Piața Sfatului

Brașov's kilometre zero

This is the official point from which all the city's distances are measured: Piața Sfatului is where Brașov begins. Surrounded by colourful façades from the 17th–19th centuries, the square took shape in the heart of the medieval citadel and remains the place where locals and visitors meet, in every season. At its centre watches Casa Sfatului, built in 1420 as the seat of the town's government.

Turnul Trâmbițașilor, the sentinel above the square

The tower of Casa Sfatului, about 50 metres tall, is known as Turnul Trâmbițașilor: from above, the watchmen announced the passing of the hours and sounded the alarm when fires broke out or danger drew near. The clock that adorns the tower set the rhythm of city life for centuries. After the great fire of 1689, which consumed much of the town, the building was rebuilt between 1770 and 1774, keeping the silhouette that has become the emblem of Brașov.

The fair that enriched the town

The square owed its prosperity to trade. As early as 1364, Brașov had been granted the right to hold fairs, and from the 16th century weekly markets were held here, usually on Mondays and Fridays. In 1737 the square was paved with stone, strengthening its role as a great merchant centre of Transylvania — as early as 1596, an Italian traveller called the town "the emporium of all Transylvania". Beneath its peaceful appearance today, the place also knew the harsh face of the Middle Ages, serving as the stage where the town's court sentences were pronounced.

What you see all around

Casa Sfatului today houses the Brașov County History Museum. Around the square stand heritage buildings such as Casa Negustorilor (Casa Hirscher), in Renaissance style, Casa Mureșenilor and Casa Filstich-Plecker, alongside Biserica Adormirea Maicii Domnului. A few steps away rises Biserica Neagră, the largest Gothic building in the area. The square is also the setting for major events, among them the international Cerbul de Aur festival.

Getting there and good to know

Piața Sfatului lies in the historic centre of Brașov, easily reached on foot from the Republicii pedestrian area. It is a natural stop on a tour of Țara Bârsei, a short distance from Râșnov, home to MAX International — you can combine the visit with Cetatea Râșnov or Bran on the same day. The museum in Casa Sfatului has its own opening hours and prices, so check the schedule and fees on the official source before your visit.