The Rasnov Citadel dates back to the 13th century, and rises above the town of the same name, about 10 kilometers from Bran Castle. The fortress is thought to have been built out of wood from 1211 to 1225 by the Teutonic Knights, although there is no definitive proof to this claim. Later, the inhabitants of Rasnov reconstructed the fortress with stone in order to protect themselves from possible invasions. Thanks to the citadel, Rasnov has survived numerous Tartar and Ottoman attacks throughout the centuries, while Brasov was unprotected and could not withstand them.
The citadel has been fully restored, as well as various houses from that era, which are now used as souvenir shops.