Interesting cities in Romania Romania is a mysterious country in Europe

Forest Hoya-Bachu, located near the Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca, rightfully bears the title of one of the most mysterious places in Europe. It is called the "Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania".

This analogy suggests itself: people disappear without a trace here, encounters with UFOs are not uncommon ... Residents of the surrounding villages prefer not to go to Hoya-Bacha, so as not to incur the wrath of the powerful forces that, in their opinion, live in the forest.

The forest was changing before our eyes...

The main tourist attraction of Transylvania is Bran Castle, built in the 14th century. It was once owned by the legendary Vlad Tepes, better known to us as Count Dracula.

However, in recent years, more and more tourists tend to visit not only and not so much Dracula's castle, but the Hoya-Bachu forest surrounding it, in which paranormal phenomena have become almost commonplace.

But a little over 100 years ago it was a forest as a forest. Locals hunted there, picked mushrooms and berries. A well-trodden path ran through the forest, along which travelers were not afraid to travel even at night. Now this road is almost overgrown, and only extreme people will risk going to Hoya Bacha at night. Or obsessed paranormal investigators. Which, however, is enough.

At the beginning of the last century, the forest (then it was simply called Hoya) began to change literally before our eyes. The straight trunks of the trees gradually bent at monstrous angles. The ground was overgrown with thick moss. Animals gradually disappeared from the forest, followed by almost all the birds. Local residents whispered that they saw Vlad Tepes in Hoya, who at one time loved to hunt in these places. It was rumored that the devil himself chose the forest thicket.

The Lost Shepherd

The forest of Hoya began to justify its sinister reputation immediately after the end of the First World War. In one of the local villages there lived a shepherd nicknamed Bachu (translated from Romanian - "leader", "leader"). The local residents were engaged in cattle breeding, and therefore Bacha, who raised and sold hundreds of sheep, was respected. One day in June, a shepherd drove a flock of 200 heads to a fair in the town of Cluj-Napoca. His path ran through the forest. Bachu went there early in the morning and ... disappeared without a trace.

When at the appointed time he did not appear at the fair, the merchants, who were waiting for the flock, for which they had already paid a deposit, became alarmed. Residents of the city and surrounding villages (several thousand people participated in the search) literally combed the forest, which covers an area of ​​35 hectares, literally by a meter. But no traces of either the shepherd or the sheep could be found.

There were no robbers in these places for a long time, but even if they appeared from somewhere and killed Bacha, hiding his body, taking away such a large flock so that it would not be noticed in the surrounding villages is an unrealistic task. The respected man and the sheep disappeared without a trace. And the forest has since become known as Hoya-Bachu.

Time loop

The forest, like a predator that tasted the taste of human blood, demanded more and more new victims. Within a few years, several more people disappeared in Hoya Bachu. Their bodies were also not found. But these tragedies can be attributed to an accident, an attack by wild animals, that is, at least somehow explained. Other stories smack of outright devilry.

Here, for example, are two cases that occurred after the Second World War. A young teacher, who did not believe in God or in hell, went to Hoya Bacha for mushrooms. Soon local residents found her sitting on the edge of the forest.

In 1989, the Screaming Forest, located in Kent near the village of Pluckley, got into the Guinness Book of Records. It has the highest number of ghosts in the UK, with at least 12 "apparitions" per year.

The unfortunate woman completely lost her memory - she did not even remember her name. And, of course, she could not answer the question of what happened to her in the forest. Another time, a five-year-old girl, chasing a beautiful butterfly, ran into the forest and disappeared. Searches were organized, but the baby could not be found. Only five years later, the missing girl - in the same clothes and absolutely unchanged in appearance - came out of the forest, holding a caught butterfly by the wings.

The little girl was never able to tell where she disappeared: for her, only a few minutes had passed from the moment she entered the thicket.

