Brasov is an interesting town. The historic center looks very German, which is no surprise since it Transylvanian Saxons had a huge influence in the area as far back as the 12th century. Brasov is called Kronstadt in German. Nowadays the German population amounts to less than 1%, most of them left after WWII and the end of communism. You do meet the odd German speaker on the street though and it always makes for an interesting conversation.
There is some sort of cultural festival going on and I get to see a performance here and there
Another old Trabant. This one looks like it hasn’t moved in a while.
OK, off to a little loop around Brasov.
First stop is Bran castle, often revered to as Dracula castle. Evidence of that is pretty slim. It just seems to be a money making machine for the royal descendant from New York who owns it now. Pretty much a tourist trap but in a nice area. So it is still worth going there. Even find free parking after a bit of a discussion.
Half way between Bran and Brasov is Rasnov (or Rosenau). On a hill above the town is Rasnov fortress with a long and colorful history, dating back as far as 1331.
Rasnov too has a “Hollywood” sign. Seems to be the latest craze here.
On my way to Peles, Castle I stop for a nap at Sinaia Monastery.
Peles, Castle, built by King Carol I and inaugurated in 1883 is very impressive. It does look very German though, which I guess is again no surprise considering that Carol I was Prince Karl Eitel Friedrich Zephyrinus Ludwig of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen before the Romanians made him King.
