Spent the morning doing a walking orientation tour of the town with our guide Vlad and then we were left to our own devices to wander around and get a real feel for the distinct medieval ambiance of Brasov. 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 has been used as backdrop in many recent period films.

Founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 on an ancient Dacian site and settled by the Saxons as one of the seven walled citadels. 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 in the region. This was reflected in the city's German name, Kronstadt, as well as in its Latin name, Corona, meaning Crown City (hence, the coat of arms of the city which is a crown with oak roots). Fortifications were erected around the city and continually expanded, with several towers maintained by different craft guilds, according to medieval custom.

Brasov is home to one of 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) you can admire colourfully 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 Black Church is the largest gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul and boasts the largest church bell in Romania, weighing in at seven tons.

Of the original seven bastions, only a few have survived, including the Graft Bastion, located in the middle of the citadel's northwest wing. The newly restored 16th century bastion (1521) has four levels, accessible through interior staircases. Levels two, three and four host an array of medieval artifacts exhibits, while level one serves as a rest area for visitors

On the west side of the wall, walk along picturesque Dupa Ziduri Street (Dupa Ziduri means Behind the Walls) to catch a glimpse of the 15th century White (Turnul Alb) and Black Towers (Turnul Negru). The semicircular White Tower was completed in 1494 with a wooden staircase that spirals up four levels, offering a great view of the old town. Located high on a hill, you'll have to climb some 200 steps to reach it. The squared Black Tower( which is painted white!) also built in 1494, stands atop a rock on Starja Hill near the Blacksmiths' Bastion. The tower received its name from a severe fire in 1559 when it was struck by lightning. Recently renovated and boasting a pyramid-shaped glass roof, the Black Tower houses a small war-related artifacts museum. There are four floors inside, each reached by a narrow wooden ladder. Climb all the way to the top for a panoramic view of the Black Church.

Catherine's Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei)was erected in 1559 by the Tailors' Guild and is the only original gate to have survived from medieval times. The fairy-tale tower we see today was part of a bigger structure, which unfortunately, was demolished in 1827. Above the entrance, the tower bears the city's coat of arms: a crown on a tree trunk.
Schei Gate (Poarta Schei) was mentioned in old documents under the name of Porta Valacce (Wallachs'Gate) because it was the only entrance for the Romanians living in Schei. They were not allowed to use any of the other entrances. The structure standing today was built in 1827 by Emperor Franz I and replaced the old Schei Gate which had been heavily damaged by fires. The gate resembles a triumphal arch with three openings. Above the small arches on both sides, you can see Latin inscriptions.

Brasov Fortress (Cetate) is strategically located on a hill overlooking the town and the plains to the north.Built in wood in 1524, it was replaced with a stone structure in the 16th century, only to be abandoned in the 17th century after technological innovations made cannons stronger than the building.

In the evening we were taken to the ski resort town of Poiana Brasov for a traditional Romanian meal and folklore show which was enjoyed by all. It has been said that

Hollywood celebrities Jude Law, Renee Zellweger and Nicole Kidman relaxed in Poiana Brasov after shooting the film Cold Mountain on location in nearby fields and farms.