Gothic spires, medieval gateways, Soviet blocks and a huge Hollywood-style sign: Braşov’s skyline is instantly compelling. A number of medieval watchtowers still glower over the town. Between them sparkle baroque buildings and churches, while easygoing cafes line main square Piaţa Sfatului. Visible from here is forested Mt Tâmpa, sporting ‘Braşov’ in huge white letters.

According to local legend, the Pied Piper of Hamelin reemerged in Braşov. Indeed, this playful town has many tales as colourful as its pastel-hued streets. Locals will eagerly spin a yarn about Vlad the Impaler’s romantic dalliances, a noblewoman revived from her grave, and the time a bear waddled into the main square (at least the last one’s true).

Braşov is a good base for skiing in nearby Poiana Braşov, or trekking in Piatra Craiului National Park, 30km west. Most travellers use it as a gateway to castles in Bran and Râșnov.

Fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains and resplendent with gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture, as well as a wealth of historical attractions, Brasov is one of the most visited places in Romania.

Brasov is home to one of the the narrowest streets in Europe.The Rope Street (Strada Sforii) is approximately four feet wide and it links Cerbului Street with Poarta Schei Street.This street was initially used as an access route by firefighters.

Stroll around the old Town Hall Square (Piata Sfatului) where you can admire colorfully painted and ornately trimmed baroque structures. Take a peek inside the Black Church (Biserica Neagra), the largest gothic church in Romania. Its name derives from damage caused by the Great Fire of 1689, when flames and smoke blackened its walls. The interior is impressive and well-kept and houses one of the largest organs in Eastern Europe.

The Old Town Hall (Casa Sfatului) In the center of the square is the Old Town Hall (built in the 13th century in 1420) which is now home to Brasov’s History Museum. This place was also the meeting place for the town Councillors, which back then were known as centurions. The Old Town Hall is topped by a Trumpeter Tower which in the old days, guards watched the city day and night, announcing with trumpet sounds the passage of time or the outbreak of fire or enemies coming. Some locals say that this place is haunted and that one worker quit after hearing sounds. The numerous tortures that took place in the area of Town Hall Square are now apparently being held responsible for the out of the ordinary supposed experiences.

The Pillar of Infamy (Stalpul Infamiei) used to be located in this square; it was a place where witches or people that were found guilty of various offenses were publicly punished through extreme violence and sentenced to death.

Nearby are towering mountains, rolling fields, thick forests and villages with fortified churches.