Brasov Historic Fortifications

2009 SimplyBrasov.com

The Old city of Brasov, formerly called Kronstadt by the Saxon settlers is one of the best preserved old cities in Europe today. With many of its old fortifications systems still very visible

The White Tower was part of the old fortification system built around the old city by the Saxons the defend the city from invading Mongols and Turks who repeatedly attacked and destroyed the old settlements of Bartholoma and Corona.

Most of the defence system was built between 1400 and 1650 where the city walls were erected together with massive defence towers and gates. Part of the defence wall, once 40ft high, 7ft thick and 2 miles longs can be seen today

The White Tower was built in the 15th Century. Inside there are 5 flights of wooden fighting galleries and display of the historic armouries used to defend the city.

The tower offers some amazing photographic opportunities over the city as does the Black Tower which was built in 1494 and gets its name after being burnt down in 1559 after being struck by lightening.

Of the seven bastions several have survived including the recently restored Graft Bastion which was used to connect the White Tower to the defence system for the city. Like the White today the Graft Bastion is a museum and is worth a visit.

The only orginal gate into the city to have survived is Catherine’s Gate. Built in 1559 it was once the main entrance to the Saxon city. Nearby is the Schei Gate which was the entrance to the Schei district where during the 13th - 17th century Romanians had to live as they were forbidden to live in the old city by the Saxon colonisers. Romanians could only use the Schei Gate and had to pay a toll to enter