RÂŞNOV FORTRESS
Situated halfway between the towns of Braşov and Bran, Râşnov Fortress
overlooks the small town of Râşnov from a hilltop. Founded in the 13th cen-
tury by Teutonic knights, the fortress
served as a refuge for the people of
Râşnov during times of seige. The central
courtyard con tains a 143-m (469-ft) deep
well, dug to supply drinking water to
the inhabitants. A museum within the
complex dis plays armour and various
finds uncovered during excavations,
among them a skeleton now encased
beneath a glass floor.ROMANIA 581VISITORS’ CHECKLIST195 km (121 miles) NW of
Bucharest. Tel (0268) 238 332.
@ from Braşov. # May–
Sep: noon–7pm Mon, 9am–
7pm Tue–Sun; Oct–Apr: 9am–
4pm Tue–Sun. & 8 =
http://www.brancastlemuseum.ro. Gothic Room
Distinctly Gothic in style, this
vaulted room is fur nished with
sculp tures and furni ture dating
back to the 14th century. Among
these is the 16th-century wooden
sculpture of St Anne.
Secret Passages
Some of the
castle’s 60 rooms
are connected by
a network of
under ground
pass ages, which
were used either
for hasty evacu-
ations or to bring
in food supplies
in times of siege.The dining hall was used by
Queen Marie to entertain royal
guests. The massive wooden
dining table is ornately carved
with mythical images.. Queen Marie’s Bedroom
Decorated in Art Nouveau style, the queen’s
bedroom contains several pieces of furniture
she commis sioned herself, including a
rosewood Italian Baroque bed and an
armchair adorned with carved vultures.
Râşnov Fortress sitting on a hilltop