"The First Romanian School" Museum — Attraction in Zona Metropolitană Brașov

My girlfriend and I were walking her dog and passed by the museum. She asked me if I want to go inside and we spontaneously entered. I had just been to Spain where I had been to some amazing museums which were all walk through on your own or with a recorded guide. To my surprise, Ioan presented himself and asked us if we would take a seat in the classroom. The original wooden benches and desk were worn from the countless number of lucky pupils who had the opportunity to sit in the benches of the First Romanian School. Ioan, our classmate and yet our teacher, began to tell us the history of this wondrous treasure. He captivated us immediately with his calm voice and his talent as an educator. "First" makes you think, especially because of it's age, that it was the first school in Romania but Ioan proved to us his words, that "first" also means the best! The museum offers so much culture and priceless historical items, books, a printing press developed by Johanes Guttenberg, paintings and clothing. I could go on and on but the best would be for you to see for yourself. Do not miss this treasure which looks so simple on the outside. Ioan also took a polaroid picture of us and gifted us with a cope of "Un Rasunet" the poem written by Andrei Mureseanu which became Romania's national anthem in 1990 after the revolution the year before. My best translation is "Awaken, Romania" in the sense of "open your eyes" I will certainly visit again, as our teacher/colleague Ioan said "You can't go to school just once" and this museum has so much to offer, he is definitely right. Like I said, I had just been to Spain and saw some amazing museums but did not learn much because of the way they were presented. I left here filled with knowledge of Romanian history as well and general culture. All of this, I will also mention, for 20 lei which at the present exchange is...

There is a sign before entering the compound of the church indicating that the museum was in the compound. I went inside the compound at 12.30 PM, hoping to look around the museum before the 1:00 PM tour (as mentioned in their website, photo attached). I went around the church twice and did not find it. I finally left the church compound and circled the perimeter when I saw a small gate with the logo of the museum. I hurried inside and was met by a tall man who seemed to be surprised I was there. I asked if it was the museum and if I could buy a ticket, to which he answered yes and sold me a ticket. (Apparently, the original location is being fixed, and the museum is occupying a temporary space.) I asked if there was a tour as it was 1:00 PM. He looked at me as if I said the most ridiculous thing and condescendingly said something to the effect that I was the only person, and it would be silly to do the tour with only me. I was disappointed by this, but as I had paid, I decided to go around myself and use Google translate to read the few captions available. Unfortunately, I could not do this in peace as, despite refusing to give me a tour, the man followed me around and kept close watch as I looked at photos on the wall and books in cabinets. I would venture to ask about what I was looking at or trying to understand, and he would give a short answer and walk away. Then he would appear again and hover, give me a bit of information, and leave. After 20 awkward minutes, I decided to leave. I was surprised he seemed friendlier at this point and gave me three photos as keepsakes, then told me something like maybe next time the teacher will come and give a test.

I was looking forward to seeing this museum and learning about the history of Romanian scholarship. Unfortunately, the kind of teaching that perhaps existed then was not available or...

A glimpse at Romanian History: An Amazing Trip to the First Romanian School

Heritage International School students and I visited the First Romanian School Museum on May 28, 2023. In the charming Romanian city of Brasov, this museum takes you on a fascinating trip into the past. It shows the rich history and cultural importance of the Romanian school system. Our tour guide, Mr.Cornea, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable as we explored the museum's exhibits. The exhibits were well-designed, transporting us back to the 16th century while also shedding light on the origins and evolution of the Romanian educational heritage.

Walking through the building's sacred hallways was awe-inspiring. The classes were decorated with real wooden desks, inkwells, and old books, taking us back to a time when only a few people could afford to go to school.

The manuscripts and volumes were a highlight of our tour. These exquisite artifacts demonstrate Romanian academics' devotion to preserving information for future generations. The intricate calligraphy and vivid illustrations captured our attention, providing a glimpse of the intellectual and artistic achievements of the period. We liked using quill pens to practice calligraphy. It was humbling to realize how much expertise and effort went into such exquisite creations.

The First Romanian School Museum is more than just a collection of objects; it is a tribute to the resiliency and intellectual history of the Romanian people. The museum's impressive collection, helpful personnel, and absorbing setting make it an unforgettable experience. Our visit was truly unforgettable, and I enthusiastically recommend this museum to anyone interested in the remarkable history of the Romanian...