Brasov developed as a medieval market town for Saxon (hiss-boo) traders that due to its success and wealth necessarily became fortified. About time for a Welsh invasion then!
So the plan said an early start to Gara Du Nord to try and buy a ticket to Brasov using my virtually non-existent Romanian to catch the 8:30 to Brasov – I was acutely aware that some of my colleagues at work thought it was just as likely I’d find myself on the way to Bulgaria.
Trying to book a taxi at 7 a.m. soon proved pointless and so I set off at a brisk pace at 7:20 on the assumption that I may have to walk all the way but fortunately came across a taxi at Piata Dorobantilor for the 10 minute trip to the station.
The ticket purchase went reasonably smoothly the only piece of Romanian I failed with at the first attempt being in how I pronounced “return” (I need to work on my “s” when it needs to be a “sh”). Unfortunately I was also too late to get a first class ticket, but at least that meant 30RONs less being spent.
The train was modern and clean and I found myself upstairs in a double-decker carriage, however it was very full with a small number of people standing (although I’m sure no-one actually stood all the way to Brasov – 2 ½ hours).
The train arrived on schedule at 10:55 it being a very bright sunny day in the mountains in South Eastern Transylvania.
Bus number 4 got me straight into the centre of “Old” Brasov dropping me in the bus station just around the corner from Piata Sfatului.
The old merchant houses (now banks, shops, and restaurants) here are very grand and in
one corner stands an Orthodox Cathedral accessed through a brightly decorated alleyway.
So the plan said an early start to Gara Du Nord to try and buy a ticket to Brasov using my virtually non-existent Romanian to catch the 8:30 to Brasov – I was acutely aware that some of my colleagues at work thought it was just as likely I’d find myself on the way to Bulgaria.
Trying to book a taxi at 7 a.m. soon proved pointless and so I set off at a brisk pace at 7:20 on the assumption that I may have to walk all the way but fortunately came across a taxi at Piata Dorobantilor for the 10 minute trip to the station.
The ticket purchase went reasonably smoothly the only piece of Romanian I failed with at the first attempt being in how I pronounced “return” (I need to work on my “s” when it needs to be a “sh”). Unfortunately I was also too late to get a first class ticket, but at least that meant 30RONs less being spent.The train was modern and clean and I found myself upstairs in a double-decker carriage, however it was very full with a small number of people standing (although I’m sure no-one actually stood all the way to Brasov – 2 ½ hours).
The train arrived on schedule at 10:55 it being a very bright sunny day in the mountains in South Eastern Transylvania.
Bus number 4 got me straight into the centre of “Old” Brasov dropping me in the bus station just around the corner from Piata Sfatului.
The old merchant houses (now banks, shops, and restaurants) here are very grand and in
one corner stands an Orthodox Cathedral accessed through a brightly decorated alleyway.Unfortunately it was very busy due to a wedding being in progress so my attention moved quickly to the Casa Sfatului which sits in the centre of the square and houses the museum.
So in I go for 6RON before I get “Camera Tax” for 20RON, I do promise to pay on my way out if there’s anything worth photographing but I think my “Romglish” let me down!
My advice for visitors – put your camera away and save yourself 20RON!
There’s some moderately interesting information on the development of Brasov and the growth of the various merchants guilds, although there does seem to be an obsession with wooden chests.
Overlooking the square is the old Citadel
while on the other side the Black Church looms large.
The Black Church is so-called as its exterior was once covered with soot as a result of the town being put to the torch by an Austrian army in 1689. It is however one of the ugliest churches I have ever come across despite some interesting statuary
and a very imposing clock tower.
Anyway moving on out of the town centre took me past another of the defences, the White Tower, 
and
Along a narrow side street and part way up Mount Tampa is the best preserved of the town’s defensive bastions – the bastion of the Weaver’s Guild.
The entrance from the town and into the bastion courtyard is understandably narrow and runs
beneath the fortifications.
So back down the lane and then along looking for the cable car up Mount Tampa which conveniently carries a reminder for the local residents about where they live.
The views from Mount Tampa are magnificent and a cable car return costs just 8RON – and NO “Camera Tax” (hoo-bleedin’-ray).
The Old Town and its defensive wall
Casa Sfatului
The Black Church
The New (1960's) Industrial Town
Following my descent I started my way back towards the station along 
Strada T.Brediceanu which runs along the foot of Mount Tampa just outside the Town Wall which is being extensively renovated, probably to help keep 
the vampires out (YES, finally slipped the reference in!)
