The story of the Black Tower and its name, the first sentinel of Brașov.

The Defensive Towers of Brașov Hill

Since the construction of the first defensive enclosure of the Brașov fortress, there have been two defensive towers located on the Brașov Hill: the White Tower and the Black Tower.

The Black Tower

Perched on a rock that juts out from the hill, the Black Tower truly held a defensive status. Standing at a height of 11 meters, the tower features:

• Arrow slits divided across three levels
• Lookout posts located right at the roof level, topped with a sharp peak

The tower was particularly special as the connection between it and the fortification was made via a drawbridge that led to the Blacksmiths' Bastion, situated nearby.

History of the Black Tower

Few know, however, that the Black Tower was not originally named as such, and its color is not actually black at all. History reminds us that in 1559, on a summer day, a lightning strike hit the tower (or the mighty tower), causing a strong fire that gave the tower its smoky hue.

Two hundred years later, a new fire affected the structure, leading to renovation works on the building.

The Impact of the Plague

The plague epidemic of the mid-18th century also took its toll on the tower, with 1756 being the last year the tower was used as a point of defense and surveillance.

Rehabilitation and Current Use

In 1996, the tower underwent an extensive rehabilitation process, so today it can be visited, and exhibitions are organized within it by the Brașov History Museum.