Braşov has a unique location at the feet of the Carpathian mountains at one of the most important mountain-passes, so it had to develop a strong defense system. The Citadel on Straja Hill, or Citadel Hill as it's called today, was part of this system, even if it is located outside Braşov, aiming to observe and stop invaders approaching the main fortress of the city. It is thus known as the guarding fortress or the little fortress. Moreover, "strajă" means guardian in Romanian.
In the early 15th century, there was only a watchtower here, which was completed in 1524 with a wooden bastion with four towers. Destroyed in 1529 by Petru Rareş army, in his place were raised stone walls and were dug ditches a quarter of a century later. A fire in 1618 brought them serious damage, so that in 1625 the fortress was almost entirely rebuilt. In 1627 a well of 81m depth was dug inside, and In 1630 were erected the four towers at the corners.
Losing its military importance in the 17th century, it served as a warehouse and later as barracks for plăieşi (border guards). That's why at a time the hill was named Plăieşi Hill. Between 18th century and 1954 it served as a prison and then deposit for Braşov State Archives until 1975. Since 1981, after an extensive restoration, became a tourist complex. Now it is right in the city's center, but offers a great view of the old town and the Tâmpa Mountain.
About the stamps
The first stamp is part of the series Flowers’ Clock I, about which I wrote here.
The second stamp is part of the serie Wild Ducks and Geese, designed by Radu Oltean and issued on July 12, 2007. On the postage stamps of the issue are presented the following birds, both males and females:
• Lesser White Fronted Goose / Anser erytrophus (0.40 RON) - It's on the postcard 2582
• Red-breasted goose / Branta ruficollis (0.60 RON)
• Northern Pintail / Anas acuta (1.60 RON)
• White-fronted goose / Anser albifrons (2.10 RON)
• Red-crested Pochard / Netta rufina (3.60 RON)
• The garganey / Anas querquedula (4.70 RON)
References
Cetăţuia de pe Straja (rom) - Wikipedia
Sender: Mihnea Răducu
Sent from 1 Mai (Bihor / Romania), on 23.05.2016
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