Braşov
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2008-07-10T17:54:26Z
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{{Expand|date=September 2007}}
{{Infobox Settlement <!--more fields are available for this Infobox--See Template:Infobox Settlement-->
|subdivision_type = [[Countries of the world|Country]]
|subdivision_name = {{ROU}}
|timezone=[[Eastern European Time|EET]]
|utc_offset=+2
|timezone_DST=[[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]]
|utc_offset_DST=+3
|map_caption = Location of Braşov
| image_skyline = Brasov view from the top of the hill.jpg
| image_caption = Old Braşov viewed from the top of the Tâmpa Mountain
| image_flag = Flag of Brasov - as seen.png
| flag_link =
|
official_name=Braşov|
image_shield=COA Brasov.png|
image_map=Brasov_in_Romania.png|
|subdivision_type1=[[Counties of Romania|County]]|
subdivision_name1=Braşov County|
|subdivision_type2=[[Subdivisions of Romania|Status]]|
subdivision_name2={{Autolink|County capital}}
|settlement_type=County capital||
|leader_title=[[Mayor]]|
leader_name=[[George Scripcaru]]|
|
leader_party=[[Democratic Party (Romania)|Democratic Party]]|
area_total_km2=267.2|
area_metro_km2=1368.5|
elevation_m=600|
population_as_of=July 01, 2007 <ref>[http://www.insse.ro/cms/rw/resource/populatia_stab_1%20iulie2007.htm Population of Romania as of [[July 01]], [[2007]]]</ref>|
population_total=277945|
population_density_km2=1040|latd=45|latm=40|lats=|latNS=N|longd=25|longm=37|longs=|longEW=E||
|population_metro=399,316|
website=http://www.brasovcity.ro|
}}
'''Braşov''' ({{pronounced|braˈʃov}}; {{lang-hu|Brassó}}; {{lang-de|Kronstadt}}; [[Medieval Latin]]: ''Brassovia'' or ''Corona'') is a city in [[Romania]] and the capital of [[Braşov County]], with a population of 284,596, according to the 2002 census, is the 7th largest Romanian city, after [[Bucharest]], [[Cluj-Napoca]], [[Timişoara]], [[Iaşi]], [[Craiova]] and [[Galaţi]]. People from Braşov are known, in English, as Braşovian.
Braşov is located in the central part of the country, about 166 km from [[Bucharest]]. It is surrounded by the [[Southern Carpathians]], and is part of the [[Transylvania]] region.
The city is notable for hosting the [[Golden Stag Festival|Golden Stag]] (''Cerbul de Aur'') international music festival.
==Etymology==
The city was first atested in the 13th century under the name '''Corona'''.
The current Romanian and Hungarian names are derived from the [[Pecheneg language|Pecheneg]] word, ''barasu'', meaning "fortress". On [[Tâmpa, Braşov|Tâmpa Mountain]], located on the southern side of the city, there was a citadel called ''Brassovia'', which gave both the Romanian and the Hungarian name of the city.
The first attested mention of Braşov is ''Terra Saxonum de Barasu'' ("[[Transylvanian Saxons|Saxon]] Land of Baras"), in a 1252 document. The German name ''Kronstadt'' means "Crown City", and is reflected in the city's [[coat of arms]], as well as in its Medieval Latin name, ''Corona''. The three names of the city (''Braşov/Brassó'', ''Kronstadt'', and ''Corona'') were used simultaneously in the Middle Ages.
From 1950 to 1960, during part of the [[Communist Romania|Communist period]] in Romania, the city was [[List of places in Romania whose names were changed|called]] ''Oraşul Stalin'', after the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] leader [[Joseph Stalin]]. <ref>[http://www.traveltoromania.com/destinations/transylvania/brasov Brasov | Travel To Romania<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
== Population ==
The municipality of Braşov has a total population of 284,596.
