Brasov is another medieval town flanked by tree covered hills. Dating from the 13th century it was a trading centre. During the Stalinist era it was renamed Staline with the name carved into the side of Mount Tâmpa. The townspeople manhandled sacks of earth up the steep hillside in order to plant trees and obliterate this insult when the opportunity presented itself. It was here that one of eh first oppositions to the Ceausescu government flared up in 1987. Thousands of workers took to the streets demanding food and three were killed when the troops were called in. Further troubles occurred in 1997 and 1999 centered upon problems at the state owned tractor factory. The town is now a peaceful place and centre for ski holidays in the long winter months.
Our stay in Brasov included trips to Bran Castle, now marketed as Dracula’s Castle with no good reason as well as to the winter sports resort of Poiana Brasov where we dined in the Coliba Haiducilor [the Outlaws’ Hut] decorated with dried corn cobs and sheepskins.
The Old Merchants House [1539-45]
It was here that we had dinner at the Carpathian Stag. The house was built as a gift to the town by a grateful mother. Her daughter, presumed dead was buried with her collection of jewels. Grave robbers opened the tomb to find the girl was till alive!
