The Black Church is the symbol of Brașov and the largest Gothic place of worship in south-eastern Europe. At 89 metres long and with a history spanning over 600 years, construction began in 1383, on the site of an older church destroyed during the Tatar invasion of 1241. Its name comes from the great fire of 1689, which destroyed the roof and interior, leaving its walls blackened. Inside you'll find the largest collection of Oriental rugs in south-eastern Europe: over 100 pieces donated by Brașov's merchants and the largest mechanical organ in Romania, built in 1839.