Fǎgǎraş

Făgăraș lies on the Olt below the high mountains that bear its name. Its castle was the centre of a district with a distinct Romanian noble community. In 1508 its castellan and the local boyars agreed upon statutes governing the rights and obligations of the district, reflecting its particular place within Transylvania.

The fortress became a residence of the princes of Transylvania and their families. In 1599 Michael the Brave took possession and gave it to his wife Stanca, who lived here with their children. Gabriel Bethlen later rebuilt the castle, and under George Rákóczi I its defences were enlarged and the moat widened. The stronghold thus joined the functions of princely residence, administrative centre and military defence on the southern edge of the principality.