Its ethnic composition includes:
*[[Romanians]]: 258,042 (90.66%)
*[[Hungarians]]: 23,204 (8.54%)
*[[Ethnic German]]s: 1,717 (0.60%)
*[[Roma (people)|Roma]]: 762 (0.26%)
*other ethnicities ([[Russians]], [[Greeks]], [[Italians]]): 871 (0.31%)
In 2005, the [[Braşov metropolitan area]] was created. With its surrounding localities, it is estimated to have 350,000-400,000 inhabitants. {{Fact|date=September 2007}}
==History==
The oldest traces of human activity and settlements in Braşov date back to the [[Neolithic]]. Archaeologists, working from the last half of the 19th century, discovered continuous traces of human settlements in areas situated in Braşov: Valea Cetăţii, Pietrele lui Solomon, Şprenghi, Tâmpa, Dealul Melcilor, and Noua. The first three locations shows traces of [[Dacians|Dacian]] citadels; Şprenghi Hill housed a [[Roman Dacia|Roman]]-style construction. The last two locations had their names applied to [[Bronze Age]] cultures — ''[[Schneckenberg culture|Schneckenberg]]'' and ''[[Noua culture|Noua]]''.
German colonists known as the [[Transylvanian Saxons]] played a decisive role in Braşov's development. These [[Germans]] were invited by King [[Géza II of Hungary]] to develop towns, build mines, and cultivate the land of [[Transylvania]] at different stages between 1141 and 1162. The settlers came primarily from the [[Rhineland]], [[Flanders]], and the [[Moselle]] region, with others from [[Thuringia]], [[Bavaria]], [[Wallonia]], and even [[France]].
In 1211, by order of King [[Andrew II of Hungary]], the [[Teutonic Knights]] fortified the [[Burzenland]] to defend the border of the [[Kingdom of Hungary]]. Although the crusaders were evicted by 1225, the colonists they brought in remained, as did three distinct settlements they founded on the site of Braşov:
*''Corona'', around the Black Church (Biserica Neagră);
*''Martinsberg'', west of Cetăţuia Hill;
*''Bartholomä'', on the eastern side of Sprenghi Hill.
Germans living in Braşov were mainly involved in trade and crafts. The location of the city at the intersection of trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and Western Europe, together with certain tax exemptions, allowed Saxon merchants to obtain considerable wealth and exert a strong political influence. They contributed a great deal to the architectural flavor of the city. Fortifications around the city were erected and continually expanded, with several towers maintained by different craftsmen's guilds, according to medieval custom. Part of the fortification ensemble was recently restored using [[UNESCO]] funds, and other projects are ongoing. At least two entrances to the city, ''Poarta Ecaterinei'' (or ''Ekaterinentor'') and ''Poarta Şchei'' are still in existence. The city center is marked by the mayor's former office building (''Casa Sfatului'') and the surrounding square (''piaţa''), which includes one of the oldest buildings in Braşov, the ''Hirscher Haus'', owned by a wealthy merchant. Nearby is the "Black Church" (''[[Biserica Neagră]]''), which some claim to be the largest [[Gothic architecture|Gothic style]] church in South-Eastern Europe.
Once Braşov became a German colony, Romanians were denied several privileges by the new German settlers. They were no longer recognized as citizens of the city, and as such they were no longer able to continue to practice their crafts and operate their businesses. Additionally, their religion (Orthodox) was not officially recognized throughout Transylvania, especially during and after the 15th century. Most turned to shepherding and [[smuggling]] as a result, ventures which still returned considerable wealth - allowing them to build the very first community stone church in Transylvania, to establish the first Romanian [[printing press]] in Transylvania (1558), and later to establish a [[library]]. The German [[Bourgeoisie|burghers]] still relied on Romanian speakers from within the community in their dealings with the [[Hospodar]]s of [[Wallachia]] and [[Moldavia]], and occasionally with the [[Ottoman Empire]].