Educated people, like the teacher mentioned above, despise superstition. Therefore, although the majority of local residents avoided hiking in Hoya-Bachu, some still went there for berries and mushrooms. Not all, but some soon fell ill - people complained of skin rashes, migraines, dizziness, unreasonable vomiting. Doctors could not establish the cause of ailments in absolutely healthy people. After some time, the patients recovered, but Hoya-Bacha finally gained a bad reputation.

World fame

In the 1960s, the Romanian biologist Alexander Sift became interested in the Hoya-Bachu phenomenon. He became the first scientist who seriously took up the study of the paranormal zone. For a number of years, Alexander, despite the danger, crossed the forest far and wide, spent the night in the thicket, and held photo shoots there.

Surprisingly, Hoya-Bachu did not cause him any harm. Alexander Sift noted that in the depths of the forest there is a strange round clearing on which there is no vegetation. When comparing soil samples from this clearing and from a regular forest clearing, no difference in composition was found. This means that there are no biological reasons for the disappearance of vegetation within the round meadow.

Alexander Sift noted: UFOs (most often round) can be found anywhere in the forest. But in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe "bald" meadow, their activity is greatest. When the films were developed after nightly photo shoots, the researcher drew attention to another strange feature. Many photographs show round luminous objects that are not perceived by the naked eye.

By the way, such balls still often appear in photographs taken with digital cameras. Scientists cannot give a reasonable explanation for this, but the locals have it. In their opinion, the balls are the souls of dead people. The fact is that the lands of Transylvania are abundantly watered with blood - this area constantly changed hands in the Middle Ages. All this, of course, was accompanied by violence. The unfortunate peasants were robbed and mercilessly killed by local princes, and Hungarians, and Romanians, and Turks.

... In 1968, the case of Sift was continued by the Romanian military engineer Emil Barni. Shortly after the observation began, he managed to photograph a UFO above the treetops. Experts have established that we are really talking about some kind of flying object, the nature of which they do not undertake to explain. It is believed that this is the clearest and most reliable picture of a UFO taken in Romania.

Portal to another world?

Nowadays, numerous ufologists from different countries of the world come to Hoya Bacha - Germany, France, Great Britain, Hungary. However, paranormal activity in these places has declined somewhat in recent years. Not all visitors manage to encounter mystical phenomena.

However, many of them observe luminous balls in the forest (most often - near the "bald" clearing in the depths of the forest). Sometimes researchers hear strange sounds or see flickering shadows and lights. In winter, strange footprints often appear in the snow that do not belong to any creature known on Earth.

Photographs still often show strange silhouettes and glowing orbs that are not visible to the naked eye.

Prestigious ufology publications, as well as the BBC channel, call Hoya Bachu one of the most interesting paranormal zones on the planet. Even Nicolas Cage came here, intrigued by the programs about the mysterious forest. The famous Hollywood actor filmed a documentary about Hoya Bachu for several days, which he now shows to his friends at private parties. Cage is sure that the trees in the forest have changed their shape under the influence of the powerful energy inherent in these places. After this statement by the actor, yoga lovers began to come to Hoya Bachu. They meditate in the forest and try to draw energy from a mystical source.

In recent years, the inhabitants of the surrounding villages have found their own explanation for all the devilry that is happening in Hoya-Bachu. They are sure that the “bald” clearing in the thicket is a portal to another world. Disappeared people simply failed there. And luminous balls, strange shadows and UFOs are the inhabitants of a parallel universe who accidentally fell into our world.

But there is another version that explains the mysterious phenomena in Hoya-Bachu. Dracula's castle, which was somehow forgotten among all this hype around the mystical forest, may well influence the territory surrounding it with its negative energy and even be a kind of portal connecting our world with parallel worlds.

Andrey Leshukonsky

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!

And be sure to subscribe to site updates. You will find many more stories about mysterious places and magical cities of our planet.

