Romania

Archaeological sites that were discovered proved that the area around Brasov was inhabited by a strong community of native population, later on mingling with Roman colonists who together initiated the Romanian population.

Being primary documentary certified in 1234, under the name of "Corona", Brasov was colonized by the Saxons in the 13th century.  Later on the town was known as Brasco, Brasso, Kronstadt or Brassovia Citadel.

In the 14th century Brasov became one of the most economical and political strongholds in the Southeast of Europe and on the 16th century also a cultural center, due to its geographical position, at the crossroads of Moldavia and Wallachia.

The most important historical monuments were built in that period: The Old City Hall, Podul Batusilor (today hosting the Cerbul Carpatin restaurant), The Old Granary (today the lovely Bistro de l'Arte), the Black Church (14th century), and the St. Nicolae Church in Scheii Brasovului.

On April 21st 1688, a big fire destroyed most of the town and were killed 3,000 people by the Austrian army which conquered Transylvania.

In 1838 George Baritiu edited the first Romanian publications in Brasov: "Gazeta de Transilvania" and the "Paper for Mind, Heart and Literature". It was also issued a literary review that was promoting the Romanian writers and poets in Transylvania.

In the period following the 1st World War, Brasov became a strong economical center in Europe, but the town was partly destroyed during the 2nd World War. It was rebuilt and the historical buildings were restored. During the second half of the 20th century, the communist administration forcefully industrialized the city, bringing here workers from the rest of Romania, and determining population of German or Jewish origin to leave the city in droves.

Contributors
2007-01-17 07:46:26 created by admin