A real pleasure to meet you all but I must single out our new Bucharest student friend who gave such great help to her fellow travelers – you are a real credit to your country and young people everywhere.
With everyone’s accommodation apparently sorted back at Bucharest we went our separate ways, with me having to avoid getting into the ludicrously over-priced taxis outside the station. 20RON Gara Du Nord to Piata Dorabantilor – they’re having a laugh!
And a bonus end to the day with the news of a Mighty Bluebirds victory!
KEEP SMILING
My advice for visitors – put your camera away and save yourself 20RON!
There’s some moderately interesting information on the development of Brasov and the growth of the various merchants guilds, although there does seem to be an obsession with wooden chests.
Overlooking the square is the old Citadel
while on the other side the Black Church looms large.
The Black Church is so-called as its exterior was once covered with soot as a result of the town being put to the torch by an Austrian army in 1689. It is however one of the ugliest churches I have ever come across despite some interesting statuary
and a very imposing clock tower.Still it must be good inside mustn’t it especially at 6RON to enter but no “Camera Tax” as no photography is allowed it’s so good they are going to make you buy postcards!
Well there is some interesting artwork on some of the pews and a quite ornate altar inside but I couldn’t help thinking that there was no “Camera Tax” to avoid the volume of complaints that would ensue.
Well there is some interesting artwork on some of the pews and a quite ornate altar inside but I couldn’t help thinking that there was no “Camera Tax” to avoid the volume of complaints that would ensue.
Anyway moving on out of the town centre took me past another of the defences, the White Tower, 
and then I “re-entered” the old town through the Schei Gate.
Along a narrow side street and part way up Mount Tampa is the best preserved of the town’s defensive bastions – the bastion of the Weaver’s Guild.The entrance from the town and into the bastion courtyard is understandably narrow and runs
beneath the fortifications.The galleries inside are a great sight although the state of ill-repair means it is not possible to walk around them.
Within the bastion is the Museum of the Barsa Land Fortifications, once again 6RON plus “Camera Tax” of 20RON.
Unfortunately the museum houses a few very sad exhibits but quite an interesting model of medieval Brasov.
Unfortunately the museum houses a few very sad exhibits but quite an interesting model of medieval Brasov.
So back down the lane and then along looking for the cable car up Mount Tampa which conveniently carries a reminder for the local residents about where they live.The views from Mount Tampa are magnificent and a cable car return costs just 8RON – and NO “Camera Tax” (hoo-bleedin’-ray).
The Old Town and its defensive wall
Casa Sfatului
The Black Church
The New (1960's) Industrial Town 
Following my descent I started my way back towards the station along 
Strada T.Brediceanu which runs along the foot of Mount Tampa just outside the Town Wall which is being extensively renovated, probably to help keep 
the vampires out (YES, finally slipped the reference in!)In front of the magnificent Prefecture building is a memorial to the 1989 revolution.
and from here it was a brief walk around the local outdoor fruit and veg market and onto the number 4 bus back to the railway station.
Interestingly I was asked for bus information in Romanian while waiting (I was not much help) and at the station I was asked the time in Romanian – fortunately my blank look this time led to the question being repeated in English!
Coincidentally we were both looking at the departure board for the next “Fast” train to Bucharest so I acquired a companion on whom I could test(i.e. inflict) my Romglish. It’s also particularly pleasant of course when such companions are young and female.
The train this time was a familiar “older-style” compartment train and our party of English speakers swelled by two delightful English sisters and an American young gentleman.
and from here it was a brief walk around the local outdoor fruit and veg market and onto the number 4 bus back to the railway station.Interestingly I was asked for bus information in Romanian while waiting (I was not much help) and at the station I was asked the time in Romanian – fortunately my blank look this time led to the question being repeated in English!
Coincidentally we were both looking at the departure board for the next “Fast” train to Bucharest so I acquired a companion on whom I could test(i.e. inflict) my Romglish. It’s also particularly pleasant of course when such companions are young and female.
The train this time was a familiar “older-style” compartment train and our party of English speakers swelled by two delightful English sisters and an American young gentleman.
A real pleasure to meet you all but I must single out our new Bucharest student friend who gave such great help to her fellow travelers – you are a real credit to your country and young people everywhere.With everyone’s accommodation apparently sorted back at Bucharest we went our separate ways, with me having to avoid getting into the ludicrously over-priced taxis outside the station. 20RON Gara Du Nord to Piata Dorabantilor – they’re having a laugh!
And a bonus end to the day with the news of a Mighty Bluebirds victory!
KEEP SMILING
No comments:
Post a Comment