Black Church (Biserica Neagra)
Curtea Johannes Honterus 2, Brasov, ROU
Brasov’s most famous landmark, the monumental Black Church (Biserica Neagra) towers over Council Square (Piata Sfatului) and Brasov Old Town. Dating from the late 14th century, the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul got its name from the 1689 Great Fire, which damaged the church and much of the town.
It’s hard to miss the Black Church, which is 292 feet (89 meters) long and 125 feet (38 meters) wide, with a tower that stands 213 feet (65 meters) tall. Inside, the style is baroque, with soaring ceilings, balconies, and stained-glass windows. The church is also known for having one of the largest collections of carpets from Asia Minor, the largest bell in Romania, and one of the largest organs in Europe (with 4,000 pipes, built in 1838). Today, organ recitals at the church are a popular draw for both locals and visitors.
Visit as part of a sightseeing tour that also stops at some of Transylvania’s top attractions, including Bran Castle and Peles Castle. Or visit the Black Church during a walking tour of Brasov, which usually includes other top attractions, such as Council Square, the First Romanian School, and St. Nicholas Church.
The Black Church is a must-see for first time visitors to Brasov.
There is a fee to enter the church, and a separate fee for organ recitals.
Photos and videos are not permitted inside the church.
Full-day tours from Bucharest can last about 10 hours.
The Black Church is located in the southwestern end of Council Square in old town Brasov. Brasov is about 100 miles (161 kilometers) north of Bucharest, in central Romania. By car, take the E60 from Bucharest to Brasov. It’s also possible to take a train or bus to get to Brasov from Bucharest and other major cities in Romania.
The church is open Tuesday to Sunday year-round, with much shorter opening hours in the winter. Services are still held on Sundays. From June to September, organ recitals are held on Tuesday evening, with additional concerts on Thursday and Saturday during July and August.
There are a few legends behind the statue of a boy on the roof. One legend has it that the boy was helping with the construction of the church and fell. To honor him, his boss built the statue. Others say that this boy was so good at building that a fellow worker got jealous and pushed him off the church walls. The other workers decided to erect the statue in the boy’s memory.
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