Council House (Casa Sfatului), Brasov
The Brasov Council House (Casa Sfatului din Brasov), located in the heart of Council Square (Piata Sfatului), stands as a venerable emblem of the city's architectural and civic heritage. Originally envisioned in 1420, its construction faced setbacks due to the Ottoman invasions which delayed its completion. Initially intended as a fur storage facility with a magistrate's meeting room atop, the building's design evolved significantly over the centuries.
By 1503, it was referred to as the "Praetorium" and records from 1520 detail the existence of a watchtower alongside a functional room measuring 5 by 12 meters. The 16th century also witnessed the addition of a prison and torture room within its confines. Between 1521 and 1528, the structure was crowned with a 50-meter-high watchtower, marking its transformation into a town hall. Its original clock, adorned with figurines similar to those in the Clock Tower of Sighisoara, was a notable feature until it was replaced following a destructive fire in the 18th century.
Over the centuries, the Council House has endured multiple calamities, including lightning strikes, earthquakes, and fires, notably the great fire of 1689 which ravaged much of Brasov. These events necessitated several restorations, culminating in a significant Baroque-style renovation between 1770 and 1778. Despite subsequent minor changes, the building has retained much of its historical character.
In 1876, the city council relocated, and the building served as the repository for the city's archives until 1923. Proposals for demolition were thwarted by public outcry, ensuring its preservation. Since 1950, it has operated as a history museum, offering both permanent and temporary exhibitions that delve into the rich tapestry of Brasov's past. As the most visited landmark in Brasov, the Council House remains a pivotal site for cultural and historical exploration.
By 1503, it was referred to as the "Praetorium" and records from 1520 detail the existence of a watchtower alongside a functional room measuring 5 by 12 meters. The 16th century also witnessed the addition of a prison and torture room within its confines. Between 1521 and 1528, the structure was crowned with a 50-meter-high watchtower, marking its transformation into a town hall. Its original clock, adorned with figurines similar to those in the Clock Tower of Sighisoara, was a notable feature until it was replaced following a destructive fire in the 18th century.
Over the centuries, the Council House has endured multiple calamities, including lightning strikes, earthquakes, and fires, notably the great fire of 1689 which ravaged much of Brasov. These events necessitated several restorations, culminating in a significant Baroque-style renovation between 1770 and 1778. Despite subsequent minor changes, the building has retained much of its historical character.
In 1876, the city council relocated, and the building served as the repository for the city's archives until 1923. Proposals for demolition were thwarted by public outcry, ensuring its preservation. Since 1950, it has operated as a history museum, offering both permanent and temporary exhibitions that delve into the rich tapestry of Brasov's past. As the most visited landmark in Brasov, the Council House remains a pivotal site for cultural and historical exploration.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Brasov. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Council House (Casa Sfatului) on Map
Sight Name: Council House (Casa Sfatului)
Sight Location: Brasov, Romania (See walking tours in Brasov)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Brasov, Romania (See walking tours in Brasov)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Brasov, Romania
Create Your Own Walk in Brasov
Creating your own self-guided walk in Brasov is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Brasov's Architectural Jewels Tour
Some may be pleasantly surprised to discover in Brasov, Romania, a treasure trove of architectural marvels. Indeed, spanning medieval through modern periods, the local architecture is quite impressive in terms of style variety.
Most of Brasov's architectural monuments are headquarters of local administration, museums, or other cultural venues. Among these jewels, there are several notable... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Most of Brasov's architectural monuments are headquarters of local administration, museums, or other cultural venues. Among these jewels, there are several notable... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Brasov Fortifications Tour
Frequent invasions by Turkish Tatars throughout the 13th-15th centuries prompted Brasov residents to build fortifications around the town. At some point, Brasov came to be known as the 鈥渟tronghold of seven bastions.鈥� Remarkably, six of them are still in place. As for the other defensive structures placed between those bastions, most of them eventually succumbed to ruin, with only a few... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Brasov Introduction Walking Tour
Brasov is a city in the historical Romanian region of Transylvania. It is surrounded by the Southern Carpathians including Mount Tampa, which overlooks Brasov.
The city was first called Corona from the Latin word for "Crown." This name was first mentioned in 1235 AD. It is thought to have been named Corona for the reference St. Catherine's Monastery. It was then renamed to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The city was first called Corona from the Latin word for "Crown." This name was first mentioned in 1235 AD. It is thought to have been named Corona for the reference St. Catherine's Monastery. It was then renamed to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles