Guide to Romania: the most interesting places and famous sights of the country. Hoya bachu anomalous forest in romania Retezat national park

Hi all! Today we will go with you to the mysterious country of Romania. You were there? And I haven’t yet, but I will definitely go, because nothing compares to a real trip. To increase your desire to visit this territory, I will tell you about the magical side of Romania.

Dark and mysterious, Romania is an ideal country for those who believe in sorcerers, witches, ghosts and vampires.

• Breathtaking landscapes;
• mountains and valleys covered with mist;
• warm Black Sea;
• dense forests, rivers and numerous lakes;
• ancient castles and no less ancient customs

Being in such a place, you understand that reality and magic can coexist.

The uniqueness of the Romanian folk culture lies in its archaism: ancient knowledge is carefully preserved in its original form, practically unchanged. Church control in Romania has always been less strict than in Western or Central Europe. There was no organization similar to the Inquisition, which means that the pagans were not subjected to massive and systematic persecution. And the mentality of the Romanians also played a role: for centuries they have been influenced by various peoples, but they have always adhered to their culture and traditions.

Dracula: legends and reality

Perhaps the first association with the word "Romania" for most foreigners will be "Count Dracula". This colorful character can rightfully be called the most famous Romanian, and the castle is the most important sight of the country, which thousands of tourists consider it their duty to visit.

Meanwhile, several ancient estates claim the honorary title of "Dracula's castle". Supporters of different theories have their own numerous arguments, however, it is generally accepted that the legendary vampire still lived in Bran Castle, thirty kilometers from the small city of Brasov.

To be precise, in Romania Dracula is a household name belonging to two different heroes. One of them marked the beginning of the literary and cinematic "career" of the bloodthirsty count, this is the image created by the Irishman Bram Stoker in the novel Dracula (1897). The namesake of this hero (and, concurrently, his prototype) lived a very real life and went down in history as an incredibly cruel ruler of Wallachia, one of the Regions of Romania.

Archaeological excavations were carried out in 1931 to verify the truth of this legend, but no remains were found. There was also no remains of a coffin, anything that would indicate a burial. However, mystery lovers and mystics not only were not disappointed, but, on the contrary, began to heatedly discuss a new issue: the mysterious disappearance of the body of the vampire count. All these mysterious stories give Romania that unique flavor for which it is so loved.

Romanian witches

Witches for Romanians are not characters of ancient fairy tales, but quite real, familiar creatures that live side by side with them and do not surprise anyone. Local residents have long trusted sorcerers and sorceresses, faith in them is strong to this day, especially in rural areas.

An important event was the legalization in 2011 of magic, witchcraft and sorcery. This means that such professions as a soothsayer, palmist, black magician and the like were classified as entrepreneurs. Servants of the dark and light forces were obliged to give 16% of their income to the treasury, which caused a strong resonance in the magical world. The anger of witches (and in the vast majority of cases this profession in Romania is precisely female) knew no bounds. According to them, the new tax would leave them without a livelihood, because their earnings are not great at all.

The sorceresses also noted their merits in the fight against natural disasters (which are not uncommon for Romania, and can be truly destructive). The state, according to women, does not show due gratitude for magical support, while the politicians themselves often seek spells for their enemies.

Angry with the arbitrariness of the authorities, the furies decided to take revenge on the government by a method accessible only to them: to impose a terrible curse on the members of the Cabinet of Ministers! For the ritual, 13 witches gathered at night on the banks of the Danube. They made and, having performed all the manipulations necessary in such cases, poured a poisonous decoction into the river (they said that it contained a magical plant). Bratara Buzeya, the chief witch of Romania, told reporters: "We harm those who have harmed us." About whether the “worst curse in the world” worked, history is silent.

A modern innovation that entered the life of Romanian wizards and sorceresses and significantly influenced it is the Internet. “We must apply modern technologies, keep up with the times,” they say.

Unlike their Russian counterparts, Romanian sorcerers can advertise their services, offer various potions and potions legally, along with ordinary goods and services. A lady who owns the profession of a witch here has the official right to predict the future, speak illnesses, make love spells, etc.

The famous Romanian witch Rodica was an innovator - she was the first among her colleagues to start her own website and blog. It turned out that the ancient teachings are well combined with new technologies: Rodica taught everyone who wanted to read fortune-telling on cards online, was engaged in daily interpretation of dreams and, of course, advertised her skills, promising those who applied to her the return of potency, getting rid of drunkenness, serious illnesses and many, many more. “I create potions and cast spells according to the ancient art of divination. However, the blog is what brings me closer to potential clients, many of whom used to be skeptical about magic,” writes Rodica. “There are no distances for magic,” says another modern witch, Domnica Vilanu, from an old Romanian family.

It is worth noting that not all Romanian sorcerers at one time took the new "magic" tax with hostility. Some even then said that this step of the government is a legislative recognition of the existence of witchcraft. In other words, having lost part of their income, astrologers, soothsayers, shamans moved from an illegal position to a completely legal one. It seems that in Romania the age-old confrontation between science and the occult ended in a friendly draw.

Although, today Russia has already opened the door to witches and sorcerers. The transmission gave impetus to this movement. Websites, advertisements and offers to use such services are now everywhere, on the Internet and in newspapers.

Be sure to visit Romania, visit Dracula's castle and chat with local witches. I wish you a mystical journey!

