If you live in Brașov or happen to be passing through, a whole world of exploration awaits just a stone’s throw away. The Transylvanian heritage—manors, castles, and fortifications—is ready to be discovered, along with its stories of nobles, heroes, and noblewomen. We’ve prepared a list of 10 attractions from the România Atractivă routes, all within an hour’s drive from the city.

Don’t forget that wherever you are, you can search for nearby attractions using the “map” feature in our app. Happy exploring!

Located in the village of Ozun, Covasna County, just an hour’s drive from Brașov, Pünkösti Manor impresses with its Baroque architecture, especially its double-mansard roof—a remarkable achievement for its time. Today, the manor houses three local associations and functions as a vibrant cultural center, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s history and culture.

It’s an ideal destination for enthusiasts of architecture, history, and those looking to explore the cultural heritage of Szeklerland. Click here for more information and to plan your visit.

Just 40 kilometers from Brașov, in the picturesque village of Micloșoara, Covasna County, lies Kálnoky Castle, a Renaissance architectural gem with a history spanning over four centuries. Built in 1648 as a hunting residence for the noble Kálnoky family, the castle has been carefully restored by Count Tibor Kálnoky, a family descendant who returned to Romania after the Revolution to preserve and revitalize the family’s cultural heritage.

Today, the castle hosts the Museum of Transylvanian Life, a unique space recreating the atmosphere of the 17th–18th centuries with authentic furniture, period costumes, historical weapons, and personal items of the nobility. Visitors can explore the “Lady’s House,” showcasing delicate embroidery and reading items, or the “Master’s House,” featuring weapons from battles with the Turks and oriental rugs. A highlight is the original Streicher piano, identical to the one Johannes Brahms played.

Perfect for history, architecture, and culture lovers, the castle offers an authentic experience of Transylvanian noble life. Click here for more information and to plan your visit.

Just 18 km from Brașov, in the village of Budila, stands Béldy Ladislau Castle, an architectural gem built in 1731 by Count Béldy László, nephew of Béldy Pál. The building impresses with its classicist façade featuring a central projection supported by six grand columns, an elevated balcony with wrought-iron railings, and refined sculptural details. Inside, original elements remain, including finely carved doors, a wooden ceiling, and a large fireplace in the entrance hall—testaments to the elegance of the era.

Ideal for those passionate about history, architecture, and Transylvanian noble stories. Click here for more information and to plan your visit.

Just 25 km from Brașov, in Bicfalău village, Ozun commune, Covasna County, lies The Manor Route, a unique trail in Romania. This rural settlement is the only one in the country home to nearly 40 manors built between the 17th and 19th centuries, 20 of which preserve their original architecture. Built from stone or brick, with scale-tile roofs and carved wooden beams, the houses reflect a captivating blend of traditional beauty and rustic charm. The village still retains a medieval European atmosphere, with a central church surrounded by houses, vegetable gardens, orchards, and meadows, with forest stretching beyond. The architectural unity and well-built homes reflect a tightly-knit community proud of its traditions.

An ideal destination for architecture and history buffs, and for those looking to experience authentic rural life. Click here for more information and to plan your visit.

Just 15 km from Brașov, in the commune of Prejmer, you’ll find a remarkable collection of traditional Saxon households that offer an authentic image of rural life in Transylvania. The houses, built in a specific Saxon style, are decorated with simple, figurative, floral, and plant motifs, reflecting a rich cultural legacy and centuries-old history. Prejmer has been documented since 1240 and is known for its fortified Evangelical Church, built in early Gothic style and included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. This authentic peasant fortress played a vital role in defending eastern Transylvania against Turkish and other invasions.

Prejmer is ideal for lovers of traditional architecture, history, and Saxon culture. Click here for more information and to plan your visit.

Just 20 km north of Brașov, in the commune of Feldioara, rises the imposing Feldioara Fortress, also known as Marienburg. Originally built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, the fortress served as a key defensive outpost in Țara Bârsei. After the Teutons’ departure, it was taken over by the Saxon community, who rebuilt it as a vibrant community center. Restored between 2013 and 2017, Feldioara Fortress now welcomes visitors with themed exhibitions, cultural events, and a truly medieval atmosphere.

Perfect for history and architecture lovers, and for families looking to experience a medieval fortress. Click here for more information and to plan your visit.

Located in central Romania, Brașov is a city with a rich history, founded by Saxon settlers and renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture. The Brașov Fortress, built around the Black Church at the foot of Tâmpa Mountain, was once surrounded by defensive walls, towers, bastions, and four gates. Today, the mountain-facing walls remain and serve as historical, touristic, and cultural landmarks.

For history, architecture, and culture enthusiasts, a stroll through Brașov’s historic center offers an authentic experience. Click here for more information and to plan your visit.

Located in the village of Chichiș, Covasna County, about 30 km from Brașov, the Unitarian Church is a remarkable historic monument dating back to the late 13th century. Initially built as a Roman Catholic church, it was transformed into a Unitarian church after the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Over the centuries, the church endured numerous destructions and reconstructions, becoming a symbol of the local community’s resilience. After a devastating fire in 1954, valuable medieval frescoes were uncovered beneath the damaged plaster, depicting scenes from the Legend of Saint Ladislaus, including the “Castle Scene” and “Departure Scene.” These rare murals brought renewed interest to the church among experts and tourists alike.

The church is part of the Saint Ladislaus Route in Romania and is ideal for enthusiasts of history, medieval art, and religious architecture. Click here for more information and to plan your visit.

Located in the village of Hărman, just 10 km east of Brașov, the Fortified Evangelical Church is one of the best-preserved fortified churches in Transylvania. Originally built in Romanesque style in the 13th century, on the site of a 12th-century Romanesque basilica, the church was dedicated to Saint Nicholas and served as a major religious center for the local Saxon community. Due to frequent external threats, especially in the 15th century, the church was surrounded by a massive fortification with seven towers, meant to protect locals during invasions. The fortress also served as a storage space for provisions and was maintained even after it lost its military function.

For fans of history, architecture, and Transylvanian traditions, Hărman’s Fortified Evangelical Church is a must-see. Click here for more information and to plan your visit.

Located in Brașov County, on the banks of the Ghimbășel River, the Fortified Evangelical Church in Cristian is a remarkable example of Saxon medieval architecture. Built in the 13th century as a Romanesque basilica, it was transformed into a complex fortress around 1500 due to external threats. The ensemble includes a double enclosure with eight towers and a barbican, making it one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in Transylvania.

For lovers of history, architecture, and Transylvanian traditions, the Fortified Evangelical Church in Cristian is a must-visit. Click here for more information and to plan your visit.