Codlea was first documented in 1335 under the Latin name "Longa Vicus," meaning "Long Village," a designation reflecting its elongated geographical layout.

Known historically by its German name "Zeiden," the town was a significant settlement of the Transylvanian Saxons, who contributed substantially to its development and culture for centuries.

The town's most prominent landmark is its majestic fortified Evangelical Church, a Gothic basilica built in the 13th century and extensively fortified with massive walls, towers, and moats between the 15th and 17th centuries against Ottoman and Tatar incursions.

Geographically, Codlea is strategically situated in the picturesque Burzenland (Țara Bârsei) depression, approximately 15 kilometers west of Brașov, nestled between the Perșani Mountains and the Măgura Codlei peak.

Historically dominated by a Transylvanian Saxon population, Codlea's demographics shifted significantly in the late 20th century due to mass emigration, resulting in a predominantly Romanian population with a notable Hungarian minority today.

Codlea's population experienced substantial growth during the communist industrialization era but witnessed a subsequent decline post-1989 due to Saxon emigration and economic restructuring, stabilizing in recent years within the Brașov metropolitan area.

Traditionally an agricultural center, Codlea evolved into a hub for various crafts, particularly known for its textiles, pottery, and brick manufacturing during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The contemporary economy of Codlea is diverse, characterized by a strong presence of manufacturing, particularly in automotive components, electronics, construction materials, and a growing services sector, leveraging its proximity to Brașov.

The fortified church complex, considered one of the best-preserved in Transylvania, features a triple-naved basilica, an imposing clock tower, and a double ring of defensive walls complete with turrets and a barbican.

Above the town, on the Măgura Codlei hill, lie the intriguing ruins of "Cetatea Neagră" (Black Citadel), a medieval fortress from the 13th century that served as a vital defensive outpost guarding trade routes.

While its Saxon heritage is preserved through architecture and some cultural memory, Codlea now celebrates primarily Romanian traditions, with local fairs and the annual "Zilele Codlei" (Days of Codlea) festival showcasing local culture and products.

Codlea played a crucial defensive role in national history, with its fortified structures acting as formidable barriers against numerous invasions, particularly from the Ottoman Empire and Tatar hordes, safeguarding the Burzenland region.

The town benefits from excellent infrastructure, including direct access to National Road DN1 and a railway station, facilitating regional connectivity for both residents and industries.

Codlea, though not a UNESCO World Heritage site itself, is located in a region rich with UNESCO-listed fortified churches, benefiting from the broader cultural and historical recognition of Transylvanian Saxon settlements.

The local industrial parks attract foreign investments and provide numerous employment opportunities, significantly contributing to the economic development of the Brașov county.