Exploring the Castles and Surrounding Area of Brasov

When visiting the Romanian city of Brasov, planning a tour of the castles and more is probably at the top of your to do list. From the historical attractions scattered around the city, to the breathtaking nature reserves to explore – Brasov has something for all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled family holiday or an exciting getaway with friends, exploring and discovering the castles, ruins, and nature reserves around the city will surely leave you with fond memories.

Peles Castle

Beginning with one of the most popular sights in Romania, the stunning Peles Castle is one of the most visited attractions in the country. Located in the beautiful Carpathian Mountains, this fairytale-like castle was built for Romania’s first monarch in the late 19th century. The architecture of the castle is a combination of German new-Renaissance style, German Gothic Revival buildings, and Baroque elements designed by a German architect. There are a total of 162 rooms – each one adorned with exotic furniture and antiques. The luxurious interiors also feature stunning works of art, including paintings by European masters such as Brueghel and Linder. There is also an outdoor garden surrounding the castle with a pergola, statues, sculptures, and beautiful fountains.

Ruins of Rasnov Fortress

A few miles away from Brasov lies the ancient fortress of Rasnov. The fortress was built in the 13th century to protect traders from invading Ottomans and Tatars. It became an important stronghold for Transylvania and managed to resist multiple attacks from foreign armies. Some of the fortifications are still intact today, including two gates and a citadel surrounded by two dry moats protecting it from enemy armies. Its renowned walls feature arrow slits and towers for enhancing the defense system of the fortress. In its prime, Rasnov Fortress was one of the largest fortifications on the Eastern borders of Transylvania.

Bran Castle

Another popular castle near Brasov is Bran Castle – also known as Dracula’s Castle. This picturesque castle was built in 1377 during the rule of Louis I of Hungary. It has a long history of being passed down through generations to various European royal families. In 1920, it gained worldwide recognition when it was transformed into a modernist museum showcasing old artifacts and furniture from previous centuries. Today, Bran Castle has become a popular tourist attraction and people flock here to witness its Gothic architecture, admire its antique furniture, and visit its secret passageways.

Fagaras Castle

Fagaras Castle can easily be called Romania’s most impressive fortress. It is located northeast of Brasov in an area that used to be extremely intensively guarded due to its strategic position on both main trade routes – from Wallachia to Transylvania and from Central Europe to Istanbul. The importance given to this castle by successive rulers over time can be seen in its architecture – which is made up of three defense systems – outer walls, inner walls, and tower walls forming a complex fortified structure that allowed Fagaras Castle to resist invasions over its long history. The castle is also home to a number of beautiful architectural structures, such as grand balconies, halls, stone staircases, and a drawbridge that provides access to the inner yard.

The Romanian Wilderness Reserves

Brasov has many natural attractions for adventurers looking for outdoor activities. Situated in central Romania is Defileul Muresului reserve – one of Romania’s largest wilderness reserves. This green haven is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, jackals, foxes, wildcats, owls, and many other animals. Moreover, diverse plant species including pine trees and rare species of orchids can be explored here. Nature enthusiasts looking for other adventures should also check out Bucegi Nature Park located in Southern Carpathians – offering mesmerizing hiking trails surrounded by lush forests and snow-covered peaks that are perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

Conclusion

Brasov has plenty of attractions that appeal to all kinds of adventurers – from historical castles and ruins to picturesque nature reserves. As you explore the city and its surroundings, you’ll be amazed by its charming beauty and rich cultural heritage. Moreover, once you’ve spent enough time visiting these attractions and embarking on exciting outdoor adventures – why not take a guided tour? The Castles & Ruins Around Brasov Tour is a great way to take in all these sites in one go. This guided excursion offers travelers a chance to enjoy the landmarks of this vibrant city at their own pace with an experienced tour guide filling all their needs as they explore the mesmerising regions around Brasov!