Cetatea Rasnov, una dintre cele mai bine pastrate cetati ale tarii (mai ales avand in vedere numeroasele lupte si asedii ce au avut loc aici), dateaza inca din anii 1300, prima mentiune documentara a cetatii fiind in anul 1335. Rasnov este cunoscuta si ca fiind o cetate taraneasca, deoarece principala ocupatie a oamenilor ce locuiau in aceasta zona era agricultura.
Dealungul timpului au avut loc mai multe asedii asupra acestei cetati, fiind cucerita doar o singura data in anul 1612 de catre Gabriel Bathory. In vremea aceea cetatea nu avea o sursa proprie de apa, astfel incat atunci cand asediul dura mult timp, locuitorii din cetate ieseau noaptea si aduceau apa de la un izvor secret. Acest neajuns a dus la infrangere cand trupele lui Bathory ocupa panta din est, blocand astfel accesul catre acest izvor. Aceasta infrangere arata necesitatea unei surse de apa in interiorul fortificatiilor si astfel incep lucrarile pentru o fantana. Fantana cetatii a fost sapata in piatra in perioada 1623-1640. Exista si o legenda aici: Se spune ca fantana a fost sapata de catre doi prizonieri turci, carora li s-a promis libertatea la finalul lucrarilor.
In prezent dealurile din jurul cetatii sunt acoperite de padure, dar daca va puneti imaginatia la treaba puteti vedea cum arata zona defrisata pentru vizibilitate mare si o apare impenetrabila, parca auziti deja clopotul din turnul cetatii ce avertiza populatia targului de apropierea unei armate…
In secolul XIX cetatea este parasita si ajunge in paragina. In prezent este o minunata atractie turistica, cu cateva mici festivale medievale si savoare a unor vremuri de altadata.
Prima mea vizita aici a fost o placere, amprenta iernii inca fiind foarte vizibila asupra peisajului zonei. Cativa oameni in costumatii medievale mi-au iesit in cale, cat si cateva pisici (desi nu prea medievale). La intrarea in cetate am cumparat un vin fiert delicios ce m-a incalzit si pregatit pentru vantul puternic si destul de rece de la punctul de vista din cetate (noroc ca ma inteleg bine cu frigul). Dar va garantez ca peisajul din jurul cetatii cat si vederea asupra orasului Rasnov merita. Promit sa revin cu fotografii din timpul unui festival, cu multi cavaleri in armura si turniruri, muzica medievala si alcol pe masura. 🙂
ENGLISH:
Rasnov Fortress, one of the better kept fortresses of the country (especially considering the many battles and sieges that took place here), dates back to around the year 1300, the first written mention of the fortress being in 1335. Rasnov is known as a peasant fortress, because the main way of living for the people in this area was agriculture.
Through out history the citadel was besieged many times, being conquered only once in the year 1612 by Gabriel Bathory. In that time the fortress did not have it’s own water supply, thus during a prolongued siege the residents of the fortress would sneak out at night and bring water from a secret spring. This led to defeat when Bathory’s troops ocupied the eastern hill thus blocking acces to the spring. This defeat showed the necesity of a water source inside the fortress and thus start the diggings for a well. The well was dug in stone during 1623 – 1640. There is a legend about this well: it is said that the well was dug by two turkish prisoners that were promised their liberty at the end of the dig.
presently the hill around the fortress are covered by woods, but if you can make your imagination work a bit, you can see how the area used to look in the old days with the woods cut down for better visibility and an impenetrable defense, you can hear the bell atop the fortress tower ringing to warn the locals of the aproach of an enemy army…
In the 20th century the fortress is abbandoned and starts to degrade. Presently it is a lovely tourist attraction with ocasional medieval festivals and the feel of an age long gone.
My first visit here was a delight, the mark of winter still visible on the scenery around the fortress. A few people dressed in medieval clothing crossed my path, as well as a few cats (not to medieval). When going into the fortress i had the oportunity to buy some hot muelled wine that warmed me right up and prepared me for the strong and preety cold wind at the vista point (lucky me i like cold weather). But i guarantee you that the scenery around the fortress and the view on the little town or Rasnov is worth it. I promise to come back with photos froma a festival, with knights and tourneys, medieval music and lots of alcohol. 🙂
Calatorind prin tara, 