Râșnov, town in Brașov County, Romania
Râșnov is a small town in Brașov County in a valley near the Carpathian Mountains. Its main landmark is a large citadel perched on a rocky hill overlooking the town, built by local people centuries ago. The historic town center sits at the base of the hill with traditional houses, narrow streets, and old churches.
The town was founded in the 13th century by German settlers and built a wooden fortress around 1215. Later, townspeople constructed a large stone citadel on the hill as protection from attacks and invasions during the Middle Ages. After World War One, Râșnov became part of the Kingdom of Romania and continued to develop through the 20th century.
The town was founded by German settlers, and this heritage shapes how it looks today. Saxon-style houses fill the town center, and the Evangelical Church displays Gothic and Romanesque elements that reflect centuries of settlement and local identity.
The town center is easy to explore on foot, and for those not wanting to hike uphill to the citadel, a modern lift runs directly from the parking lot to the fortress entrance. Buses connect Râșnov to nearby places like Brașov and Bran, and the town is accessible by car about 20 minutes from Brașov on a main highway.
The citadel contains a deep well that legend says was dug by prisoners over many years to supply water for the community during sieges. In winter, Râșnov transforms into a ski resort with a modern ski jump complex that hosts international competitions and is part of the World Cup circuit.
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