The First Romanian School is a historic site located in the Șcheii Brașovului district of Brașov, Romania. Established in the 16th century, it served as the primary center for education in the Romanian language during a period when the region was under the influence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Orthodox Church.
The site currently functions as a museum, housing a significant collection of early printed books, including the first Romanian-language primers and liturgical texts. The building itself preserves the architectural character of the era and serves as a testament to the preservation of Romanian cultural and linguistic identity throughout centuries of foreign administration.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Stone, Wood, Brick
- Civilization
- Romanian
- Accessibility
- Ground floor accessible
- Date(s)
- 1583
- Condition
- Well-preserved museum
- Original Function
- School
- Key Figures
- Diaconul Coresi, Vasile Saftu
Establishment
1583The school was established to provide education in the Romanian language, supported by the local Orthodox community and the printing activities of Diaconul Coresi, who produced the first books in Romanian.
Cultural Preservation
17th-19th CenturyThroughout the centuries, the school acted as a bastion for Romanian language and literature, resisting the pressures of linguistic assimilation and serving as a hub for intellectuals and teachers.
Museum Transformation
20th Century - PresentThe site was converted into a museum to protect its vast collection of manuscripts, incunabula, and historical documents, becoming a key site for researchers and visitors interested in Romanian history.
Cultural Significance
The First Romanian School is a symbol of national identity and linguistic resilience. It represents the historical struggle to maintain the Romanian language in a multi-ethnic environment, serving as the cradle of modern Romanian education and literature.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Debates exist regarding the exact date of the earliest formal instruction at the site, as some records suggest informal teaching may have occurred decades before the 1583 construction of the current building.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open daily. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Guided tours are available and recommended for a deeper understanding of the manuscript collection.
Best Times to Visit
Weekdays during the morning hours to avoid weekend tourist groups from the main city center.
Photography
Personal photography permitted without flash. Professional photography requires prior approval from the museum administration.
Nearby POIs
14 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]
- [2]History of Romanian Education — Constantin C. Giurescu. Editura Didactică și Pedagogică (1975)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Stone, Wood, Brick
- Civilization
- Romanian
- Accessibility
- Ground floor accessible