Brasov: The Heart of Transylvania

• HelloSalut
  [saˈlut]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [la re.veˈdere]
• YesDa
  [da]
• NoNu
  [nu]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog/Cu plăcere
  [te rog/ku plaˈt͡ʃere]
• Thank youMulțumesc
  [mul.t͡suˈmesk]
• Excuse me/SorryScuzați-mă/Îmi pare rău
  [skuˈzaʦi mə/imj paˈre rəw]
• How are you?Ce faci?
  [t͡ʃe ˈfat͡ʃʲ]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [biˈne‿ʃʲ‿ʲʲ‿tu]
• Do you speak English?Vorbești engleză?
  [vorˈbeʃtʲ enˈglezə]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [nu ɨnˈt͡se.leɡ]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [aʃ doˈri sə vad meˈniw‿və rog]
• I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne
  [nu mɨ.ˈnɨŋk karˈne]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [noˈrok]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [aʃ doˈri sə pləˈtesk‿və rog]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [aʒuˈtor]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [du.te]
• Call the Police!Sunați Poliția!
  [suˈnat͡s poˈlit͡si.a]
• Call a doctor!Sunați un doctor!
  [suˈnat͡s un dokˈtor]
• I'm lostM-am pierdut
  [mam pierˈdut]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [sunt bolˈnav]

• I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...
  [aʃ doˈri sə kumˈpər]
• I'm just lookingDoar mă uit
  [doˈar mə wit]
• How much is it?Cât costă?
  [kɨt kosˈtə]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [ˈeste pre̯a skump]
• Can you lower the price?Puteți să scădeți prețul?
  [puˈtet͡s sə skəˈdet͡ʃ preˈt͡sul]

• What time is it?Cât e ceasul?
  [kɨt e t͡ʃe̯aˈsul]
• It's one o'clockE ora unu
  [e oˈra unu]
• Half past (10)La jumătate (10)
  [la ʒuˈmətate (10)]
• MorningDimineața
  [di.miˈne̯at͡sa]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [duˈpə‿aˈmjazə]
• EveningSeara
  [ˈse̯ara]
• YesterdayIeri
  [ˈjerʲ]
• TodayAstăzi
  [asˈtəzʲ]
• TomorrowMâine
  [mɨˈine]
• 1Unu
  [ˈunu]
• 2Doi
  [doj]
• 3Trei
  [trej]
• 4Patru
  [ˈpatru]
• 5Cinci
  [ˈt͡ʃint͡ʃʲ]
• 6Șase
  [ʃaʃe]
• 7Șapte
  [ʃapte]
• 8Opt
  [opt]
• 9Nouă
  [no.uə]
• 10Zece
  [zeˈt͡ʃe]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/...
  [un.de esˈte uˈnul/...]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [kaˈre esˈte aˈdresa]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puteți să-mi arătați (pe hartă)?
  [puˈtet͡s səm‿aˈrətaʦi (pe harˈtə)]
• When's the next (bus)?Când este următorul (autobuz)?
  [kɨnd esˈte urˈmətorul (autoˈbuz)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (spre ....)
  [un biˈlet (spre)]

Brasov, initially known as Kronstadt, was founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211. The city quickly became a vital trade hub due to its strategic location in the Carpathian Mountains. Saxon settlers, invited by the Hungarian King Andrew II, established the town and built fortifications to protect it from invaders.

By the 14th century, Brasov had become one of the most important commercial centers in Eastern Europe. The city thrived due to its position on trade routes linking the Ottoman Empire and Western Europe. Merchant guilds flourished, and the town was known for its fortified walls and bastions.

One of Brasov's most iconic landmarks, the Black Church, was constructed between 1383 and 1477. It is the largest Gothic church in Romania and was named after a great fire in 1689 that blackened its walls. Inside, visitors can admire an impressive collection of Turkish carpets and a massive organ with over 4,000 pipes.

The Saxon settlers left a significant cultural imprint on Brasov. They brought their architecture, customs, and traditions, which are still evident today. The German influence is particularly noticeable in the Old Town, with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and medieval buildings.

Founded in 1495, the First Romanian School in the Schei district of Brasov is a testament to the city's role in the cultural development of Romania. It served as an educational center where the first books in the Romanian language were printed. Today, it is a museum showcasing old manuscripts and printing equipment.

Brasov's defensive structures are a testament to its medieval importance. The city was surrounded by a stone wall with seven bastions, each maintained by different guilds. Notable fortifications include the White Tower, the Black Tower, and the Weavers' Bastion, which now house exhibitions related to the city's history.

A devastating fire in 1689 razed much of Brasov to the ground. The blaze destroyed many buildings, including parts of the Black Church. Despite this, the city was quickly rebuilt, and the event marked a significant turning point in its architectural history, leading to the Baroque style that characterizes many structures today.

In the 19th century, Brasov played a key role in the Romanian national awakening. The city was a center for the 1848 Revolution and contributed significantly to the cultural and political movements that led to the unification of Romania in 1918. Many influential Romanian figures, such as writer Andrei Muresanu, were associated with Brasov.

During World War II, Brasov was an important industrial center. The post-war period saw the city under communist rule, which led to significant industrialization and urban development. Many historical buildings were restored, and the city's population grew rapidly as people moved in for employment opportunities.

After the fall of communism in 1989, Brasov underwent a period of transformation. The city embraced its historical heritage while modernizing its infrastructure. Today, Brasov is a vibrant tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich history, well-preserved architecture, and cultural festivals.

Brasov is located in the heart of Romania, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. The nearest international airport is Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest, approximately 166 kilometers away. From Bucharest, you can take a train or bus to Brasov; the train journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, while buses may take a bit longer. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive, enjoying the scenic routes through the Romanian countryside.

Brasov has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trolleybuses that cover most parts of the city. Tickets can be bought at kiosks or directly from the driver. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via apps. For a more flexible mode of transport, consider renting a car. The city center is quite walkable, and many attractions are within a short distance of each other.

The official currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in more rural areas. ATMs are widely available throughout Brasov, and currency exchange offices can be found in the city center.

Brasov is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any popular tourist destination, it is wise to be cautious. Beware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and public transportation. Areas such as Gara Brasov (Brasov Train Station) and the outskirts of the city may have higher crime rates, so it's advisable to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and always keep an eye on your belongings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services. Brasov has several hospitals and clinics, including the County Emergency Hospital. Pharmacies are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather; layered clothing is advisable. Avoid overly revealing attire, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in churches and monasteries. Cover your head and shoulders when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket upon boarding and be respectful to other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Buna ziua' (Good day) or 'Buna' (Hello). Handshakes are common among men. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and drinks, such as sarmale and palinka. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it might be considered impolite.

To experience Brasov like a local, take a stroll through the historic city center and explore Piata Sfatului (Council Square). Visit the local markets, such as the Central Market, to buy fresh produce and traditional Romanian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about their city. Don't miss the opportunity to hike up Tampa Mountain for a panoramic view of Brasov. For a unique experience, take the cable car up to the top of the mountain.