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Located in Eastern Europe and one of the countries that were once behind the Iron Curtain, Romania is not as interesting for tourists as many other EU countries. However, in recent years, their number has been steadily growing, and the number of people wishing to visit this country is a total of 9.3 million tourists from all over the world per year. Given its geography and geopolitical past, the country has much to offer, both in terms of cultural heritage and the diversity of its natural landscapes.

It is a mixture of East and West, and their mixing can be found in everything from architectural style to national cuisine and local customs. Transylvania, the land of the mythical Dracula, is also part of Romania, so you are sure to have a lot of experiences. Here are 10 tourist attractions in Romania you won't want to miss.

10. Bucharest and the Palace of Parliament

If you are visiting Romania as a tourist, chances are your first stop will be the country's capital, Bucharest. As the sixth largest city in the EU with 555 years of history, Bucharest has a lot to offer to its guests. However, the capital of Romania is not exactly suitable for tourists. It's not that the city is dangerous, or for any other reason, it's all about public transport and the availability of tourist information, in this respect the city needs some improvement. However, Bucharest's inconvenience is made up for by the treasures hidden here, waiting to be discovered.

In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Romania developed its own architectural style, known as the Brancovenesc style, which was further refined in the late 19th century. Buildings in this style can be found throughout the city center, but most of all in some areas, such as Cotroceni or Dorobanti. When it comes to nightlife, the Old Town is one of the liveliest areas in the entire EU.

One impressive feature that is immediately noticed by anyone visiting Bucharest for the first time is the Palace of the Parliament. This communist-era building commissioned by dictator Nicolae Ceausescu dominates the urban landscape for miles around. In the 1980s, more than a fifth of the historic city was demolished to make way for large boulevards and Soviet-style apartment buildings. An entire neighborhood was also razed to the ground to build the Palace of the Parliament, which is the largest administrative building in the world, and the heaviest structure ever built. With over 1,100 rooms, the Palace is a fine example of megalomania that you can visit.

9. Peles Castle

Founded in 1873 by order of King Charles I of Romania and completed ten years later, the Peles Castle is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. Built in the style of German New Renaissance architecture, Peles is located at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains, in the picturesque town of Sinaia, which is also a popular tourist and ski resort. The castle acted as a summer residence for the royal family from its construction until 1947. The interior of its 160 rooms is as mesmerizing as the exterior of the palace, with each room using its own décor and theme. The armory contains more than 4,000 weapons from Europe and Asia, and the castle's cinema is considered the first place where films were shown for the first time in Romania.

On the same territory, a second castle was built for Charles's successor, King Ferdinand. Known as Pelisor, this smaller version of the castle is just as striking as its larger counterpart, especially in its interior decoration. For example, in the Golden Room, the walls and furniture are covered with precious metal. After the end of the Second World War and the coming to power of the communists, both castles were confiscated and the royal family was expelled from the country. Dictator Nicolae Ceausescu sought to turn Peles into a residence of protocol, but thanks to the caretakers, this never happened. They are said to have told him that the castle had a mold problem that could pose a serious health hazard to those living inside. In any case, Peles was closed to the public from 1975 to 1990, after which it was opened as a museum.

8. Danube Delta

On the southeastern edge of Romania, where the Danube River meets the Black Sea, lies the second largest marshland in Europe, known as the Danube Delta. Second in area only to the Volga Delta in Russia, this area has a total area of ​​1994 square kilometers. It remains one of the most unspoiled places on the continent and an important pit stop for many migratory birds from Africa and Europe. The Danube Delta is also home to the world's largest pelican colony, as well as 300 other bird species and 45 freshwater fish species.

Accessible today only by boat, about 5,000 years ago the delta swamps and many of the lagoons did not yet exist. Then this area was nothing more than a bay of the Black Sea. But over the centuries, silt has steadily accumulated at the mouth of the Danube, slowly expanding the delta to its current shape. Even to this day, the swamp area is increasing by about 40 meters every year. But, despite the constantly changing landscape, people have lived here for many centuries. Still relying on what the delta has to offer, the locals have not changed their way of life. They still build reed houses and you can still see them on small wooden boats with a fishing rod in their hands.

7. Old Wine Route

Given its geographic location, Romania has a very long history of wine production. Both archaeological and historical evidence suggests that vineyards have been growing in the region for at least 2,700 years. Some historians even say that the Greek god of wine, Dionysus, and his Roman counterpart, Bacchus, were the prototypes of the Thracian and Dacian god Sabazios. To this day, Romania is the 13th largest wine producer in the world and the sixth in the EU.

Only a relatively small region in the center of the country, due to its high altitude, is not suitable for wine production. However, there are over 250 wine cellars throughout the country that can be visited all year round. However, the best time for this is from April to October. The Old Wine Route runs along the southern and southeastern side of the Carpathian Mountains past numerous vineyards, estates, monasteries, wine museums and other historical sites. But this is by no means the only place where you can drain a large glass of wine, as wine tasting is a must for every tourist (who can enjoy the advantage of their age) when visiting Romania.

6. Mountain Dacian fortresses

To get acquainted with the ancient past of Romania, it is best to climb high into the mountains. Sarmizegetusa Regia was the capital of the Dacians who inhabited the area during Roman times. Built around the 1st century BC, this fortress, along with five others in the area, acted as the seat of the Dacian Kingdom, as well as a unique defensive system that was used in the wars against the Romans. The main fortress is also the largest and consists of three parts: the defensive structure itself, the civilian quarters and the sanctuary. This sacred place was built on two terraces and was dedicated to local deities. The Grand Sanctuary is a circular structure, somewhat reminiscent of Stonehenge, and served as both a place for performing rituals and an astronomical calendar.

