Râșnov Fortress

Background

Archaeological research shows fortification traces on the hill from prehistoric and Dacian times. The initial medieval fortress is considered to have been built between 1211 and 1225 during Teutonic Knights' rule in Burzenland, though no archaeological evidence confirms this. In 1335, during a Tatar incursion that ravaged the Burzenland, Râșnov and Brașovia were the only fortified places unconquered, marking the first documented attestation of the fortress.

The fortress was besieged by an Ottoman army in 1421. In 1600, Michael the Brave retreated here with his troops and wife after defeat at the Battle of Mirăslău. In 1612, during Prince Gabriel Báthory's rule, the fortress was conquered for the only time due to lack of water after enemies discovered the path to a secret spring. To address this weakness, a 146-meter deep well was dug between 1623 and 1642.

The fortress was partially destroyed by fire in 1718 and damaged by earthquake in 1802. Between 1848 and 1849, inhabitants retreated to the fortress during Hungarian revolutionary and Austrian imperial troop movements, its last refuge mission. It was abandoned after 1848–1849, becoming a ruin with one guard left to toll a bell for fires.