The cultural and religious importance of the Romanian church and school in Şchei is underlined by the generous donations received from more than thirty hospodars of Moldavia and Wallachia, as well as that from [[Elizabeth of Russia]]. In the 17th and 19th centuries, the Romanians in Şchei campaigned for national, political, and cultural rights, and were supported in their efforts by Romanians from all other provinces, as well as by the local Greek merchant community. In 1838 they established the first Romanian language newspaper, ''[[Gazeta Transilvaniei]]'' and the first Romanian institutions of higher education (''Şcolile Centrale Greco-Ortodoxe'' - "The Greek-Orthodox Central Schools", today named after [[Andrei Şaguna]]). The [[Holy Roman Emperor]] and sovereign of Transylvania [[Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor|Joseph II]] awarded Romanians citizenship rights for a brief period during the latter decades of the 18th century.
In [[1850]] the town had 21,782 inhabitants: 8,874 (40.7%) Germans, 8,727 (40%) Romanians, 2,939 (13.4%) Hungarians. <ref>[http://varga.adatbank.transindex.ro/?pg=3&action=etnik&id=5861 Erdély etnikai és felekezeti statisztikája<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
In [[1918]], when Transylvania became part of Romania, organizations of the German minority from Transylvania declared their allegiance to the new Romanian state. The inter-war period saw a flourishing of economic and cultural life in general, which included the Saxons in Braşov as well. However, at the end of [[World War II]] many ethnic Germans were forcibly deported to the [[Soviet Union]] (''see [[Communist Romania]]''), and subsequently many more emigrated to [[West Germany]] after Romania became a communist country.
[[Jew]]s have lived in Braşov since 1807, when [[Aron Ben Jehuda]] was given permission to live in the city, a privilege until then granted only to Saxons. The Jewish Community of Braşov was officially founded 19 years later, followed by the first Jewish school in 1864, and the building of the [[synagogue]] in 1901. The Jewish population of Braşov was 67 in 1850, but it expanded rapidly to 1,280 people in 1910, and 4,000 in 1940. Today the community has about 230 members, after many families left for [[Israel]] between World War II and 1989.
Like many other cities in Transylvania, Braşov is also home for a significant [[Hungarian minority in Romania|ethnic Hungarian minority]].
During the communist period, industrial development was vastly accelerated. Under [[Nicolae Ceauşescu]]'s rule, the city was the site of the 1987 [[Braşov strike]]. This was repressed by the authorities and resulted in numerous workers being imprisoned.
== Economy ==
Industrial development in Braşov started in the inter-war period, with one of the largest factories being the airplane-manufacturing plant ([[Industria Aeronautică Română|IAR]] Braşov), which produced the first Romanian fighter planes, which were used in World War II against the Soviets. After Communist rule was imposed, this plant was converted to manufacture of agricultural equipment, being renamed «Uzina Tractorul Braşov» (internationally known as Universal Tractor Braşov).
Industrialization was accelerated in the Communist era, with special emphasis being placed on heavy industry, attracting many workers from other parts of the country. Heavy industry is still abundant, including [[Roman (vehicle manufacturer)|Roman]], which manufactures [[MAN AG]] trucks under licence, as well as native-designed trucks and coaches. Although the industrial base has been in decline in recent years, Braşov is still a site for manufacturing agricultural tractors and machinery, hydraulic transmissions, auto parts, ball-bearings, helicopters (at the nearby IAR site in [[Ghimbav]]), building materials, tools, furniture, textiles, shoes and cosmetics. There are also chocolate factories and a large brewery. In particular, the pharmaceutical industry has undergone further development lately, with [[GlaxoSmithKline]] establishing a production site in Braşov.
A large [[longwave]] broadcasting facility is located near Braşov, at [[Bod Transmitter|Bod]].
Significant growth in real estate prices continues, along with other major Romanian cities, as investor sentiment remains high, given the large FDI influx, recent accession to the European Union and forthcoming airport. On a par with Poland, Romania, & in particular, cities like Brasov are predicted to exhibit strong growth for many years to come. Many foreign investors are sourcing their own land, or engaging local firms to create holiday or investment property.