Today, despite the fact that all six fortresses have become nothing more than ruins, each of them is unique in its own way, either by its purpose or by its hard-to-reach location. The legend also says that somewhere in these mountains the last Dacian king buried a huge treasure. Before the arrival of the Romans, he temporarily diverted the river from its usual course and hid the treasure at the bottom. But before you decide to find the treasure, know that the legend also speaks of a curse. Anyone who goes in search of the hidden treasure will be bitten by a poisonous snake and die.

5. City of Sighisoara

Sighisoara is located in the heart of Transylvania. Although a settlement has existed in the area since Roman times, the city as we know it today was founded by the Transylvanian Saxons in the 13th century. The economic strength of Sighișoara, which increased during the 14th and 15th centuries, ensured the city's survival for centuries as one of the "seven strongholds of the Saxons". And although Sighisoara was neither the richest nor the largest of the seven, in recent times it has become the most popular. Today the city is famous for its colorful architecture, cobbled alleys, steep stairs, numerous defensive towers and turrets, medieval churches and the most important citadel.

Only nine of the fourteen towers originally built have survived the test of time. Each of them was built and maintained by one of the craftsmen's guilds located in the city. Another interesting fact about this is that it is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the infamous ruler of Wallachia and the prototype of Count Dracula from the work of Bram Stoker. The house where he lived until he was six or seven still exists and can be visited.

4. Danube Gorges

Nowhere in its 2,864 km length is the Danube more impressive and mesmerizing than where it passes through the Carpathians. Forming a natural border between Romania and Serbia, the gorges, also known as the Danube Cauldrons, sometimes give the impression that the water is boiling here. But even if this is not the case, the narrowing of the mighty river in this place from time to time creates certain problems for navigation. However, it is the largest and oldest river canyon in Europe.

In addition to a boat cruise on the Danube, you can climb the surrounding mountains and enjoy the breathtaking views from them. You can also explore the many caves found here, which in ancient times were used either as safe havens or as moorings for boats going up and down the river. And as proof that this place is steeped in history, there is an ancient plaque on the Serbian shore commissioned by the Roman Emperor Trajan to commemorate the construction of the bridge used by the Roman legions to invade Dacia. And on the Romanian coast, a stone face 55 meters high is carved right into the rock, depicting the last Dacian king. It is the largest statue of its kind in Europe.

3. Monasteries of Bukovina

The northeastern region of Romania is proud of its numerous monasteries. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, these medieval churches are unique in Europe and famous for their exterior frescoes. These monasteries, built in a combination of Gothic and Byzantine architectural styles, also incorporating their own unique elements, are an immortal cultural world heritage. Each of the 40 monasteries and churches are said to have been built by order of the sovereign Stefan the Great (Stefan cel Mare) and his successor Petru Rares after various victories in battles against Tatar invaders from the east.

Most of them also acted as fortifications against marauders, protecting both people and ancient manuscripts. Eight of the monasteries are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Apart from their architecture, these monasteries also stand out for their unique paints used for wall paintings. Since then, the original recipes have been lost and cannot be recreated even with modern technology. However, according to chemical analysis, traces of traditional Romanian plum cognac were found both in the plaster and in the paints themselves.

2. Turda Gorge and Salt Mine

Back in the time of the dinosaurs, much of present-day Romania was part of the ancient seabed. Because of this, some regions are rich in salt deposits, such as Central Transylvania. Here is the Turda Gorge and the Salt Mine. The outer gorges offer breathtaking views of narrow vertical cliffs, waterfalls, caves, dense forests, sunny meadows and picturesque villages. More than 1,000 species of plants and animals live here, many of which are endangered. This area is a favorite place for hiking with more than 250 climbing trails of varying difficulty.

The dungeon strikes no less than the terrestrial landscape. Since the time of the Romans, salt deposits have been constantly exploited. Today they are open to the public and offer their visitors a chance to descend to incredible depths. The billowing galleries, somewhat fitting descriptions found in Tolkien's books, are now illuminated, making them mesmerizing. Inside, various activities await you with which you can indulge yourself, such as mini golf, tennis, bowling, football or swimming pool. There is also a large Ferris wheel that takes visitors close to the top of the shaft to see the many stalactites up close. One of the many galleries also has a huge underground lake where you can take a relaxing boat trip.

1. Dracula's Castle

Bran Castle owes its fame largely to the myth created around Bram Stoker's Dracula. Perched on a 60m high cliff, this castle was built by the Transylvanian Saxons in the 15th century on the site of a former Teutonic Order fortress from the 1100s. And although Stoker never visited Transylvania, he imagined Dracula's castle based on descriptions of this particular fortress. And, since this place is associated with blood-sucking vampires, it should be visited. Curiously, there is also a connection between the castle and the infamous Vlad the Impaler, ruler of Wallachia.

Bran Castle is located right at the entrance to the mountain pass that connects the historical regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. Even in the Middle Ages, it played the role of customs, imposing high duties on Romanians who wanted to do business with the then Saxon city of Brasov. This caused relations between Vlad the Impaler and the Lords of Bran to become tense to say the least. Whether the Wallachian ruler ever captured the castle is not known, but here he was imprisoned for two months after he was taken prisoner by the Hungarian king in 1462.

Those who visit this mythical castle should also consider visiting other medieval towns and fortresses in the region, including the city of Brasov. The pass, which is located at the base of Bran Castle, should not be ignored either. There are several caves here that were regularly used by both outlaws and prehistoric animals such as the extinct cave bear. From the neighboring village of Pestera (cave), a truly amazing view opens up both to the majestic Carpathian Mountains and to the life of people in those days when "vampires" still roamed this land.

