Situated in the historical city of Brasov, in the Transylvania region of Romania, the Black Church has been the subject of many narratives passed down through generations. The church, cradled at the foot of Mount Tampa, is the largest gothic church in the country and goes by its name due to the effects of a fire that tarnished its outer walls black in 1689. The lore surrounding it is as imposing as its architectural design, involving human sacrifice, love, tragedy, and the supernatural. The most commonly told story dates back to the 15th century, during the turbulent period of its construction. Local legend has it that the main architect had an apprentice, a young and very talented man. Over time, the apprentice’s abilities surpassed his master’s. Overwhelmed by pride and jealousy, the architect pushed his apprentice off the church’s towering roof, quenching the threat to his relevance and reputation. Remorse for his horrendous act pushed him to immortalize his apprentice by placing a statue of him on the church’s facade. As you approach the Black Church, you can still spot the statue of the apprentice, forever overlooked by his malicious master. Other legends say that a child was walled up alive in the church’s foundation to ward off evil spirits. With mysterious legends, historical relevance, and architectural grandeur, the Black Church stands proud in Brasov, an integral part of city’s folklore and history.