Rasnov Citadel in Transylvania,   photo © Teodor Groza

Location: Town of Râşnov - southern Transylvania map
Nearest city: Brasov (9 miles northeast)
Nearest train stations: Brasov and Predeal
Telephone: (+4) 0740 510.665
E-mail
Rasnov-Turism.ro

Currently Closed to Visitors
Râşnov fortress is undergoing maintenance and restoration works;
as a result, access inside the fortress cannot be permitted.
Visitors can still access the grouds / garden only and admire the exterior.

Râşnov Fortress (Rosenau in German), is located on a limestone hilltop at the foot of Postavaru Mountain, 650 ft. above town of Râşnov. First mentioned in an official document in 1331, Rasnov Citadel was built by the Teutonic Knights as protection against invading Tartars; it was later enlarged by the local Saxon population.

Strategically located on the commercial route linking the provinces of Transylvania and Walachia, Râşnov differs from other Saxon fortresses in that it was designed as a place of refuge over extended periods of time. Behind the walls of the fortress there was a true, small, village with at least 30 houses, a school, a chapel and craftsmen shops.

Rasnov citadel defensive system included nine towers, two bastions and a drawbridge. The north, south and west sides are facing 500-foot steep slopes.

Rasnov Citadel, viewed from the east,   photo © Teodor Groza
During its long history, Rasnov fortress surrender only once: in the year 1612 when the besiegers managed to find the secret route that supplied the people inside the fortress with water.
With the location of their water supply no longer a secret, Rasnov's fortress need for its own well, within the defense walls, became a must.   According to local legend, two Turkish prisoners were put to the task of digging a well through solid rock in the center of the fortress. They were promised their freedom once the well was finished.
Work on the 470-foot-deep well began in 1623 and took 17 years to complete. Rasnov citadel wheel was in use for over two centuries, until 1850.

The last siege of Râşnov Fortress took place in 1690 during the last Ottoman invasion of Transylvania. Damaged by fire in 1718, it was rebuilt the following year. The next major damage occurred as the result of an earthquake in 1802. The fortress was last used as a place of refuge during the revolution of 1848 and was abandoned after that.

The old fortress is being restored to its former glory. Behind the ancient walls there is a small museum displaying interesting artifacts. The inner rooms are maze-like, with several wooden ladders linking them and a few so-called secret passages which should keep you busy for quite awhile.

There is frequent bus service from Brasov to Râşnov.
From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. a bus leaves every 15 minutes;
bus ride from Brasov to Râşnov takes approx 25 minutes.

Rasnov Citadel winter pic,   photo © Bogdan Comsa