Râșnov

Râșnov (Rosenau; Barcarozsnyó; Transylvanian Saxon dialect: Rusnâ; Latin: Rosnovia) is a town in Brașov County, Romania with a population of under 16,000.

It is located at about 15 km from the city of Brașov and about the same distance from Bran, on the road that links Wallachia and Transylvania.

History
It is possible this name is derived from Slavic "žrŭnovy", meaning (village or valley) "of the mill". In the 14th century, German documents used the name Rasnov, but the modern German name, Rosenau, is based on a popular etymology, being influenced by the German word "Rose".

In Râșnov a citadel was built around the year 1215 by the Teutonic Knights and it was mentioned for the first time in 1331. The citadel was conquered only once in its history, around the year 1600 by Gabriel Báthory.

In 1856, the Roman fort of Cumidava was discovered near the town.

In 2002, the Râșnov Citadel and surroundings were used during the shooting of several scenes from the American film Cold Mountain.

Myth
There is a myth attached to Râșnov Citadel. During a particularly long siege of the fortress, the citizens of Râşnov were concerned about the lack of available fresh drinking water. Two Turkish soldiers, having been captured earlier, were put to the task of digging a well in the centre of the fortress. These two men were assured that they would be given their freedom once the well was completed. According to local legend, it took them 17 years to finish the well, but they were still killed afterwards. This famous well still sits in the centre of Râșnov Fortress, and is 143 metres deep.

Culture
As of August 2013, Râșnov became the host of the first extreme metal festival in Romania, known as Rockstadt Extreme Fest which was held at the hill's base with the Râșnov Citadel. The festival featured bands such as Decapitated, Napalm Death, Gojira, Carach Angren, Septicflesh, Primordial among many others and it continues in 2014, Katatonia being the first band confirmed.

Sports
Râșnov Sports Complex was built just outside the town in Cărbunarii Valley, for 2013 European Youth Winter Olympic Festival which was hosted in the nearby city of Brașov.

Two ski jumping events will take place in Râșnov, as part of the Women's Ski Jumping World Cup 2013/2014 competition. The events are scheduled for March 2014, on the "Valea Cărbunării" slope.