Râșnov (Hungarian: Barcarozsnyó)

is a small town in Romania, located in the historical region of Transylvania, in Brașov County, within the area known as Țara Bârsei (the Burzenland).

It lies about 15 kilometers southwest of Brașov, along the Ghimbășel River, near the entrance of the famous Bran Pass.

The town’s most notable landmark is the Râșnov Fortress, considered the largest peasant fortress in Transylvania.

The current structure of the fortress was developed in the 15th century by the town’s Saxon inhabitants, and further reinforced after the siege by Gabriel Báthory in 1612.

Whenever enemy forces approached, the people of Râșnov would retreat into the fortress, taking shelter in the residential buildings built inside its walls. These houses functioned as a temporary village until the danger passed. The fortress walls are, on average, five meters thick.

In the courtyard, there is a well 146 meters deep, which, according to legend, was dug between 1623 and 1640 by two captured Ottoman soldiers. This became necessary after the previous cistern-based water supply system failed during Báthory’s siege.

After the well was completed, the buildings still visible in the lower part of the fortress were constructed.

The fortress was last used for defensive purposes in 1848, when the townspeople sought refuge there from the approaching troops of General Bem.

Thanks to its strategic location and historical significance, Râșnov Fortress has become a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months.

Main attractions in Râșnov:

• Râșnov Fortress
• Evangelical Church
• Orthodox Church
• Râșnov Cave
• Râșnov Gorge