The Council Square (Piata Sfatului) is the heart of the old
medieval Brasov. Lined with beautiful red-roofed merchant houses, the square
is one of the finest in the country. In the center of the square lies the Council
House, built in 1420. The building used to serve as Brasov's city hall; today it
houses Brasov's Historical Museum. The exhibits tell the history of the Saxon guilds,
who dominated Brasov during medieval times. On top of the building sits the
Trumpeter's Tower which was once a watchtower for approaching barbarians before
being incorporated into the building. Around the square you'll find some of the
smaller landmarks captured by my other tips like the Renaissance style Hirscher
House or Merchant's House (now the "Cerbul carpatin" restaurant), the beautiful
entrance to the Orthodox cathedral or the museum dedicated to the Mureseanu
family out of which came the first editor of Gazeta Transylvania, a political
newspaper published in the 19th century. One of the square's corners is dominated
by the town's most famous landmark, the Black Church. Piata Sfatului is a nice
place to rest, and soak in the beautiful scenery. In the summer outdoor cafes
line the square and the place is lively. Every late summer the "Golden Stag"
(Cerbul de Aur) music festival takes place here.