If you think that Romania is about vampires hiding in dark castles and waiting for tourists, then this is not at all the case. And while Transylvanian vampires are indeed menacing in legend, Romania is much more than just Dracula and his palace, Brukenthal. There are plenty of medieval castles and magnificent alpine scenery where you can ski in the winter and hike in the summer. Romania has quaint villages and vibrant churches that are painted in a unique style. Millions of birds nest in the Danube Delta, among which there are very rare species. I present to your attention an overview of the main attractions of Romania.

Churches of Maramures

When the foreign rulers of Maramuresh refused to build durable stone churches, they decided to build them from wood. Over a 200 year period, approximately 300 wooden churches were built, about 100 of which have survived to this day. These Gothic structures are predominantly Orthodox, but there are a few Greek Catholic shrines. Churches with tall thin bell towers reflect high craftsmanship and knowledge of carpentry. These are both simple and elegant sights of Romania. Hand-painted murals adorn the inside of the many wooden churches of Maramures.

Vaser Valley

In Romania, you will have a unique chance to go on an excursion through the forests of the Carpathians on a steam locomotive. The railway of the local forestry, which stretches along the valley of the Vaser River, has been operating since 1932, when it was used to deliver wood from sawmills. Today, it is used to transport tourists who love the charm of the old narrow gauge trains along the pretty forest scenery. The train stops in Patina, where you will have two hours to walk through the forest and have a picnic in the natural surroundings.

Danube Delta

If you are a nature lover, then definitely visit the Danube Delta. It is the largest protected River Delta in Europe, most of which is in Romania. Be sure to bring your binoculars as this is a bird watcher's paradise. Here you can observe many rare species of birds that gather for the winter. The canals overgrown with reeds provide an ideal environment for 300 species of birds. There is also a wide variety of animals here, including wild cats, wolves and even wild boars. The Danube Delta is one of the most outstanding natural attractions in Romania.

Poiana Brasov

When you get tired of looking for vampires, look to Poiana Brasov and visit this popular ski resort in Romania. This place attracts skiers from all over Europe. The ski resort in the Carpathians has seven slopes with a total length of 25 km for athletes with varying degrees of training. Alpine skiing, figure skating and snowboarding competitions are constantly held here. After an active day on the slopes, treat yourself to a traditional spiced wine or a local spiced pepper drink.

Corvin Castle

The Corvinus Castle is a medieval gothic structure considered to be the greatest medieval castle in Romania. It is also known as Hunyad Castle in honor of the high-ranking ruler who built it. Corwin is a fairy-tale castle, to which a wooden bridge leads with a statue of John of Nepomuk, the patron saint of bridges. The symbol of the 15th century castle is a raven wearing a golden ring. While visiting this Romanian landmark, look out for the bear pit and dungeon where people were brutally tortured. This is one of the perfectly preserved European castles that is definitely worth a visit.

Monastery Sucevitsa

Sučevica Monastery has a unique architectural style. One way or another, Gothic and Byzantine elements are mixed here, plus the Moldavian style of painting churches. All this is reflected in a single impressive building, as one of the most recognizable sights of Romania. The front of the monastery is cylindrical and topped with a conical roof, while the back is rectangular with a small tower. Inside, you'll find painted frescoes from the early 1600s and tombs embroidered with silver thread. The monastery is located in northeastern Romania and is considered one of the most important painted churches in the country.

Salina Turda

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Did you know that Romania is called the most mysterious country in Europe? And not only because here are the castles of vampires who made her famous all over the world. Today we will tell you about this amazing and so different country.

At the beginning, it must be said that Romania- a state located in the north of the Balkan Peninsula in the southeastern part of the European continent. From the southeast it is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. The central, northern and western parts of the country are occupied by mountains. In the south is the Lower Danube Plain. The main river artery of Romania is the Danube.