Romania is a relatively young country with a rich history and cultural heritage that attracts tourists from all over the world! The republic is proud of magnificent palaces, medieval castles and villages, inexpensive ski resorts - Poiana Brasov, Bushteni, Predeal and Sinaia. The state is well-known, thanks to the famous castle of Dracula, located in Brasov. Romania is one of those countries that has practically not changed the boundaries of its own forests and is very careful about flora and fauna. We bring to your attention a fascinating guide to mysterious Romania.

Brief acquaintance with an amazing, European state

Romania is located in Southeastern Europe, part of the country is located in the northeast of the Balkan Peninsula.

Photo taken from the site: knaus.com.ua

The capital of the state is the city of Bucharest. Romania neighbors Moldova and Ukraine, Serbia and Hungary, and also has a land border with Bulgaria. The majority of the population of the country professes Orthodoxy. In the southeast, Romania is washed by the Black Sea. The Carpathian Mountains stretch across the entire territory of the country. The highest point in Romania is Mount Moldoveanu. Forests occupy only thirteen percent of the republic's area. The state has been a member of the European Union since 2007.

On the Black Sea coast of Romania there are wonderful natural beaches. Popular seaside resorts in Romania are Constanta and Mamaia, Eforia and Mangalia, ski resorts - Sinaia and Bushteni, Predeal and Poiana Brasov, balneological resorts - Baile Felix (near Oradea), Baile Herculanee and Efori Nord (mud baths can be taken on Lake Tekirgel ). The ski season starts in December and ends in March. The third part of all mineral and thermal springs in Europe is concentrated in the country.

What is worth seeing in Romania?

Romania is rich in numerous cultural, historical and architectural sights. worth seeing at least once in your life!

Photo taken from the site: guide.travel.ru

In Romania, tourists should visit:

• Art Museum and National History Museum.
• Palace of Justice 1864 and palace steerbay 1835.
• National Bank in the premises of 1885 and the presidential palace, located in a building built in the 17th century.
• Konstakudilo Palace 1900 and royal palace 1935.
• Arc de Triomphe 1920 and Antim Monastery 1715.
• Mihai Voda Monastery and Patriarchal Church dated 1665.
• Church of Croculescu and ethnographic museum - Cluj-Napoca
• Church of St. Michael, erected in 1396-1432, and Reformed Church 1486.
• Palace of Botanui- the former residence of the princes of Transylvania and Alba Iulia - the oldest museum in Romania, which was opened in 1794.
• Citadel b, built by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI in 1716-1735 and 2nd century cathedral, which was rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 15th century.

No less valuable sights of Romania are:

• Historical Museum of Brasov a, functioning in a building of the 15th century and fragments of the citadel of 1553.
• Gothic Black Church(XIV - XV centuries) and Church of St. Bartholomew dated to the 13th century.
• town hall, built in 1420 and bran castle- Count Dracula's castle.
• The cathedral and two 15th century church in Iasi.
• Parish church in Oradea, in which the king of Hungary, Laszlo I the Holy, is buried.
• gothic church 15th century and Teleki Palace in Tirgu Mures.

Interesting sights can be found in Timisoara:

• 18th century castle and Orthodox Cathedral;
• pseudo-gothic column, located in the city center, built in 1851 by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria.

In the village of Sinai, tourists will be able to watch the summer Peles Royal Palace dated to the 19th century.

Natural attractions of Romania

Travelers will be enchanted by the unsurpassed beauty of the Bigar waterfall, located in the west of Romania in the area of ​​Carash Severin, near the town of Bozovic. The Nera Gorge, famous for this miracle of nature, is located in the Beušnica National Park.

Photo taken from the site: www.lifeguide.com.ua

Tourists will be able to enjoy a truly fabulous spectacle. A feature of this waterfall is that, rushing at a breakneck speed, water streams fall from an eight-meter height onto tuff covered with green moss. It seems that a jet of water envelops a stone formation resembling a mushroom from all sides.

So that tourists can get to the fabulous waterfall, a bridge was built over the Minis River. The national park attracts tourists not only with a unique and fantastically beautiful waterfall, but also with turquoise lakes, mysterious caves, diverse flora and fauna.

A protected area with steep cliffs and caves - the Bikaz Gorge is located in the Eastern Carpathians.

Photo taken from the site: needguide.ru

It is the longest in Romania. In addition, it is also very deep. In 2004, this area received the status of a national park. Unique plants grow here, rare species of birds and animals live, there is a natural mountain lake "Red" and an artificial reservoir - Bikaz.

The picturesque Red Lake or Killer is characterized by an L-shaped shape, located at an altitude of nine hundred and eighty meters above sea level, near the Bicaz Gorge (this is the northeastern part of Romania).

Photo taken from the site: nataliacebotari.wordpress.com

It arose naturally in 1837. As a result of heavy rainfall, rocks collapsed. They blocked the mountain river, forming a barrier like a dam.

The depth of the lake is ten and a half meters. The reservoir covers an area of ​​​​114676 sq / m, and reaches a length of 2830 meters.

Tourists will be pleased to stroll through the Botanical Garden of Bucharest, which is characterized by excellent landscape design. It is located near the Katroceni Palace and the center of the capital.

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The Botanical Garden was founded in 1860. It occupies an area of ​​seventeen and a half hectares. Medicinal plants have been grown in this area for a long time. The Botanical Garden has been open to visitors since 1891. In 1954 it became the property of the university.

