Biserica Neagră
The Black Church (Romanian: Biserica Neagră, German: Die Schwarze Kirche, Hungarian: Fekete templom), stands in the city of Brașov in south-eastern Transylvania, Romania. It was built by the local Transylvanian Saxon (German) community of the city during medieval times and represents the main Gothic-style monument in the country, as well as being the largest and one of the most important houses of worship in the region which belong to the Lutheran, i.e., Evangelical Church of Augustan Confession in Romania.
| The Black Church of Romania | |
|---|---|
| Biserica Neagră din Brașov | |
The Black Church (2014, before restoration) | |
| Location | Brașov, Brașov County, south-eastern Transylvania |
| Country | Romania |
| Denomination | Lutheran |
| Previous denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | https://bisericaneagra.ro/ |
| History | |
| Dedication | Saint Mary |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Late Gothic |
| Groundbreaking | 1383 |
| Completed | 1476 |
| Administration | |
| Province | Transylvania |
Author Judit Petki contends that, contrary to a widely held view, the Black Church received its dark appearance as a result of the fire which affected much of the city in 1689, but only in recent times due to pollution. The current popular name is apparently a 19th-century creation.
The cathedral, a working church, is the main city landmark of historical Brașov, and a museum is open to visitors.