Perhaps, it is worth starting a vacation in Romania from the capital of the country - Bucharest. By the way, translated from Romanian, this word means “joy”. Although, if we recall the recent past of this country, associated with the reign of Nicolae Ceausescu, there was little joy for the local population: in 1980, an order was given to demolish almost half of all historical buildings, destroy monasteries, churches, thousands of houses ... Instead, an artificial hill was erected, with the House of the People on it. This whole building was of such a scale that it even got into the Guinness Book of Records as the second largest administrative building in the world, which is second only to the Pentagon. It even has eight underground floors, and there are so many halls that it is easy to get lost. Now the building houses the Palace of the Parliament, a ticket to visit this place costs about ten euros, for this amount an excursion is also purchased. Several surviving old quarters start from the main city avenue "Calea Victorie", you can safely turn into any lane and look at beautiful centuries-old houses, go to antique shops and old restaurants. When you decide to have a bite to eat, go to the wonderful complex "Manucs Inn" - the building that serves as a hotel and restaurant was built in the nineteenth century; Dishes in the restaurant are served only national cuisine, they will offer you: Romanian cutlets with hominy, they will offer to wash them down with a glass of local homemade wine or a glass of beer.

The history of Romania is long and full of various historical events: there were wars, and the heroic struggle for independence, and the famous "Ceausescu regime". But we will not talk about this, but about what makes Romania exactly that mysterious European country? It would seem that this is the very center of progressive Eastern Europe, and traveling around the country, you stumble upon godforsaken villages, into which the twenty-first did not even think to look. You even wonder how such a miracle could retain its authenticity today. A good example is the Romanian village of Biertan, located in Transylvania. It was built by Saxon settlers in the 12th century. This village has a fortified church, which was an integral attribute of all Saxon settlements. Why fortified? After all, it was built with the expectation that it would have to withstand the almost continuous Turkish raids that took place in those days. The defensive systems of such churches had bastions and towers that served as fortifications of the three defensive walls. Local residents, at signs of attack, fled to the church to wait out long periods of siege there. The feeling that time has stopped takes over here completely and irrevocably: sleepy streets, a few local residents modestly dressed in a rustic way.

Surprisingly, half of the Romanian population lives in villages, which is why, having traveled through such places, you can better understand the traditions of this country, carefully preserved in the rural outback. Of course, villages can be different, somewhere, as in Bjertan mentioned above, antiquity dominates, and somewhere it is organically combined with the comfort of modernity. For example, comfortable villas can coexist with peasant houses, where barns and stalls for livestock are built in the yard, and modern highways alternate with miserable country roads, a luxury car can drive along the highway, and a peasant on a horse team can plow the field. As we have already said, Romania is so different! All Romanian villages are very picturesque, they are mainly located in the valleys or on the shores of the Black Sea, high in the mountainous regions and on the green slopes of the mountains, abundantly covered with vineyards. Any Romanian village has its own history, centuries-old traditions, crafts inherent in this particular place, local holidays, its own songs and national clothes. Local people are very hospitable and friendly, they are always glad to any traveler.

To continue an interesting vacation in mysterious Romania is in Transylvania, namely in its very heart - the majestic Carpathians, with dark dense forests, where you involuntarily begin to remember national Romanian fairy tales and legends about the "strigoi" or vampires living here. All travelers definitely go to the city of Brasov - a beautiful, medieval city, which on a cloudy day or at the approach of dusk with its Gothic outlines makes impressionable and nervous persons play out their fantasy. On a sunny day, he seems sweet and friendly, reminiscent of the Austrian Salzburg. In Brasov, be sure to go to the ancient Church of St. Bartholomew, built in 1223, as well as the Black Church, which is really black, from soot after a grandiose fire that happened here. From Brasov, taking a bus that leaves every half an hour, tourists go to the gloomy Bran Castle, popularly known as "Dracula's Castle". This castle was built at the end of the 14th century to carry out protection functions, in other words, it was a fortress. Further, the castle was presented to Queen Mary of Romania. You ask, how is the city of Vlad Tepesh connected with him? (this is not a mistake - it’s Tepesh, not Tepes, as our compatriots say) If we give historical justice, Count Dracula spent two months in prison here, but that’s all ... Francis Ford Coppola, who filmed here is his famous film "Dracula". And if you have a desire to visit the real places of "Dracula's habitat", then you will have to go to Sighisoara. This is a small but absolutely charming town, with beautiful multi-colored houses and the city's clock tower. On one of the streets of the city stands the house in which Vlad Tepesh was born in 1431. And although his family did not live here for long, this was quite enough for the city to be included in the list of tourist routes associated with the mysterious and mystical man of Romania. But the city of Sighisoara is remarkable and interesting in itself: medieval buildings have been preserved here in their original form, and the atmosphere of the town is so wonderful and soothing that it is called the “pearl of Transylvania”.

