Transylvania begins in Brașov: Brașov, also known by its Hungarian name Brassó or its German name Kronstadt, was known as Orașul Stalin in the 1950s and 1960s. According to online sources and various travel guides, it is deemed the most beautiful city in Romania. Generally, it's hard to disagree. This city feels less Romanian and more like a German or Central European enclave. It's no wonder it is often referred to as the "Romanian Salzburg." Here, forest-clad mountains, somber Gothic churches, and formidable castles abound. The old city center, squeezed into a narrow valley surrounded by mountains, retains all the attributes of a medieval town—houses with tiled roofs, narrow streets, and stunning mountain views. At different times, the city was known as Kronstadt (under the Germans), Brassó (under the Hungarians), and even Stalin (you know under whom). In the early 13th century, arriving Saxons fully colonized the surrounding lands and around the same time founded the city, initially named Corona. The old (central) part is dominated by Gothic architecture, all seemingly draped in a sea of bright orange tile roofs. Several streets, as befits, are reserved for pedestrians only. The new districts of Brașov are not much larger than the old city, thus unlike Bucharest or Timișoara, Brașov has not spilled its medieval charm but has compactly preserved it and even enhanced it in some ways. Brașov is particularly popular with tourists in winter when numerous ski slopes open on the surrounding mountain slopes. Almost all names are also given in German, although the Saxon population in Transylvania has dwindled, yet a significant community still exists in Brașov. The most imposing building in the city is the famous "Black Church," which received its name following a fire set by Austrian troops during another Turkish war. It is essentially a Gothic cathedral that took more than a century to build. Here preached the renowned reformer Johannes Honterus, who swayed his congregation towards Lutheranism. The city is full of other attractions and museums, but we have paid a bit of attention only to the Church of Saint Nicholas (Orthodox) with the oldest Romanian school next to it, and what is considered the narrowest street in Europe (Strada Sforii). Strada Sforii was initially used as a secondary access and emergency exit but has been tidied up by the city authorities, adorned with street lamps, and promoted as a tourist attraction. Nevertheless, the most profound impression in Brașov was left by an apple strudel prepared in a cafe on the city's main square. The Gothic Black Church, whose walls turned black after the Austrian army nearly completely burned down the city in 1689. At the entrance stands a statue of Johannes Honterus, the reformer, enlightenment figure, and follower of Martin Luther. St. Bartholomew’s Church is the oldest monument in Brașov, built in 1223. Also featured are St. Nicholas Church, the first Romanian school (where you can sit at 19th-century desks), and Catherine's Gate—one of the oldest original gates in Brașov. The city hosts several museums: the History Museum, the Ethnography Museum, the Art Museum, and the First School Museum. Just 15 km from the city lies Râșnov—a Teutonic knights' fortress currently being restored from ruins. Bran Castle—Dracula's Castle Bran Castle is Romania’s most touristic castle, better known as Dracula's Castle. In fact, the real Dracula has little to do with it: he once spent a night here (according to another legend, he was imprisoned here for a couple of months). In reality, this castle was the summer residence of Queen Marie of Romania, the great-granddaughter of British Queen Victoria. Currently, it houses a museum of history and medieval art: furniture, collections of weapons and armor, and other interesting artifacts from the 14th to the 19th centuries. The famous vampire has a prototype—Prince Vlad Dracula (Țepeș) *, who ruled this Romanian principality in the mid-15th century. Indeed, this man is still called "the great villain," outdoing Herod and Nero in his atrocities. Vlad III, upon coming to power, continued minting coins and started calling himself Dracula to emphasize the identity of Wallachia and the continuity of its independent authority in the region. Another nickname—Țepeș—was indeed given to him by the people, translating from Romanian as "the Impaler."