"History of a town" Bistrita by irinuca

Bistrita City is located on the Bistrita Valley, at the foot of the Borgo Mountains, not far away of the Borgo Pass and at some important commercial crossroads.
Archeological diggings in the area have revealed the existence of some prehistoric dwellings, but Bistrita was only first mentioned in a document dating back in 1244 and it was officially mentioned as a city in 1264. Towards the end of the XIII-th century Bistrita's economy develops and flourishes, but it is broken at times by troubles and wars. In 1241 – 1242, the Tatars, on their way to Central Europe, devastated town and the surroundings.
Starting in 1353, Bistrita gains the right to hold its annual 15-days fair and receive the right to have its own seal (a crowned ostrich head holding a gold lucky horseshoe in its beak), which was also representative of the most important trade-crafts and commerce.
Because of unsettling times the city erects defense walls and Bistrita become a fortress. By 1465 the city had 18 towers and bastions defended by the city's traders organized in guilds. During this time, Bistrita becomes one of the most important cities in Transylvania along with Sighisoara and Sibiu.
Proof of the strong economical development are some of the city's architectural structures, some of which can still be seen today .
Through its architecture the old downtown reminds of Bistrita's flourish times during the past century.
In 1968 Bistrita became the capital city of Bistrita Nasaud county.