It should be noted that holidays in Romanian Transylvania are also excellent ski resorts. Just twelve kilometers from Brasov is the most respectable ski resort in Romania - the resort of Poiana Brasov. It is located at an altitude of 1030 meters above sea level and is surrounded by a dense coniferous forest. Locals have been visiting this place for skiing since the nineteenth century. To date, there are a dozen slopes of varying difficulty, excellent and reliable lifts will take you to the top, there are also sports equipment rentals, a school for beginner skiers, and, of course, comfortable hotels.

It was not in vain that we said about the school for beginners, because it is the beginners who try to come here, since the Romanian mountain slopes are not as steep and extreme as in the Alps. The skiing season here starts in December and ends in March. A little further from Brasov is Predeal, the slopes of which are very fond of beginner snowboarders. At all Romanian ski resorts, they are fed tasty and satisfying dishes of national cuisine. In the restaurant, tired skiers will be offered fragrant offal, trout on needles, carp hodgepodge, delicious cabbage rolls, they will offer all this to be washed down with excellent wine, and for connoisseurs of stronger drinks, they will bring a Romanian drink called palinka, with a strength of 55 degrees.

Holidays in Romania can also take place at the balneological resort, which operate year-round. Here, mineral water with the purest Carpathian air, enriched with ozone, work wonders. The Slanic-Moldova resort, located in the valley of the river of the same name, is proud of its twenty mineral springs, which have no analogues anywhere in the world. Here they specialize in the treatment of diseases of the digestive tract, bronchitis and asthma. The next famous resort in Romania is Covasna, where they specialize in the treatment of heart disease, hypertension, and neuroses. In the Eastern Carpathians, there is the resort of Sovat, where treatment is carried out not only with the help of water, but also with the help of mud from Lake Negru. The famous salt mine is located in this place, it is curative, everything is equipped here, there are playgrounds for children, there is even a church for believers. The "underground" cave-clinic takes up to three thousand people a day.

You can spend your summer vacation on the Black Sea beaches of Romania. They are wide and sandy, with a smooth entrance to the sea, which is great for children. The sand here is always velvety, golden in color, very clean and fine. The bottom is smooth and without breaks. The widest beaches are in Mangalia and Techirghiol. The sea is very calm everywhere, there are no strong tides here. Prices for tours with holidays on the coast are low, due to the fact that the Romanian resorts are not yet a popular destination.

As you understand, holidays in Romania can be year-round, multifaceted and very eventful. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you visit this wonderful and mysterious part of Europe.

Mysterious Romania attracts tourists with its history and beauty of natural places. Many of them believe that all the medieval castles of this country are inhabited by vampires. The legends of Count Dracula excite the imagination of travelers. Gothic castles in the forests, with their spiers in the sky, seem to be a reflection of national myths.

However, most tourists know Romania as a classic European country. There are many majestic buildings in the capital. The rich and diverse culture of the country is represented in ethnographic museums. Dense forests are most often the territory of a nature reserve or national park. The charm of the cozy atmosphere of small towns in Europe can be found in Brasov, Sibiu or Sighisoara. Each historical region of Romania is attractive in its own way and has its own flavor.

