Opera Brasov - Opera Brasov - Location

Known as Corona in 1235 and Barasu in 1252, Brasov (1288) is the most improtant Transylvanian town in the Middle Age, dominating the economic life of the XIVth -XVIth century. Brasov was the home of some of the best craftsmen, jewelers, and traders living in Transylvania.Located in the heart of Romania, at a distance of 140 km (87 miles) northwest of the capital Bucharest, the city of Brasov is the administrative centre of the county with the same name.

The first traces of human existence in the area are 60.000 years old. The inhabitants of the area undoubtedly crossed all the stages of the ancient civilization.
There lived together Romanians, Hungarians, German population, Jews and even Greeks.
The main attraction is represented by the old charming town named Schei. The building is constructed in the highest standards of that times: fortress walls, bastions, defending towers, warehouses, markets, workshops, shops, inns, churches, hospitals. Brasov was at that times an example of organization and resource exploitation.
Many building are preserved till nowadays such as:
• The Black Church, the biggest building in the South-Eastern Europe, representing the Gothic art . It is famous for its acoustics and 4000-pipe organ.
• The old market place (today a square) and the City Hall are the best known effigies in Brasov. The building preserves elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. During centuries it was the administrative and judgment residence. Nowadays, the building houses Brasov County History Museum.
• The Hirschers' House or The Merchants' House has elements of Renaissance style. This represent the first place between civil buildings in the VXIth century
• St Nicholas' Church, attested in documents in 1292, mentioned in the papal bull of 1399, has Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements, its art being in fact a synthesis of all these styles under Byzantine influence. Old Romanian art masterpieces and beautiful mural paintings are kept in this church. Here is the tumb of the former Romanian Minister of the Foreign Affairs, Nicolae Titulescu. In the yard of the church you can find the Museum of the First Romanian School. Its building dates from XVth century and it's a historical monument.
• St. Bartholomew Church is the oldest construction in Brasov  and preserves architectural style preserves early Roman and Gothic elements.
• The Weavers' Bastion, situated in the south-western corner of the medieval walled city, is the best-preserved fortification of the city.
Brasov surroundings are rich in history, representing points of touristical interests. Here are some of them:
-Bran Castle, or Dracula Castle, 25 km far away from Brasov, is built on a cliff.
-The Citadel of Rasnov represents one of the most interesting Medieval architecture.