== Transportation ==
The Braşov local transport network is well-developed, with around 50 [[bus]] and [[trolleybus]] lines. There is also a regular bus line serving [[Poiana Braşov]], a nearby winter resort. Until 2006, there were also four night lines that connected the outskirts to city center.
Between 1987 and 2006, there has been also a [[tram]] line, however it was discontinued because it became inefficient.
The construction of [[Braşov Airport]]<ref>[http://www.aeroportbrasov.ro Website of the Braşov Airport]</ref> was inaugurated by Intelcan Canada on April 15 2008. Construction is planned to be finalized in 24 to 30 months . The project consists of a terminal capable of handling 1 million passengers per year and a 2,800 meter-long runway.
The [[A3 (Romania)|A3]] highway is also planned to pass right by the city's edge.
== Tourism ==
Centrally located Braşov is a good starting point for trips around Romania. The city is situated at fairly equal distances from several tourism destinations in the country: the [[Black Sea]] resorts, the monasteries in northern Moldavia, and the well-preserved wooden churches of [[Maramureş region|Maramureş]]. It is also the largest city in a mountain resorts area. The old city itself is very well preserved, and is best seen by taking the cable-car to the top of Tâmpa Mountain (995 m), a beautiful lookout.
Temperatures from May to September fluctuate around 23°C / 75°F. Braşov benefits from a winter tourism season centered on winter sports and other activities.
=== Sights ===
[[Image:Brasov from above in winter.jpg|thumb|right|250px| Brasov from above in winter]]
* ''[[Biserica Neagră]]'' ("The Black Church"), a celebrated [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] site - the building dates from 1477, when it replaced an older church (demolished around 1385). Its acquired the name after being blackened by smoke from the 1689 great fire.
* ''Biserica Sf. Nicolae'' ([[St. Nicholas Church, Braşov|St. Nicholas Church]]), dating back to the 14th century.
* ''The [[First Romanian School]]'', a museum with the first Romanian printing press among many other firsts.
* [[Şchei]], the historically Romanian neighborhood outside of the old walled city.
* The Orthodox cathedral, built in 1858.
* ''[[Muzeul Prima Carte Românească]]'', a museum exhibiting the first book printed in the Romanian language.
* [[Tâmpa, Braşov|Tâmpa]], a small mountain in the middle of the city (900m above sea level), a sightseeing spot near the old city center.
* The "Braşov Citadel Fortress" - ''Cetăţuia Braşovului''
* The nearby [[Bran Castle]], attracting many fans of [[Dracula]], and often (but incorrectly) said to have been the home of [[Vlad III Dracula|Vlad the Impaler]].
* [[Poiana Braşov]], mainly a [[ski]] resort, but also a sightseeing spot.
* Râşnov Fortress, above the nearby town of [[Râşnov]], is a restored peasant fortress
* Prejmer Fortress, in the nearby town of [[Prejmer]]
==Twin cities==
* {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Musashino]], [[Japan]]
* {{flagicon|Israel}} [[Rishon LeZion]], [[Israel]]
* {{flagicon|Finland}} [[Tampere]], [[Finland]]
* {{flagicon|Hungary}} [[Győr]], [[Hungary]]
* {{flagicon|UK}} [[Leeds]], [[UK]]
* {{flagicon|Poland}} [[Poznań]], [[Poland]] (since 2003)
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Cleveland, Ohio]], [[USA]]
== Sport ==
* [[FC Braşov]] - [[soccer]] club
* [[FC Forex Braşov]] - [[soccer]] club
* [[Rulmentul Braşov]] - [[handball]] club
* [[CSU Braşov]] - [[basketball]] club
* [[CFR Braşov]] - [[rugby football]] club
* [[Bridge Club Braşov]] - [[contract bridge]] club
Braşov will be host to the Group A fixtures of the [[2008 IIHF World Championship Division II]]. There will be 15 games held between April 3rd and April 13th in the [[Brasov Arena]].
