The Fortress Straja Hill
Briefly about The Fortress Straja Hill
The Citadel on Straja Hill, also known as Brașov Citadel, is a historic fort north of Brașov's old town. Built for medieval city defense, it is a national historic monument covering 5,000 square meters. Constructed between 1630 and 1631 with Italian-style bastions, it features a distinctive horseshoe-shaped tower. Originally a watchtower in the 15th century, it was expanded and fortified over the centuries. Renovated in 1773 by Emperor Joseph II, it later served as a prison and archive depot. In 1981, it became a medieval-style restaurant. In 2022, ownership transferred to the Romanian State, aiming to reintegrate it into the tourist circuit.
About the Citadel on Straja Hill
The Citadel on Straja Hill, also known as Brașov Citadel, is a historic fort located on Straja Hill, north of Brașov's old town. It was built to watch over and protect the medieval city and is one of the most important forts outside Brașov's walls. The citadel is a national historic monument and covers an area of 5,000 square meters.
The outer fortress, built between 1630 and 1631, is shaped like a square with Italian-style bastions at the corners. The central horseshoe-shaped tower, with three floors, is a notable feature of the citadel.
You can reach the Citadel on Straja Hill by walking or by car. There is parking nearby, and from there it's a short walk to the citadel. It is located on a plateau on Straja Hill, offering great views of Brașov and the surrounding area.
History of the Citadel
In the early 15th century, there was a simple watchtower on Straja Hill. In 1524, this tower was added to with a wooden bastion, and in 1611, the citadel was surrounded by a water moat and an earthen wall for extra protection. After a big fire in 1618, the fort was rebuilt in 1625, including an 81-meter deep well.
In 1773, Emperor Joseph II ordered the citadel to be renovated, giving it the shape it has today. During the communist period, the citadel was used as a prison and a storage place for the State Archives. In 1981, it was turned into a medieval-style restaurant complex.
In 2022, the High Court of Cassation and Justice decided to transfer the citadel to the Romanian State, with plans for it to be given to the city of Brașov and made a tourist attraction again.