White Tower (Turnul Alb), Brasov
The White Tower, or "Turnul Alb" in Romanian, is a testament to the medieval might and architectural acumen of the Saxons who built it between 1460 and 1494. Originally constructed as part of the city's fortifications against the Turks and Tartars, this robust, semicircular structure is a blend of massiveness and elegance, rising impressively above the city of Brasov.
Perched atop a steep hill, the White Tower reaches a height of 20 meters on the city side and 18 meters on the hillside, with its walls thickening to 4 meters at the base. The strategic design includes battlements, pitch mouths for defense, and balconies supported by intricately carved stone corbels, indicating the tower's role in warfare. Notably, it was the highest point of fortification in Brasov, serving as a critical observation and defense post.
This five-story tower is distanced 59 meters from the fortress wall, historically connected by a drawbridge to the Graft Bastion, enhancing its defensive capabilities. Inside, it retains a chimney above a hearth, a feature that provided warmth to the guards and defenders鈥攎ostly tinsmiths and coppersmiths. The guild of tinners, responsible for the tower's defense, relinquished their duty in 1678 due to diminishing numbers.
The White Tower suffered significant damage from a great fire on April 21, 1689, which led to its renovation in 1723. Subsequent restorations were carried out in the 20th and early 21st centuries, ensuring the preservation of its historical integrity.
Today, the White Tower functions not only as a historical monument but also as a museum. Visitors are invited to climb the 200 steep stone steps to the top, where they are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Brasov. The tower also hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing local artists and craftsmen, thus continuing its legacy as a beacon of the city's cultural and historical heritage.
Perched atop a steep hill, the White Tower reaches a height of 20 meters on the city side and 18 meters on the hillside, with its walls thickening to 4 meters at the base. The strategic design includes battlements, pitch mouths for defense, and balconies supported by intricately carved stone corbels, indicating the tower's role in warfare. Notably, it was the highest point of fortification in Brasov, serving as a critical observation and defense post.
This five-story tower is distanced 59 meters from the fortress wall, historically connected by a drawbridge to the Graft Bastion, enhancing its defensive capabilities. Inside, it retains a chimney above a hearth, a feature that provided warmth to the guards and defenders鈥攎ostly tinsmiths and coppersmiths. The guild of tinners, responsible for the tower's defense, relinquished their duty in 1678 due to diminishing numbers.
The White Tower suffered significant damage from a great fire on April 21, 1689, which led to its renovation in 1723. Subsequent restorations were carried out in the 20th and early 21st centuries, ensuring the preservation of its historical integrity.
Today, the White Tower functions not only as a historical monument but also as a museum. Visitors are invited to climb the 200 steep stone steps to the top, where they are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Brasov. The tower also hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing local artists and craftsmen, thus continuing its legacy as a beacon of the city's cultural and historical heritage.
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White Tower (Turnul Alb) on Map
Sight Name: White Tower (Turnul Alb)
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
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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