==See also==
*[[List of people from Braşov]]
==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Brasov_at_Night_-_Panorama2.jpg|Braşov at Night
Image:Brasov view from the top of the hill.jpg|Braşov seen from Tâmpa Mountain
Image:Romania brasov.png| From the hoter towards the Tâmpa Mountain
Image:Centru bv.JPG|Braşov Council Square (Piaţa Sfatului)
Image:Brasov square.jpg|Braşov Main Square
Image:Consiliu popular.JPG|Council of Braşov County
Image:Biserica neagra 1.JPG|The Black Church
Image:IAR Brasov 1940.jpg|[[Industria Aeronautică Română|IAR]] Factory 1940
Image:BrasovSfatul.jpg|Braşov Council Building
Image:Brasov casa sfatului at night.jpg|Braşov Council Building at night
Image:PiataSfatului.JPG|Braşov Council Square
Image:BisericaNeagra.JPG|The Black Church
Image:Brasov From White Tower.jpg|Braşov From The White Tower
Image:Brasov_council_square.jpg|Braşov Council Square(at night)
Image:Brasov_The_Black_Church.jpg|The Black Church (from Warthe Hill)
Image:Brasov_febr_2007_032(Small).jpg|Ecaterina Gate (buit in 1559)
Image:Brasov_febr_2007_034_(Small).jpg|Saint Nicholas Church
Image:Brasov_febr_2007_047_(Small).jpg|Council Square (from Warthe Hill)
Image:Brasov Biserica Neagra.jpg|Biserica Neagrǎ (from Warthe Hill)
Image:Brasov city wall.JPG|Braşov [[City Wall]]
Image:Brasov watchtower.jpg| Watchtower/fortification
Image:Castul Bran exterior view.jpg|Bran Castle
Image:Brasovdepemunte.JPG|View of Braşov from the [[Piatra Mare]] Mountain
Image:Brasov-panorama2.jpg|View of Braşov from the Tâmpa Mountain
</gallery>
== References ==
{{Citation style}}
* ''"O istorie a Braşovului"'' ("A history of Brasov") - Ion Dumitraşcu, Mariana Maximescu, Phoenix, Braşov, 2001
* ''"Fortificaţia dacică de la Braşov - Pietrele lui Solomon"'' ("The Dacian citadel from Braşov - Pietrele lui Solomon"), Fl. Costea, CumidavaXX, Braşov, 1996
* ''"Săpăturile de salvare de pe dealul Şprenghi"'' ("The diggings for saving [the archaeological evidences] from Şprenghi Hill" - the hill was a quarry) A. Alexandrescu, N. Constantinescu, Bucureşti, 1959
* ''"Die spätneolitischen Ansiedlungen mit bemalter Keramik aus oberem Laufe des Altflusses"'', J. Teutsch, Mitteilungen der Prehistorischen Komision, I, Wien.
== External links ==
{{commons|Braşov}}
* [http://www.brasov.ro www.brasov.ro] Site about Braşov
* [http://www.brasovtravelguide.ro www.BrasovTravelGuide.ro] Brasov Travel Guide
* [http://www.muzeulmuresenilor.ro ''Mureşenilor'' Memorial House]
* [http://www.brasso.ro/ Brasso.ro - Hungarian-language site]
* [http://www.hartabrasovului.ro/ Brasov Map]
* [http://www.dracula-souvenirs.com/gallery/brasov-old-city/ Brasov - old city]
* [http://www.racovitan.com/poze/Brasov_Romania_2008/ Large image gallery of the old city]
==Notes==
{{reflist}}
{{Braşov County}}
{{RoJudCapitals}}
[[Category:Braşov County|Brasov]]
[[Category:Braşov| ]]
[[Category:Cities of Romania served by tramway systems]]
[[Category:Municipalities of Romania|Brasov]]
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