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What to see in Romania?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

1. Bran Castle

Also known as Dracula's castle, as during the campaigns the voivode Vlad Tepes-Dracula often stopped here for the night. It was he who was the prototype of the hero of Stoker's novel. Bran Castle was built in the 14th century as a defensive fortress. Subsequently, two defensive towers were added to it. Long labyrinth corridors lead through the premises of the castle, and from the well there is a passage to the underground premises.

2. Palace of Parliament (Bucharest)

3. Park of King Mihai I (Bucharest)

Founded in 1936. It is located next to Place Charles de Gaulle in an area where there were marshes in the past. Most of the park is occupied by Lake Herestrau. The attractions of the park are the royal residence "Elizabeth's Palace" and the Museum of the Romanian Village. Part of the park is occupied by a recreational area designed for recreation of city residents and travelers. In this part of the park there are paths and benches.

4. Alba Carolina Fortress (Alba Iulia)

An ancient fortress, built in 1715-1738. It is interesting for its unusual heptagonal shape for buildings of this type. Some believe that the architects built it in the form of a star. The fortress was built as a defensive structure during the invasion of the Turks, but it participated in only one battle - against the Hungarians. The walls of the fortress are well preserved, in one of them a hotel was built in the "Middle Ages" style.

5. Sfatului Square (Brasov)

Also called City Council Square. The oldest square in the city of Brasov, a large number of medieval historical buildings and architectural monuments are concentrated on it. Including the interesting building of the town hall of the XV century, which now houses the historical museum. A large number of excursion routes pass through the noisy and crowded square; fairs or mass festivities often take place on it.

6. Historic center of Sibiu

Sibiu is a city in Transylvania, a historical region of Romania. The center of this city is a contender for protection as a UNESCO site. Conventionally, it is divided into two parts. Architectural monuments are concentrated in the Upper Town, where wealthy segments of the population lived. The lower city will show tourists the life of workshops and artisans. The narrow cozy streets of the center turn into squares, where, as a rule, a church is located.

7. Historic center of Sighisoara

The city itself was founded in the XIII century by settlers from Saxony. They built a fortress on a hill, which later formed one of the most beautiful cities preserved from the Middle Ages in Europe. The historic center of Sighisoara is rightfully included in the UNESCO heritage list. Its symbol is the Clock Tower 64 meters high. It was built at the same time as the fortress. Costumed processions and tournaments are held on the square of the center.

8. Lipscany Street (Bucharest)

The street is called the heart of the old city. In the past, fairs and auctions were held on it, and even now there are many different shops on it - souvenir, book, wine, tea. In the evening, bars and restaurants begin to work, and the active nightlife of this street begins. Many buildings in this part of the city were damaged during World War II. And now the most fashionable boutiques of the city are located in the restored buildings.

9. Botanical Garden in Cluj-Napoca

It is the botanical garden of the Babes-Bolyai University. The garden bears the name of the Romanian botanist of this university - Alexander Borza. Research activities are carried out in this popular place among tourists. More than 10,000 plants brought from all over the world grow on 14 hectares of the garden. Some areas are decorated with themed landscapes. A pagoda was built in the Japanese Garden, and ancient Roman artifacts were installed in the Roman Garden.

10. Peles Castle (Sinai)

The ancient castle in the Carpathian region is an architectural monument. After construction in 1914, it was a royal residence. The luxury of the interiors is amazing. Decorations are wall painting, stained-glass windows, carvings. In the park around the palace there is a garden with many sculptures. Currently, the castle houses the Historical Museum. In it you can see a collection of weapons and armor of the Middle Ages, works of art.

11. Corvin Castle (Hunedoara)

An ancient castle of the Hunyadi family, built in the 15th century on the site of a small fort with a single defensive tower. During its existence, the castle has changed more than 20 owners, each of which rebuilt and completed it to his taste. As a result, the architecture represents different styles from the Renaissance to the Gothic Revival. Now the castle houses a museum. The road to it passes through a gigantic bridge.

