Rasnov Citadel

Situated near Brasov, Rasnov Citadel is one of the best preserved rustic citadels from Transylvania.

Rasnov Citadel was at first called “Rustic Citadel”, because the main occupation of its constructors was agriculture. The rustic fortresses were part of a defending system of the Transylvanian places that were exposed to invaders’ attacks.

The place called Rasnov is mentioned for the first time in documents in the 12th century (year 1331). During the Middle Ages and Modern Ages, Rasnov was one of the 12 villages that formed the district of Brasov, district that was mentioned in documents for the first time in 1377. Rasnov started to progress in the 13th century, but due to the Tartarian invasions in 1241, its developing ceased, as the region was ravaged. In order to defend themselves from the future invasions and from the feudal noblemen’s violations, the inhabitants of Rasnov built up a retreat and defense fortress on the top of a hill situated nearby.

Rasnov Citadel presents a simple architectonic style, closed to the structure of the ordinary houses and being adapted to the fortification conditions. The medieval atmosphere is even nowadays present, after 500 years of existence. For building the fortress, stone and brick were used. The height of the walls is 5 meters and the southern wall is the thickest (being 1m and a half thick in some places).

At the moment, the citadel is partly closed for consolidation, but you can still come see it from the park that hosts it.