Black Church
Center Region
The Black Church, located in the heart of Brașov, Romania, is a remarkable Gothic-style Lutheran church with origins dating back to the late 14th century. It stands on the site of a former Romanesque church destroyed during the 1241 Tatar invasion. Construction began in 1383 during a period of economic and cultural growth for Brașov, then a key commercial center on the border of Transylvania and Wallachia. Despite interruptions caused by the 1421 Turkish invasion and a significant earthquake in 1471, the church was completed by 1477. The church was originally Roman Catholic, dedicated to Saint Mary, but became Lutheran following the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. It earned its name after a devastating fire in 1689 blackened its walls and destroyed its interior, leading to extensive Baroque-style renovations completed in 1722. The Black Church is notable for its imposing size, measuring over 89 meters in length, making it the largest Gothic edifice in Southeastern Europe and the second largest church in Romania. It houses one of the largest Baroque organs in Eastern Europe, built by the Buchholz firm in Berlin in the 19th century, which remains largely preserved. The church is a symbol of Brașov's rich cultural heritage and a testament to Transylvania's historical religious transformations.
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Tipp: Visitors are advised to check the official website for opening hours and ticket information. The best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid crowds. Tickets can be purchased online in advance to ensure entry, especially during tourist seasons. Audio guides or guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the church's rich history and architecture. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups.
Interessante Fakten
- •The Black Church is the largest Gothic church in Southeastern Europe and the second largest in Romania.
- •Its name derives from the 1689 fire that blackened its walls, a name officially adopted in the 19th century.
- •The church houses a famous Baroque organ with nearly 4,000 pipes, built by the Buchholz firm in Berlin in 1839.
- •The church's vaults were reconstructed in Baroque style by craftsmen from Danzig after the 1689 fire, as local builders lacked the expertise for such large vaults.
- •A statue of Johannes Honterus, the Transylvanian reformer, stands in front of the southern tower, commemorating his role in spreading Lutheranism in the region.
Geschichte
The current Black Church was built starting in 1383 on the site of an earlier Romanesque church destroyed in 1241.
Its construction was interrupted by the 1421 Turkish invasion and a major earthquake in 1471 but was completed by 1477.
Initially a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint Mary, it became Lutheran following the Protestant Reformation in the mid-16th century.
A major fire in 1689 blackened the church's walls, giving it its current name, and destroyed much of its interior, which was restored in Baroque style by 1722.
The church's large Baroque organ was installed in the 19th century and remains a significant historical instrument.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
Main Nave and Basilica Structure14th-15th century
The Black Church features a basilica plan with three naves of equal height, typical of German hall churches from the 15th and 16th centuries. This architectural style creates a spacious and harmonious interior, emphasizing verticality and light.
Baroque VaultsEarly 18th century
After the 1689 fire, the church's vaults were rebuilt in Baroque style by master craftsmen from Danzig, replacing the original Gothic vaults. These vaults are notable for their size and decorative features, blending Gothic structure with Baroque aesthetics.
Buchholz Organ1839
Installed between 1836 and 1839 by the Berlin firm Buchholz, the organ is one of the largest Baroque organs in Eastern Europe, with nearly 4,000 pipes, four manuals, and 63 registers. It remains largely unchanged since its installation and was meticulously restored between 1997 and 2001.
Johannes Honterus Statue1898
A statue commemorating Johannes Honterus, the humanist and reformer who introduced Lutheranism to Transylvania, stands in front of the southern tower. It symbolizes the church's religious transformation during the Reformation.
Kontakt
Telefon: 0772 253 781