12. Rasnov Fortress

It was built by the Teutonic Knights back in 1215. Its main purpose was to protect the local civilian population. When threatened with an attack, the villagers took refuge behind the walls of the citadel, which had everything necessary for life - houses, a school, a chapel. In the middle of the fortress there is a well 146 meters deep. According to legend, Turkish prisoners of war dug it in an attempt to save their lives.

13. Black Church (Brasov)

Lutheran ancient church, built in the XIV century. Located in Transylvania. The height of this building in the Gothic style is 65 meters. The church got its name after the fire of the Great Turkish War. The fire covered the walls of the church with soot. The temple is active. But tourists are allowed to go inside and see the ancient artful frescoes, sculptures, as well as magnificent carpets that adorn the interior.

14. Stavropol Church (Bucharest)

A sacred place for many pilgrims. Believers from all over Europe come to the church to see the unique religious artifacts. For example, particles of the relics of the apostles Peter and Andrew. Travelers admire the design of the church. The best traditions of Byzantine and Romanian architecture intertwined in its appearance. The peculiarities of the interior are the exquisite subtlety of the design of frescoes and paintings, as well as the altar.

15. Horezu Monastery

Located in the historical place of Romania - Valahau. Built in 1690. The architecture of the monastery is a magnificent example of the Brynkovyan style, which originated in this area. The internal painting of the church at the monastery was made by the invited master Konstantin. Many of his drawings have survived to this day. The monastery is protected by UNESCO as an object of world cultural and historical value.

16. Churches of the historical region of Moldova

Moldova is a region in the northeast of the country. 8 churches of this area are under the protection of UNESCO. The years of church construction are between 1487 and 1532. Churches differ in different styles of decoration and architecture, they are painted in different colors. Excursion tours to the churches of Moldova are popular with travelers, even those who are not related to religion. One does not need to be an expert to appreciate the architectural and spiritual value of these churches.

17. Romanian Ateneum (Bucharest)

A magnificent concert hall in the capital of Romania. Built in 1888 on the initiative of Romanian artists. The Concert Hall is the main venue for the George Enescu Orchestra of the Bucharest Philharmonic. The building was built in the neoclassical style with elements of romanticism. Its architecture contains both columns and a dome with a spire, as well as rich external and internal decor. There is a park around the concert hall.

18. National Museum of Art of Romania (Bucharest)

It is located in the center of Bucharest and occupies the building of the former royal palace. The museum's exhibitions feature exhibits of various subjects - weapons, coins, books, antique clothes and furniture. Particular attention is paid to art objects. The works of local masters are united in the Gallery of Modern Romanian Art and there is a separate exposition of works by masters of painting and sculpture from abroad.

19. Palace of Culture (Iasi)

Under the roof of the Palace of Culture, four museums of the national complex of Moldova and the Center for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage are united. 298 rooms of the palace were provided for their needs. The central hall is decorated with mosaics on the floor depicting animals from the Bestiary. The entrance to the Palace of Culture is through the Clock Tower. The building has survived 14 fires and several extensive renovations.

20. Museum of the Romanian Village (Bucharest)

One of the oldest museums of ethnography in the world. Founded in 1936. The open-air museum is located by Lake Herestrau. On its vast territory there are more than 300 buildings brought from different parts of Romania. They are united in 76 complexes. All types of architecture of villages in the country are represented. The oldest buildings of the museum date back to the 15th century. Wooden and water mills are especially interesting for inspection.

21. ASTRA (Sibiu)

The theme of the complex is devoted to the Romanian civilization. The open-air exposition is a large platform where the life and culture of Romanians are presented. Among the exhibits there are such buildings as farmers' houses, schools, religious buildings. Life is shown clearly - many men and women dressed in national costumes show how the household work is done. It will take about 4 hours to visit this complex.

