ Bastion has a connection to the Drapers' Bastion. The last renovation was done in 2005.
Furriers’ Bastion is located next to the Drapers' Bastion and was constructed in 1452. It is a heptagonal construction, with shooting holes and holes for pitch. Brick arches were added later. It is currently a half-demolished construction. Furriers’ Bastion has a connection to the Drapers' Bastion. The last renovation was done in 2005.
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