🏙️ Brașov webcams online — watch the city in real time

History of Brașov: from Teutonic fortress to cultural center

Brașov is located in the center of Romania in the Southern Carpathians at an altitude of about 600 meters above sea level not far from Bucharest. The city is surrounded by forests, creating ideal conditions for ecotourism enthusiasts and web monitoring. The history of Brașov goes back centuries — the city was founded by knights of the Teutonic Order in 1211 on the site of ancient Dacian settlements in southeastern Transylvania.

Over the centuries, Brașov was known by different names — the settlement was originally called "Corona" or "Kronstadt," meaning "crown city." From 1950 to 1960, the city bore the name Orașul-Stalin in honor of the Soviet leader of the country's historic center. Today, the population of Brașov is about 284,000 people according to 2022 data.

The unique geographical position turned Brașov into an important trade hub between the Ottoman Empire and Western Europe. The city became one of the seven fortress citadels of Transylvania and has preserved its historic defensive walls to this day. It is precisely because of this landscape that the city's webcams show breathtaking views: panoramas of the Southern Carpathians in any season and the historic center with Gothic buildings.

Attractions of Brașov: jewels of the Middle Ages

The central square of the city — Council Square — is the heart of old Brașov. Here stands the famous Black Church (Biserica Neagră), the largest Gothic structure in Romania and one of the most capacious medieval temples in the Balkans in the very heart of the city. The church was built between 1383 and 1385 by Bulgarian workers beneath the eastern skyline of Brașov. The height of the temple reaches 65 meters against the backdrop of the Southern Carpathians.

The name "Black Church" appeared after the devastating fire of 1689 during the Great Turkish War. The walls of the temple were covered in soot, and since then the church has been called "Black." Inside the temple, ancient Turkish carpets have been preserved, which parishioners donated to the church over the centuries after restoration. The six-ton bell of the Black Church is the largest in Romania at the height of the bell tower.

Near the Black Church is Strada Sforii — the famous Rope Street, which is considered the third narrowest street in Europe. The width of the street varies from 111 to 135 centimeters between the Șchei Gate and Cerbului Street. It is believed that the street was built in the 16th century as a corridor for fire brigades. According to legend, couples who kiss on Strada Sforii will never part between the two walls of the street.

In the historic center of Brașov stands St. Bartholomew's Church — the oldest building in the city, built in 1223 by the first knight of the Teutonic Order. In 1535, the first printing house in Transylvania was founded here, and in 1559, deacon Coresi printed the first book in the Romanian language at the city's printing yard. In the 16th century, Brașov became the site of the first Romanian school teaching in the Romanian language in the center of the medieval city.

Nature and panoramas: Tampa Mountain and BRASOV

To the southeast of the city rises Tampa Mountain, named from the Latin root "tempus" (time). The height of the mountain is 960 meters above sea level in the center of the Southern Carpathians. On the slope of the mountain in the 1990s, large white letters BRASOV, 5 meters high, appeared, modeled after the Hollywood sign against the mountain landscape. The inscription became the city's calling card and a popular tourist attraction.

In the era of the Roman Empire (1st-2nd centuries), the god of time Saturn was worshipped on Tampa Mountain at the sacred site. Today, the mountain is a nature reserve where wild animals — boars and bears — inhabit the forests at the foot of the mountain. A cable car leads to the mountain ramp, and nearby there are restaurants and observation decks.

Brașov: cultural heritage and legends

Brașov is famous for its cultural heritage and legends. On Council Square, a medieval fountain has been preserved, on the site of which in the Middle Ages stood a pillory for torturing and burning witches on the city square. Legend has it that the mysterious Pied Piper, like the character from the German fairy tale, once walked the streets of Brașov, leading children away in the shadows of the old city walls.

In the Church of St. Nicholas (13th century), the son of Vlad Țepeș — Vlad Țepeș IV — was a patron at the church site. The church flourished thanks to the daughter of Peter I, Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, who donated funds for the addition of a clock tower at the entrance to the church. The flow of donations was continued by Catherine II and subsequent Russian emperors in the city center.

The city recognition of Brașov was earned by the Romanian deacon Coresi, who printed the first books in the Romanian language at the printing house of Johannes Honterus. Johannes Honterus, reformer and educator, founded the first printing house in Transylvania in 1535 in the city of Brașov. In 1987, Brașov became the center of mass protests against the Ceaușescu regime — the Brașov uprising in the city center.

Modern Brașov

Today, Brașov continues to develop as a tourist and cultural center of Romania. In the suburbs of the city is the Poiana Brașov ski resort at the mountain height. Nearby are the Râșnov Fortress (16 km), Bran Castle (Dracula's), and the village of Bran (32 km) to the west of the city.

What the cameras show

Brașov attracts attention with its unique combination of history and nature. For those who want to see the city in real time, webcams are available in the historic center, on Council Square, at the Șchei Gate, and on Tampa Mountain. These broadcasts allow you to appreciate the atmosphere of the city in any season, from bustling events on the square to serene panoramas of the Southern Carpathians. The best time for observation is morning and evening, when the city transforms in the rays of the sun.