Gumbo’s latest visit was to the famous Black Church of Brasov, Romania, the largest Gothic church in the country, and the largest Lutheran church there. As you can see from the picture, it isn’t really black anymore, but it got that name after it was damaged by fire and smoke in 1689. Another view of the church appeared in the answer blog for Where in the World #9.
it took a little longer than usual, but WorkerBee, ace problem solver, got the solution.
The church dates to the mid-1300s, and was built by Bulgarian workers for the German community in the town. That should give you an idea of Brasov’s history. The Germans were there because the kings of Hungary in the 11th century invited them there to develop mines and towns in the region.
Entrance to the church
Brasov is in southern Transylvania, an area that has passed back and forth between Hungary and Romania. At the time the church was built, Brasov was a pre-dominantly German-speaking community, known to its residents as Kronstadt. From 1950 to 1960, it was renamed Stalin City. Today, it has a population of 250,000 in a metropolitan areas of nearly 400,000.
The church has a six ton bell, the biggest in Romania, an organ with 4,000 pipes built in 1839 which is played during weekly concerts, and a collection of Anatolian carpets donated by German merchants to decorate walls as well as floors. Now they’re on display, not on the floor!
Brasov Town Center
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Transylvania was a vassal of both the Ottoman Turkish and Habsburg empires; late in the 17th century, the Habsburgs drove out Turkish governors and communities. The invasion of the area by Austrian troops in 1689 was the cause of the fire that turned the church black.
Here’s a before-and-after: a 17th-century engraving of the walled town as it appeared in 1689 before the fire, with the Black Church near center, and a 2006 aerial photo of the modern city.
Don’t forget to check out Where in the World is Gumbo #13!
Congratulations Worker Bee!
Nice write up PHeymont!
The Black Church holds some significant memories for me personally as does the whole city.
In the aerial shot, if you look closely, you will also find some drab communist era apartment buildings. The time of Ceausescu and the Securitate was a time no one who lived in the country will forget. It was also Romania’s baby boom when a lot people of people were born due to no birth control.
The Romanian people are talented and open and I especially found that true in Brasov . Also, the language is a Romance language. It’s very similar to Italian.
And speaking of Dracula: Bela Lugosi, the actor who made that role famous, was actually born in Transylvania!
PHeymont – The character Dracula was based on the real life very interesting Vlad Tepes. ‘Vlad the Impaler’
And although he was very cruel ,is considered a patriot by many Romanians
still.
http://www.donlinke.com/drakula/vlad.htm
It would be an interesting blog post — Visiting Dracula’s castle!
It would be our pleasure at TravelGumbo to give that fine piece a home, Andredeya!
Years ago ,I went. It wasn’t as big of a tourist draw back then. If I’m remembering right, they told me at the time it might not of been one of Vlad castles,but I guess that makes little difference in the enjoyment.
Hey , i’m so happy that you made this blog about Brasov, my city
, happy that someone figure it about and posted the right answer about the puzzle. Everything said here is true, and to add more info about this destination, remind that The Black Church is the most photographied attraction in Romania, and right behind it with Dracula Bran Castle. 
Andredeya – Oh. We are learning a lot from you ! Thanks
Sweeet !
oh i didn’t knew that thank you PHey for the info!!
i searched some info about Bela Lugosi and he was born in Lugoj county but for what i know this city is not in Transylvania, is it in Banat, which is a western part of Romania
I’m not sure whether it is a case of shifting borders, or of seeking publicity, but Lugosi’s official biography said Transylvania…but can you trust Hollywood? Hmmm….
Yes the legend of Dracula is based on the actions of Vlad Dracul the Impaler
, but Bram Stoker made the history more famous, we all know that:d
I think it’s only for seeking publicity
i don’t know maybe i’m wrong i don’t know the story
I can make it possible
Wait for it this time i promise i will do it just fine
Well Rob this is absolutely a mystery