Here, in the building of the era of Brâncoveanu, there is a museum, which presents ancient botanical tools, their manuscripts, as well as products made from minerals.

Let us dwell on the tourist places that you need to visit in Romania.

Where to stay: tourists are accepted

TOP - 15 main sights of Romania

Bran Castle or Count Dracula's Castle is the most popular tourist attraction in Romania, a vivid example of medieval architecture. It was erected in the 14th century on top of a cliff, in the place where the wooden fortress of the Teutonic Knights was located.

Photo taken from the site: globustour.com.ua

In the 17th century, two towers appeared near the castle, characterized by an irregular geometric shape. During the time of Queen Bran, a wonderful park was created, with a lake and fountains. The castle is currently owned by Dominic Habsburg.

The castle never belonged to Count Dracula. Bran - served as a haven for Vlad the Impaler during his campaigns, he stopped here to hunt in the mountains. In the castle museum, tourists can see his bed.

How to get there: from the capital to Brasov it is possible to take a train, transfer to a bus and get off at the Castelul Bran station.

The entrance to the castle is paid.

Where to stay: tourists are accepted

Rasnov Fortress is located between the village of Brasov and the castle called Bran.

Photo taken from the site: allworld4us.livejournal.com

It was built in the 13th century in the place where the old fort of the Teutonic Knights was located. Ryshnov Fortress flaunts on top of the mountain. Currently, it is a popular tourist attraction among travelers, characterized by a stunning panorama of the city and its surroundings.

Where to stay: tourists are accepted

3. Poenari Castle or "real Dracula's castle".

Poienari is one of the oldest Romanian castles. It was erected in the 13th century over the Argesh River.

Photo taken from the site: www.rutraveller.ru

At first the castle had only one tower. In the 15th century, it was rebuilt by Vlad III Tepes (the prototype of the vampire count Dracula), who settled here for a long time. The castle then acquired new buildings.

At present, only ruins remain of it. To get to the legendary fortress, travelers need to overcome one and a half thousand steps of a steep stone staircase.

Peles Castle is a famous, luxurious architectural monument, built by order of King Charles I (Karol I) - a representative of the Hohenzollern dynasty. It is named after the mountain river of the same name. The construction of the palace dragged on for ten years.

Among the numerous styles that were embodied in the architectural design, the Neo-Renaissance prevailed. Peles Castle is the first electrified palace in the world equipped with an elevator. It occupies an area = over 3 thousand sq / m. The palace has more than one hundred and sixty rooms decorated in the Prussian Baroque style. The historical monument was declared a museum in 1953.

On the ceiling of the castle you can see the most beautiful hand-painted stained glass windows. The walls, antique, wooden furniture are decorated with carvings. The palace contains exquisite Turkish, Iraqi, Bukhara carpets, huge Venetian mirrors, a collection of gold, silver and porcelain items, sculptures, ivory figurines, as well as weapons and armor. The museum houses a unique collection of equipment for horses, knightly uniforms.

How to get there: to the city of Sinaia from the capital of Romania by train, as well as from Brasov by bus, then you need to walk to the castle.
Entrance to the palace is paid.

Where to stay: tourists are accepted

Tourists will be interested in an old, Lutheran religious building with a bell tower in the Gothic style - the Black Church of St. Mary, located in the city of Brasov (southeastern Transylvania). The construction of the temple began in the Middle Ages - in 1385.

Photo taken from the site: www.romaniajournal.ro

After the fire, restoration work began, during which the outside of the church was decorated with frescoes in the Renaissance style.

The religious building, together with the tower, reaches a height of sixty-five meters. Inside the temple you can see unique Turkish carpets, sculptures, frescoes, a font in the form of a cast-iron, Gothic ark, an organ dated 1839.

In the summer, organ music concerts are organized in the church for parishioners.

Where to stay: tourists are accepted

The Throne Fortress (another name is the Throne Castle) is located in the village of Suceava (north-eastern part of Romania).

Photo taken from the site: alexjourba.livejournal.com

Its construction was started by order of Prince Peter I Mushat in the 14th century. The fortress in the old days was the place where the coronation of the rulers of Moldova took place. Initially, it was characterized by a square shape, had towers (in the middle of the walls and at the corners).

Under Stefan the Great, construction began around the circle of bastions, the walls were strengthened. The fortress in the north was surrounded by a deep moat and equipped with a drawbridge. An underground passage led from it to St. Demetrius Church.

In the 20th century, the restoration of the Throne Castle was carried out by the Austrian architect Karl Romstorfer. Tourists today can see a paved courtyard, a chapel, a bathhouse. The fortress has become a venue for art exhibitions and a festival dedicated to the art of the Middle Ages.

Where to stay: tourists are accepted

The Crezulescu Palace was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The Romanian architect Petre Antonescu worked on his project. The building stands out against the background of other buildings of the capital with its beauty and pomposity. It is located near Cismigiu Park.

In the exterior of the Crezulescu building, features of the Gothic and Baroque styles can be traced. It is connected with the temple of Skitu Meguryanu by an underground passage. Since 1972, the palace has housed the headquarters of UNESCO-SEPES - the European Center for Higher Education.

Where to stay: tourists are accepted

The gloomy Corvin Castle rises on a rock above the Zlashte River in the city of Hunedoara (southern Transylvania). It was built in the 15th century.

Photo taken from the site: krasivye-mesta.com

Initially, it had the shape of an oval. The castle at one time was the family nest of the Hunyadi family. Thanks to the reconstructions, its appearance has been changed. The castle had towers and a chapel.

