Located in the south-eastern part of Europe, Romania is a place for spontaneous adventure. With a cosmopolitan and vibrant capital city, the Black Sea coast and a temperate-continental climate, Romania is a cultural gem. It is a tourist attraction known for its ancient and beautifully sculpted castles and several iconic landmarks. The place is a perfect blend of ancient traditions and culture with a modern code of living.
Here are the top 5 places in Romania you just can’t afford to miss as a tourist.
1. Dracula’s Castle
Transylvania charms its visitors with its majestic mountains and valleys. If you visit this happening region, you can’t miss the Dracula’s Castle. The castle seems to have erupted straight out of the imagination of Irish author Bram Stoker and fits the exact description of the place in which the titular character Dracula was held imprisoned. Dracula’s Castle, originally known as Bran Castle was built for the purpose of defending Transylvania’s border. It is situated near Bran and in the immediate vicinity of Brasov. Although the castle is now privately owned, still you can visit it at a nominal charge. Some other interesting destinations nearby include the museums of Sibiu and the UNESCO protected historic centre of Sighisoara.
2. Peles Castle
Peles Creek meanders right through the courtyard of this place and hence, the name. Crafted at the foot of Bucegi Mountain, the alluring Peles castle was constructed to serve as the summer residence of the royal family. Decorated with some of the finest Romanian paintings, magnificent frescoes and the well-known German stained-glass windows; Peles Castle boasts of being the first European castle to be completely illuminated by electricity.
Several generations of Romanian kings pledged their support for the construction of this grandiloquent structure. The castle is the true illustration of fine arts of artisans from across the world. The grandeur of this place can be well appreciated from its royal collections, leather overed walls, oriental pieces dating from 15th to 19th century and Murano chandeliers.
3. Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca is a picturesque and archival city in Transylvania. It homes the country’s largest university as well. Therefore, students form a significant part of its population. This mesmerizing city is famous for St. Michael’s Church. Built in 14th century, it is one of Romania’s cultural heritage. In front of the church stands the grandiloquent statue of Matthias Corvinus, the king of Hungary. Some other famous landmarks include the National Museum of Transylvanian History, Palace of Justice and the Ethnographic Museum. Cluj-Napoca Art Museum houses magnificent collections of artworks and the Ethnographic Museum encases over 50,000 objects that depict the lifestyle and habits of Transylvanian rural population over the years.
4. Bucharest
The country’s capital Bucharest is a blend of ancient Gothic and new architecture. The ancient neoclassical and baroque buildings distributed amidst the modern skyscrapers all in the same vicinity makes this place worth visiting. It is the country’s trade centre as well as main political war-field also known for his ancient town centres with its narrow cobblestone streets, including medieval churches. Be prepared to be mesmerized by street musicians who can warm your heart with soulful songs. The nightlife of Bucharest is also a major attraction. One can find many bars, cheap booze and easy-going people and thus, party till dawn.
5. Brasov
Brasov is the gateway to Transylvania. Encircled by the Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is known for its medieval Saxon architecture and the lofty Gothic Black Church. It is also well known for its iconic castles like Poiana Brasov and museums like Bastionul Tesatorilor, Graft Bastya, and Brasov County Museum of History. The place is ideal for skiing, ice skating and other adventurous sports. One can hike to or ride the cable car up to the Tampa Mountains.
Romania is a happening country with beautiful cities. The Transylvanian countryside can also seduce you with its picturesque view. Romania’s Black Sea Coast, dotted with beach resorts is a visual delectation. The Danube Delta, located in Tulcea County, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is a must-visit site for nature lovers. So, next time you pack your bags to travel, Romania should be in your bucket list.
