Râșnov Citadel: a refuge fortress above the Bârsa Land
Râșnov Citadel (Cetatea Râșnov) is a medieval refuge fortress on a rocky hill south of the town of Râșnov, about 15 km south-west of Brașov in Transylvania. It sheltered townspeople and villagers from Tatar and Ottoman raids, and today it is one of the best-preserved fortified ensembles in the region, with a museum, a famous well and wide views.
For centuries the people of Râșnov and nearby villages did more than shelter here in wartime: forced to stay for decades, they turned the fortress into a second home, with a school, a chapel and over thirty houses.
The history of Râșnov Citadel
Archaeological research shows that the hill was fortified long before the Middle Ages, with traces from prehistoric and Dacian times. The first medieval fortress is thought to have been built between 1211 and 1225, when the Teutonic Knights ruled the Burzenland (Țara Bârsei), although archaeology has not confirmed this. The oldest surviving structures are dated to the 14th century. The first written record comes from 1335: during a Tatar raid that ravaged the whole region, only Brașov and Râșnov stayed unconquered. The location was decisive, because invading armies coming through the Bran Pass passed through Râșnov on their way to Brașov.
The citadel was a Fliehburg, a fortress of refuge, for the townspeople and for villagers from places such as Cristian and Ghimbav. Local Romanians and Saxons each provided an equal number of defenders. It was first besieged by an Ottoman army in 1421 and held out, after which the Ottomans moved on to plunder Brașov; later sieges followed, among them in 1436 and 1441, also without success. In 1427 Emperor Sigismund of Luxembourg visited and placed the fortress under the local community, which he raised to the rank of market town. In 1600 Michael the Brave retreated here with his troops and his wife Stanca after the defeat at Mirăslău.
The fortress fell only once. In 1612 Gabriel Báthory, Prince of Transylvania, led a campaign against the Saxons. His cannon did little damage, but his troops occupied the eastern slope and cut the defenders off from the hidden spring that supplied them with water. On 3 April the community leaders surrendered, on condition that their privileges were respected and that no foreign garrison would be installed; the next day Báthory expelled the inhabitants. The people of Râșnov regained the fortress in 1613. The lesson was clear, and from 1623 a deep well was dug into the rock in the middle of the fortress.
Later centuries brought more trouble. A fire in 1718 damaged the fortress, an earthquake in 1802 harmed it again, refugees from Wallachia sheltered here in 1821, and in 1848–1849 the inhabitants took refuge once more as Hungarian revolutionaries and imperial troops passed through, the last time the fortress served as a refuge. It was abandoned in 1850 and left in ruins, with a single guard whose task was to ring a bell if a fire broke out. A first, modest restoration took place in 1955–1956. Works carried out between 2000 and 2007 rebuilt parts of the remains, the municipality took over the property in 2008, and better supervised work followed.
Curiosities about Râșnov Citadel
- A legend says two Turkish prisoners dug the well, promised their freedom, and worked for 17 years, writing verses from the Koran on its walls. Romanian Wikipedia adds that the well was in fact made by Saxon craftsmen hired by the town, so the story is folklore.
- The fortress has no spring of its own. In wartime, people slipped out at night through the main gate to fetch water from a spring known only to them.
- In July 2001 a hidden treasure was found beside one of the stone towers at the entrance: tools, buckle and arrowheads, three pewter jugs, one dated 1600 on its lid, and 416 silver coins minted between 1509 and 1610.
- Elders of Râșnov believe a treasure at least 300 years old lies at the bottom of the well, but climbers who explored it closely found no trace of one.
- The inner courtyard has paved footpaths between tile-roofed houses. The roof tiles on towers and walls were meant to keep fire arrows from setting the buildings alight.
- A film festival on historical cinema is organised at Râșnov, with screenings, a book fair and concerts.
Films shot at Râșnov Citadel
Romanian Wikipedia reports that scenes of several films were shot at the fortress. Two are named with enough detail to list here.
- Nemuritorii (1974) – Several shots of this film by Sergiu Nicolaescu were filmed at the citadel.
- Cold Mountain (2002) – The American production, with Jude Law and Nicole Kidman, was filmed around Râșnov in 2002; some scenes were shot at the peasant fortress.
Tours near Râșnov Citadel
Experiences in the area that you can book online with Viator:
Day Tour to Bran Castle(Dracula's Castle) and Râșnov Fortress
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Bear Sanctuary, Bran Castle(Dracula) and Râșnov Fortress
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Discover the Legends: Journey to Dracula's and Râșnov Castle
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Bran (Dracula) Castle, Bear Sanctuary, Rasnov Fortress & Palinca Distillery
See details ›Visiting Râșnov Citadel: what to see
- Walk the paved paths of the inner courtyard, where the ruins of a school, a chapel and more than thirty refuge houses stand among tile-roofed buildings.
- Look for the well in the middle of the fortress and the line of towers and galleries on the more exposed eastern side.
- A small museum of feudal art shows photocopies of documents, weapons, tools, stamps and period objects from local history.
- Cliffs of about 150 m protect the fortress on three sides, so the viewpoints give wide views over the town and the mountains.
- Access arrangements can change, so check the current opening hours before you go.
Opening hours, access and conditions can change. Check before you go.
Map: where Râșnov Citadel is
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Photos of Râșnov Citadel
Questions
What is Râșnov Citadel?
It is a medieval Fliehburg, a fortress of refuge where townspeople and villagers sheltered during attacks. It stands on a rocky hill in Râșnov, Brașov County.
Where is Râșnov Citadel?
It is on a hill south of the town of Râșnov, about 15 km south-west of Brașov, on the old route through the Bran Pass.
When was Râșnov Citadel built?
A first fortress is thought to date from between 1211 and 1225, though archaeology has not confirmed this. The oldest surviving structures belong to the 14th century, and the first document is from 1335.
Was Râșnov Citadel ever conquered?
Only once, in 1612, when Gabriel Báthory’s troops cut the defenders off from their hidden water spring. The well dug afterwards removed that weakness.
What is the legend of the well?
It says two Turkish prisoners dug the well for 17 years in exchange for their freedom and wrote Koran verses on its walls. Another account credits Saxon craftsmen hired by the town.
What can you see near Râșnov Citadel?
Brașov is about 15 km away, and the Black Tower, Catherine’s Gate and Șchei Gate there are about 11 km from the citadel. Cantacuzino Castle is about 20 km away.
Also nearby
Catherine’s Gate
Brașov · Renaissance gate tower with four corner turrets
11 km away
Șchei Gate
Brașov · the only city gate to survive intact
11 km away
Black Tower, Brașov
Brașov · rock-top lookout blackened by lightning
11 km away
Heroes’ Cross on Caraiman Peak
Bucegi · 39 m summit cross for the First World War dead
20 km away