According to legend, Vlad Celesh (Count Dracula), who was deposed from the throne, was hidden in the dungeons of Huyandi Castle. In the 17th century, under the next owner - Gabor Bethlen - the castle was rebuilt anew. The new palace embodied elements of late Gothic and Renaissance in its design.

Since the 18th century, the castle was owned by the Habsburgs. Today, there is a historical museum in Korvinovo, which will be interesting for travelers to see.

Where to stay: tourists are accepted

Catherine's Gate is located in Brasov. Previously, there was a fortress wall in their place, and near it was the monastery of St. Catherine.

Photo taken from the site: www.votpusk.ru

On the gate you can see the coat of arms of the city. Today, a museum operates in the premises of a unique attraction, which will be interesting to see for inquisitive tourists.

Where to stay: tourists are accepted

The ruins of Deva Castle are a famous landmark in Transylvania.

Photo taken from the site: www.votpusk.ru

The castle was built on the left bank of the Mures River, a tributary of the Tisza. The first mention of the fortress appeared in 1269. In order to look at fragments of the once mighty citadel, tourists can take the funicular up. Currently, the area around the castle Deva is a protected area. Rare plant species grow here.

The powerful, majestic castle-fortress Neamt is located on the territory of Romania near the town of Tirgu-Neamt, in a picturesque area between the Prut River and the Carpathians, on the Ples hill.

Photo taken from the site: www.votpusk.ru

The first written mention of the Neamts fortress dates back to 1395. The castle was founded by the prince of Moldavia Peter I Musat. The castle is characterized by incredibly thick, twenty-meter walls, impressive bastions, a semicircular bridge supported by eleven pillars. At present, an overview of the castle, strategically important in the old days, is included in popular tourist routes.

The Mogoshoaya Palace is a vivid example of a new, unique architectural style - the Brancovean style, which was founded by Constantin Brancoveanu.

Photo taken from the site: www.votpusk.ru

The palace and park complex is located at a distance of sixteen kilometers from Bucharest. Its construction lasted from 1689 to 1702. The Mogoshoai Palace was the summer residence of the crowned family.

Under the princes of Bibescu, the building acquired rich decoration, openwork balconies, wooden, carved columns and balustrades. Its design harmoniously combined western and eastern stylistic trends. In 1945, the palace became state property, and in 1957, it received the status of a museum of Brynkowie art.

Today, tourists within its walls can see antique furniture, household items of the 17th-19th centuries, icons, historical documentation and paintings.

Where to stay: tourists are accepted

The current, Orthodox, male monastery of Sinai is located in the mountains - the Southern Carpathians.

Photo taken from the site: commons.wikimedia.org

Its construction lasted five years - from 1690 to 1695. The founder of the monastery was a representative of a noble family - Mikhail Cantacuzino. The cult building is designed in the Brynkovian architectural style. The church was painted by the painter Parva Mutu.

The construction of the second church of the monastery took place from 1842 to 1946 in the same stylistic direction. Today, within its walls are two valuable icons that were presented by Emperor Nicholas II to King Ferdinand I of Romania.

Tourists are offered to visit the Museum of Church Art, which houses a rich collection of various church items, icons and books. Among them, the first Bible written in Romanian is of particular value.

Harastrau Park is located around the lake of the same name, in the north of the Romanian capital.

Photo taken from the site: www.votpusk.ru

The green island appeared in Bucharest in 1936. Harastrau Park is currently a popular place where not only guests of the capital, but also local residents prefer to relax.

Visitors to the park will see the Village Museum, functioning in the open air and named after the Romanian ethnographer - Dimitrie Gusti.

Guests will be offered:

• get acquainted with the life and life of the peasants of the Middle Ages:
• look at wooden huts and other buildings of the rural population of the 16th-18th centuries.

In the recreational area of ​​the park there are a large number of terraces, alleys, fountains, a fairground, a pier for boats, embankments and courts equipped for playing tennis.

Where to stay: tourists are accepted

The ancient Catholic Church of St. Bartholomew is located in the city of Brasov.

Photo taken from the site: www.votpusk.ru

It was built by the Transylvanian Saxons in 1260. The iconic building has a clock tower. The temple is a valuable monument of medieval architecture, decorated in the Gothic style. which will be interesting for tourists to see.

Where to stay: tourists are accepted

Embark on an exciting journey through Romania - a mysterious country with medieval castles, majestic mountains and the legends of Count Dracula, and enjoy pleasant moments! Tourists will be captivated by the virgin nature and rich fauna of the country, unique architectural objects and the hospitality of local residents. Here you can taste incredibly tasty and intoxicating Romanian wine. And in order to make your stay as comfortable as possible, do not forget

Radovan's Forest, located in Dolj County, is crossed by a road where accidents often occur, although the road section is straight.

According to local residents, there is only one explanation: the “bride of Radovan”, the ghost of a young woman dressed in a wedding dress, appears in front of the drivers, terrorizing those who walk in the forest at night.

This legend has several variants. Some say it is the ghost of a girl who came from Moldova to earn money for her family, but hanged herself in Radovan's forest, believing she was pregnant, which was a disgrace at the time.

As a suicide, she was not buried according to Christian custom, and her poor relatives could not take care of the grave, so her soul did not find peace.

Other locals say that the ghost of a girl appears in the forest of Radovan, whose fiancé died right before the wedding. She was waiting for him dressed in a wedding dress, and the news of his death made her jump into the well, but even after death she did not stop looking for her beloved. That is why the bride appears only in front of the cars of unmarried guys.

