7 interesting facts about the Black Church in Brasov, Romania

Hi there!

Brasov is one of Romania's most important tourist destinations. If you visit the city it is impossible not to hear about the Black Church. It is known all over Europe, being famous for its beauty, but also for the legends that are part of its history.

Large dimensions and Gothic architecture make the Black Church an unforgettable destination for any tourist. In addition, it is situated right in the middle of Brasov, close to the Sfatului Square.

The Black Church is the largest gothic building in the south-eastern part of Europe, having a capacity of about 5,000 seats.

It's banned to take pictures in the church, so I can only post pictures from the outside of the church.

So here are 7 interesting facts about the Black Church

- Original name

Initially, the building was called the Saint Mary Church. However, due to the fire in 1689, which covered the whole city, it became the Black Church. This is the biggest fire that has ever occurred in Brasov, which destroyed almost partially the church.

- Impressive dimensions

The imposing monument in the center of Brasov was built in the 14th - 15th centuries. The construction began in 1383 and was based on a Gothic style project of impressive size: 89 m long, 38 m wide and 42 m tall. The construction of the edifice took place for 100 years, the period when the church was severely affected by the invasion of the Ottomans in 1421. It is said that the church was provided in the first phase with two towers, but because of the lack of materials it was no longer built the second tower, the only tower today being completed after 37 years from the end of the church.

This church tower has three giant bells. Only one of them, which is the largest in the country and among the largest in Europe, has only 6300 kg.

- The largest Buchholz mechanical pipe organ

The Church boasts the largest and unique functional Buchholz pipe organ in south-eastern Europe, with 3,993 pipes, which gives unforgettable moments to music lovers.

- The statue of Johannes Honterus

The life and work of the reformer Johannes Honterus (1498-1549) is presented at exhibitions that can be visited in the church.

Behind the church, near the southern facade, is the Honterus statue, which shows with its right hand to the high school building that has its name.

- The architectural style is Gothic

Predominantly, the style of the Black Church is Gothic. As a result of the 1689 fire that partially destroyed it, it was rebuilt and expanded with a vast work that lasted almost 100 years. That is why the Gothic exterior varies with baroque influences.

- Old Oriental Carpets

Here you can admire the largest collection of oriental carpets in Europe from the 16th to the 18th centuries, fragments of mural painting from the 15th century, a crystal from 1472 and many old objects. The interior of the Black Church is dominated by the colors of the approximately 110 oriental carpets exhibited. You will be impressed by the variety of nuances and patterns of these carpets.

- The statue of a child who is pushed and its legends

The statue of a child who seems to be bent is at least atypical for a church. No one has yet to determine what is actually the truth behind this statue. One of the legends says that the statue depicts a disciple who was killed by envy. It is said that the disciple was very skilled, and the chief master, who was working on church building, was afraid to be overtaken by him and have his place taken by the boy. So he pushed his disciple from the top of the church, and he died. Later, the chief master found that the boy admired him very much. Being broken by guilt, he built this statue.

Another legend says that the origin of the statue was an accident and that the son of one of the workmen fell off during the construction of the church right under the eyes of his father. With pain, the man built a statue representing his son as he had last seen.

Have I made you curious to visit the Black Church? I hope so! Come to Brasov, Romania, and include this impressive monument on your list.

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