The Biserica Neagra, or Black Church, is located in Council Square, in the old center of Brasov. The church features impressive dimensions of 89 meters in length, 39 meters in width and stands at a height of 65 meters, making it the largest Gothic style church in Southeast Europe. Its main bell, the largest in Romania, weighs about 7000 kilos. In 1950, the bell began to sound without being rung by the sexton, due to an earthquake.
The church was built between 1383 and 1477, during the economic and cultural development of the city. However, during this time there were also tensions with the Ottoman Empire, which invaded the city in 1421. The invasion, along with an earthquake in 1471 proved to be a setback in the completion of the monument.
It was damaged again in 1689 due to a fire started by the Austrian army and their general Kharafi. In a letter, he threatened to burn Brasov to the ground if the residents impeded the positioning of Austrian troops in the region. The fire destroyed most of the city, but the church remained, blackened by the flames. Its current name originates from this incident.
From an aesthetic point of view, the various military campaigns and repairs have caused the church to lose some of its Gothic characteristics, however, its general appearance and ornamentation remain outstanding.
There are many interesting items inside the church. The organ, built from 1836 to 1839 by a craftsman from Berlin, features 400 pipes and is well known for its sound. It is one of the largest organs in Southeast Europe. The church also houses a collection of Anatolian carpets that will surely grab your attention.