National Road 7: Tragedies Instigated by a Dead Bride

Another bride looking for her fiancé and car accidents are the center of the legend associated with the national road 7. Here, near Gaesht in Dymbovica County, several decades ago, a girl died on her wedding day. The fault was an accident in which her fiancé also died. Since then, many accidents have occurred in this area, especially near the cross erected by the family in memory of the young bride.

Within just two years, 12 unmarried men died near this cross, which makes the locals think about the curse of the bride, who, for some unknown reason, could not leave this world and leave with the groom.

Longgang Hill: Ghost Soldiers

Located between the villages of Sarka and Longgan in Yasi County, Longgang Hill is famous for its mysterious phantoms that appear to travelers. Locals tell stories about this area, not always pleasant legends about ghosts that haunted them for several kilometers, hovering next to them above the road.

It seems that soldiers who died during the First World War were buried in a mass grave in this zone. Since they died without communion and a candle and were buried without a religious rite, their souls did not find peace, so travelers are required to do for them what is supposed to be, that is, order a memorial service.

Hoya-Bachu Forest - Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania

The forest near the city of Cluj-Napoca has long been known for the mysterious events that take place here, and is even considered a gateway to another dimension. Called the "Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania", the forest is one of the world's most active regions in terms of paranormal activity.

Legends arose after a shepherd disappeared into the forest along with his flock, and no one was able to find either him or even part of the sheep. This was only the first mysterious disappearance in the Bachu Forest. Now both locals and tourists avoid this area, which only attracts thrill-seekers.

Romantic and mystical Romania is known to many for Transylvania and Count Dracula. But this is only a small part of what awaits in this beautiful country. The amazing republic boasts medieval castles, the Black Sea coast, clean beaches, lakes, the majestic Danube, ski and medical resorts. We will talk about this later in the article.

General idea of ​​the country

Romania, with Bucharest as its capital, is located in the southeastern part of Europe. The neighbors of the state are Ukraine, Moldova, Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria. The country has long understood that the name of Count Dracula alone will not go far. Therefore, in recent years, tourism infrastructure has been rapidly developing in Romania, new hotels are being built, new projects are appearing in the country's resorts.

Modern Romania will please guests with interesting excursion programs, fashionable and updated hotels, beautiful nature of mountain ranges, warm sea. The weather in Romania is influenced by the temperate continental climate zone, while the eastern regions are influenced by the sea. Winter in the country is mild and sunny, but sometimes there are frosts, summer is warm and humid. The swimming season on the Black Sea coast lasts from May to September, and the ski season in the Carpathians - from December to April.

How to get to Romania from different CIS countries

Several times a week there are direct flights from Moscow to Bucharest. The average flight duration is 2.5 hours. Every day, planes from Kyiv and Minsk land at the airports of Bucharest and Timisoara. There are no direct flights from Kazakhstan to Romania: you will have to fly with a transfer in Moscow, Kyiv or Minsk.

In the summer, fast trains depart from Moscow via Kyiv to Bucharest every day. Traveling from Russia on this transport will take about two days, and from Ukraine - 31 hours. In winter, trains run to Romania several times a week. Modern buses and taxis run from the capital's airport to Bucharest itself.

The Black Sea coast of Romania is famous for its flat bottom and clean, well-maintained beaches. The presented sea resorts of this amazing country will delight you with a developed infrastructure and affordable prices:

• Constanta is considered the largest Black Sea port and a great place to relax. The third largest Romanian seaside resort attracts travelers with interesting sights, entertainment centers, a cathedral, a mosque, museums, a planetarium and a dolphinarium.
• Near Constanta is the popular Mamaia. The resort is located on a sandy spit that separates the Black Sea and the large freshwater lake Syutghiol. The oldest city will please with a long coastline, wide beaches, numerous hotels, amusement parks, the only water park in the country, discos and bars. Every summer, Mamaia hosts a music festival. Unlike other places for sea holidays in Romania, this resort is more expensive, due to the high level of comfort.
• Lovers of family, calm and secluded holidays will love the resort of Jupiter, located an hour's drive from Constanta. Vacationers come here to admire the picturesque bay, soak up the wonderful beaches and escape from the bustle of the city.
• The southernmost resort in Romania is Mangalia, which is known for its beautiful sandy beach, thermal springs, mineral drinking water, therapeutic mud, a natural park and a horse farm where you can ride a horse. Next to Mangalia lies Saturn. This resort has lower prices.

The most luxurious resort on the Romanian coast is Neptune Olympus, located near Mangalia. The coastal zone of the town borders on a coniferous forest, thanks to which healing from lung diseases is carried out. Neptune-Olympus will delight tourists with sports grounds, a summer cinema, an amusement park, numerous shops and boat trips.

Ski resorts in Romania

The small but pretty resort of Sinai attracts tourists with its rich history and ancient architectural sights. The direction owes its name to the monastery, which was built in the area by the end of the 16th century. The hallmark of the town is the beautiful Peles Palace with a picturesque park.

Ski and toboggan runs are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. Sinai often serves as a venue for international winter sports competitions. The resort with a developed infrastructure will delight you with restaurants, bars, discos, a skating rink, a swimming pool, interesting excursions and picturesque nature with clean air.

