Brașov: Medieval History, Bizarre Remedies & Romanian Folklore

What was life really like in medieval Brașov? How did merchants and craftsmen build a thriving fortified town, what did people believe about the supernatural, and what remedies did they turn to when illness struck? This walking tour brings together the history of the medieval city and the stranger side of life in Transylvania.

We’ll explore the old Saxon town, discovering its medieval fortifications, historic towers, guild streets, and landmarks such as the Black Church. Along the way, we’ll uncover how trade, craftsmanship, and the city’s strategic position shaped Brașov, while looking at the people, traditions, and everyday realities behind its stone walls. 

But medieval life wasn’t only about trade, churches, and fortifications. It was also a world of strigoi, witches, forest spirits, protective plants, and remedies that might sound unbelievable today. 

Garlic was believed to ward off restless spirits, while the fearsome Muma Pădurii, or Mother of the Woods, haunted Romanian folklore. 

You’ll also hear unusual stories about traditional healing, local superstitions, and legends connected to the region - including a romantic tale linking Vlad Dracul to a beautiful young woman from medieval Brașov.

Moving between documented history, local traditions, and folklore, we’ll discover a city that is far more than its famous Dracula connection. This is a chance to understand how medieval Brașov developed, how its inhabitants lived, and how they made sense of a world where knowledge, medicine, faith, and superstition often overlapped. Expect fascinating historical details, unexpected stories, and a fresh perspective on one of Transylvania’s most remarkable medieval towns.