The Council Square (Piata Sfatului), known to the Saxon population as the Marktplatz, is the heart of the old medieval Brasov. Lined with beautiful red-roofed merchant houses, the square is one of the finest in the country. The buildings recall the region's German heritage.

In the center of the square lies the Council House, built in 1420 The tower,called the Trumpets Tower, is in fact much older, and was once a watchtower for approaching barbarians before being incorporated into the main building. It was the place where an alarm was sounded when danger menaced the city. What you see today is largely the result of an 81-year renovation after the great fire of 1689. Then, the pile was restored and completed with the Renaissance loggia dominated by the baroque facade bearing the coats of arms of the town. The tower is 58 meters high. The Counsel House was the decision-making center of the important businesses of the city, where outstanding notables of the time were welcomed. Built in the 13th century, the house served as meeting place for the town councilors, known as centurions. On top of the building sits the Trumpeter's Tower, used during the Middle Ages as a watchtower for warning the citadel inhabitants of approaching danger. Today, the old city hall houses the Brasov History Museum. The History Museum of Brasov displays rare exhibits and collections showcasing Brasov's history from ancient to modern times: tools made in stone (Paleolithic age), painted ceramics discovered at Ariusd (Neolithic age), tools made in bronze and iron, armor, ancient weapons and farming tools. The exhibits also tell the history of the Saxon guilds, which dominated Brasov during medieval times.

Around the square you'll find some of the smaller landmarks: the Renaissance style Hirscher House or Merchant's House (now the "Cerbul carpatin" restaurant), the beautiful entrance to the Orthodox cathedral or the museum dedicated to the Muresianu family out of which came the first editor of "Gazeta de Transilvania", a political newspaper published in the 19th century. One of the square's corners is dominated by the town's most famous landmark, the Black Church.

Piata Sfatului is a nice place to rest, and soak in the beautiful scenery. In the summer outdoor cafes line the square and the place is lively. The spring fountain, right in the middle of the square, cools the air. Every year the "Golden Stag" (Cerbul de Aur) music festival takes place here.

Walk down on the picturesque pedestrian-only Republicii street, for shopping, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops. The Saxons built massive stone walls and seven bastions around the city that are still visible today, as well as ornate churches, elaborately trimmed buildings and one of the finest central squares in the country, said to be the spot to which the legendary Pied Piper led the children of Hamlin. Located at the heart of old medieval Brasov and lined with beautiful red-roofed merchant houses, the Council Square, known to the Saxon population as the Marktplatz, is a nice place to rest and soak in the beautiful scenery.

In the centre of the square stands the Old Town Hall (1420), now home to Brasov's History Museum, while the southeast corner is dominated by the town's most famous landmark, the Black Church. Around the square, you'll find the renaissance-style Merchant's House (now the Cerbul Carpatin restaurant), the beautiful archway of the Orthodox Cathedral and the memorial museum of the Mureseanu family.