Saint Nicholas Church (Biserica Sf. Nicolae), Brasov

Saint Nicholas Church stands as a monumental beacon of faith and culture in Brasov's historic district of Scheii Brasovului. Recognized as one of the oldest Romanian Orthodox churches in the country, it has served as a pivotal cultural hub for Romanians since its inception. The church, a registered historic monument, also encompasses the First Romanian School within its ensemble of monuments.

Dating back to a wooden cross erected in 1292, the site has evolved through several architectural phases. Initially mentioned in a Papal bull in 1399, the wooden church was replaced by a more durable stone structure between 1495 and 1519 with contributions from the local community and notable figures like Voivode Vlad Calugarul of Wallachia and Neagoe Basarab. The construction culminated in 1519, featuring a rectangular nave, polygonal apse, and robust buttresses.

The church’s architectural style initially reflected Gothic influences, later incorporating Baroque elements during renovations. The facade is dominated by two prominent towers — a central larger one adorned with four turrets and a smaller one over the entrance.

Significant expansions and enhancements continued through the centuries, including the addition of a church porch and choir in 1584 by Voivode Petru Cercel and further interior paintings and a bell tower between 1595 and 1597 by Moldavian Voivode Aron Voda. The church's legacy of enhancements is documented in a pisanie above the entrance, celebrating the contributions of these Voivodes.

Chapel additions include the 1651 northern chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and the southern chapel dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord, built between 1750 and 1752, featuring an iconostasis with Brancovenesc motifs. The church’s clock tower was erected in 1751 through the patronage of Empress Elizabeth of Russia.

Artistically, Saint Nicholas Church houses significant frescoes by Misu Popp and Constantin Lecca (1849), and later contributions by Costin Petrescu and students from the Fine Arts Academy. These frescoes include historical and allegorical scenes vital to Romanian culture and orthodoxy.

Saint Nicholas Church is more than a place of worship; it's a cornerstone of Romanian education and culture. It hosted the First Romanian School and saw the printing of the first Romanian books in the 16th century. Today, it preserves a vast archive of ancient manuscripts and books, reinforcing its role as a bastion of national heritage and identity.