The trendy resort of Poiana Brasov is located in a sunny valley. Well-equipped trails are built on the southern slopes of the Carpathian mountain Posrevaru. Tourists get here on horseback or sleigh, the air is of unique purity. Fans of bobsledding, cross-country skiing, luge, ski jumping and paragliding come to Poiana Brasov. Vacationers will be able to have a good time in the swimming pool, sports center, sauna, restaurants and ice rink. There are excursions to the legendary Bran Castle, which was built by Vlad Tepes himself in the 15th century.

Predeal is the highest mountainous Romanian city. The slopes of the resort are protected from the wind by a dense forest, which creates pleasant and comfortable conditions. Local ski tours are known in Europe and are popular. On the territory of the resort there are the best tracks of the country. The main feature of the area is that the ski base never closes and receives thousands of tourists.

Top things to do in Romania, how to spend time

Romania is rich in all kinds of entertainment. Entertaining excursions to ancient places and sights, cycling through mountain ranges, historical performances related to Count Dracula. We must not forget about the sea, ski and spa resorts. In the capital of Romania, Bucharest, tourists can admire the ancient architecture, visit city museums, taste delicious local cuisine in the country's best restaurants.

The seaside resort of Constanta is famous for its aquarium, which is located next to the famous casino building. The local aquarium is considered the first and largest in Romania. Visitors will be able to admire marine life from the Black and Mediterranean Seas. The aquarium is divided into three sections: representatives of the exotic underwater world live in the last section.

The northeastern city of Iasi is famous for its Palace of Culture, which looks like a French castle. The building was erected at the beginning of the last century, on the site of the ruins of the burnt royal court. During World War II, the Palace of Culture served as a warehouse and barracks for soldiers. Now this place houses museums, where exhibitions and cultural events are regularly held.

The surroundings of the city of Timisoara are known for the ancient Rekas vineyards, which were planted more than five centuries ago. The wines are famous all over Romania, and have been repeatedly awarded at international events with quality and taste marks. Excursions are constantly held on the territory of the vineyards, after which tourists visit wine cellars and workshops. In addition, each guest can bring the taste of the best wines home without any problems.

Sights of Romania, where to go

Transylvanian Brasov is known for the Black Temple and ancient churches, the historical museum and the medieval Town Hall. Not far from it is the city of Sighisoara, where Vlad the Impaler was born. It is worth visiting the museum, which is located in the building of the Clock Tower, a Gothic church.

The largest Black Sea resort in Romania, Constanta, in addition to the sea and beach holidays, is proud of its sights. Guests of the city are obliged to admire the ancient Roman wall, the monument to Ovid, the ancient Genoese lighthouse, the cathedral and the church. Fans of cultural recreation will see unique exhibits in the museums of the history of nature, navigation, ethnography, and astronomy.

The surroundings of Bucharest attract attention with the monastery, the "Lord's Church", the ruins of the castle of Count Dracula, the ruins of the Zhidov's palace, reserves with salt caves and the colorful town of Tirgu Jiu. Tourists come to Gorj County to visit the oldest Romanian monastery of Tisman.

The hallmark of the mountainous county of Maramures is the "Merry Cemetery", located in the town of Sepynets. This attraction is considered the only memorial building on the planet where death is depicted in the form of painted crosses and cheerful carved monuments.

The Romanian people have always been friendly and sociable, so tourists in the country can safely walk even at night, without fear of hooliganism and harassment. In terms of security, Bucharest is ahead of many European capitals. Fraud and petty theft rarely happen, and even then far from the main attractions. Despite the rarity of checks, it is better to walk the streets with a copy of your passport or driver's license. Military installations, bridges, ports and government buildings are not allowed to be photographed.

Due to the large amount of chlorine in tap water, intestinal disorders can occur, so it is better to boil or buy bottled liquid. Modern buses, trolleybuses, trams and taxis run along the city streets. Bucharest has a subway system. Despite good organization, metropolitan transport is often crowded. You can rent a car at the airport or a major hotel. To do this, you need a credit card and an international driver's license.

Reviews of tourists about a trip to Romania

Marina: For me, Romania has always been considered a country of contrasts and ancient legends and legends. During the trip, the influence of the European Union was felt, but this does not prevent Romanians from dressing in national costumes, listening to their native music and observing folk traditions. Romania is quite large in area, each region has its own characteristics.

Mountain Transylvania in terms of the richness and beauty of nature will give odds to the central and coastal regions of the country. In the homeland of the famous Vlad the Impaler, there are numerous architectural and historical sites. I really liked the excursions to Bran Castle, where Dracula lived, the Peles Royal Palace and the medieval fortress city of Sighisoara.

Irina: Before the trip, Romania was associated only with Dracula and gypsies. There are really a lot of the latter in the country, so you should not be surprised by the begging gypsy children on the streets of cities. In terms of the beauty of nature, the cleanliness of streets and roads, Romania is similar to Russia. However, Romanian cities differ in color from other Balkan countries. The locals were pleasantly surprised by the kindness and friendliness. You should definitely visit the legendary Bran Castle, the main thing is to visit this place at night.

Valeria: A trip to Romania will delight history lovers: various medieval architectural monuments have been preserved here, which give the country a fabulous atmosphere. The city of Brasov, which is famous for the castle of Count Dracula, gave special emotions. The City Historical Museum is interesting with exhibits and exhibitions. In Bucharest, at an affordable price, you can order an interesting tourist route along with an English-speaking guide.

Mysterious Romania is known to the whole world for Transylvania and Count Dracula, who was the hero of many films. However, one should not forget about other features of this country: wonderful sea and ski resorts and mineral springs, thanks to which the Carpathian balneological places of rest are always filled with tourists.

Video review: Romanian resorts