We have found a new reason to explore the surroundings of Brasov, this time with a new trip through the greatest Romanian Castles: Fagaras Citadel is today’s choice, located in the city of Fagaras.
Fagaras Citadel reminds us of the renowned Carcassonne in France. Around the year 1310, constructions on site began for strategic reasons: commercial and defensive to be precise. The Turks and Tatars used to pillage the Romanian Countries back then). As for the economic reason, the citadel linked Brasov and Sibiu to Walachia. The rulers Stefan Mailat and Gaspar Beches inhabited Fagaras and later on, Michael the Brave used it as a royal see.
In fact, Michael conquered Fagaras in 1599 and offered it as a gift to his wife, Madam Stanca. The Citadel would be home to the royal family and their riches. It would also serve as a military post during the union war. After the defeat at Miraslau, the Romanian armies retreated here.
In the 17th century, Fagaras encompassed over 60 villages.This can be considered its golden age and at the time the Transylvanian Diet was also held here.
The history of Fagaras Citadel is a turbulent one. After the Habsbourg conquest, it became a garrison and in 1721, it is named the seat of the Greco-Roman Diocese. After the Second World War, between 1948 and 1960, Fagaras was used as a prison for the opponents of communism as part of the “Romanian Gulag”.
Nevertheless, from 1965 on, the citadel – partly left to decay – began its path towards restoration, redemption and reinvention and transformed into a museum.
Today, Fagaras Citadel is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. To visit, the entry fee is 15 lei, 7 lei for children, students and retired people and free for disabled people and their caregivers. The museum can be visited every day, except for Mondays.
With a Brasov transfer, you can travel to the beautiful City of Fagaras and not only.