The Black Church is Brasov's most prominent landmark and
one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Romania. A true center of
Transylvanian Protestantism, the church was built between 1383 and 1477. In
1689 the church was nearly destroyed by a great fire caused by the Austrian army
that occupied Brasov. It was then that the church was named the Black Church
from its blackened walls. The church has a beautiful collection of Turkish
rugs from the 17C and 18C, one of the richest collection of its kind in all
Europe. Through their rich colors and diverse motifs the carpets warm the
severe interior. They were received as gifts from local merchants who returned
from trips to the Ottoman lands. Another impressive feature is the church's
organ, built by Buchholz of Berlin in 1839. In the summer you can listen
to organ recitals, throughout July and August. The church is still used
by German Lutherans today. There's a small admission fee to visit the interior.
Address: Court J. Honterus 2