22. Merry Cemetery

Located in the village of Sepyntsa. A unique feature is the attitude to the death of local residents, they do not regard the death as a gloomy and tragic event. And the tombstones of the graves at the Merry Cemetery are bright and colorful, with original drawings and poems. Often they depict the life of a deceased person, its most striking episodes. The cemetery is accessible to visitors at any time, thousands of tourists come here every year.

23. Salt mine in the city of Turda

Salt springs in this area have been known for a long time. The first mention of them dates back to 1075. In 1992, tourists were allowed inside the mine, and the object quickly gained popularity among travelers. In addition to visiting the salt "palace" - as the cave is often called, a wellness center was founded in it. There are gyms and treatment rooms. Excursions to the underground lake are popular; you can sail on it by boat.

24. Southern Carpathians

This part of the Carpathian mountain system is called the Transylvanian Alps. The highest mountain is Moldoveanu - 2544 meters. It is located on the Fagaras mountain range. The slopes of the mountains are covered with forests, and at the beginning of summer there is still snow on their peaks, there are large glacial lakes. More accessible for hiking is Mount Tympa near the city of Brasov. The tourist infrastructure is well developed on its slopes.

25. Scarisoara Cave

Large ice cave in the Apuseni mountains. Romanians call it a natural wonder of their country. The cave was formed about 3500 years ago, its exploration began at the beginning of the 20th century. Even now, access is not open everywhere for tourists, as scientists continue to work in it. For visitors, the descents and ascents are equipped with stairs. The total length of the cave is over 700 meters. The temperature in it does not exceed 0 degrees.

26. Mud volcanoes in Buzau

They are located on the territory of a natural reserve. Appeared as a result of an earthquake in 1977. 4 craters almost daily erupt streams of mud containing many chemical elements. Mud flows, drying up, form unusual landscapes with deep cracks, similar to the surface of the moon. For tourists on the territory of the reserve there are several hotels and sites for setting up tents.

27. Bucegi Sphinx and Bebele

Rock formations that are included in the list of natural wonders of Romania. Located on the territory of the Buchedgi Natural Park at an altitude of more than 2000 above sea level. The unusual shape of the rocks is due to erosion and wind. The figure of the Sphinx from a certain angle really resembles the figure of a mythological animal. Babel is Romanian for "old women", but it's a little more difficult to see the outlines of old women.

28. Retezat

National park, UNESCO protected area. Located in the mountains, the highest point is Mount Peleaga - 2509 meters. The landscape of the park is diverse - mountain peaks and alpine meadows, rocks and pine groves. Among the rich alpine flora there are many large predators - a wolf, a brown bear, a lynx. Of the birds in the park, 120 species are represented, including golden eagles, eagle owls, and vultures. Reptiles are represented by poisonous vipers.

29. Iron Gate Nature Park

The park got its name because of the area in the Danube valley, where the Carpathian and Staro Planina mountains converge. Near this territory are the borders of Romania, and. The fast flow of the Danube in this area is used by the hydropower complex, dams have been built. The territory of the national park is more than 60,000 hectares. More than 1000 different types of plants grow here, including relict ones.

30. Monument to King Decebalus

The bas-relief of the king and the great commander was carved into the coastal rock. It is one of the highest of its kind in Europe. The sculpture is 40 meters high and 25 meters wide. 12 sculptors-climbers, as well as auxiliary workers, worked on the creation of the monument. The initiator of the creation of the monument was the historian Joseph Draganu. The creation of the monument took 10 years and cost about a million dollars.

31. Sarmizegetusa

This place was the residence of the kings of Dacia - an ancient state. It also combined the functions of a military and religious center and was one of the defensive fortresses of King Decebalus. The entire complex of fortresses is a UNESCO heritage site. The fortress is located in the mountains of Transylvania at an altitude of 1200 meters. Sanctuaries are an important part of Sarmizegetuz. But during the raids of the Romans, almost all the temples were destroyed.

32. Transfagaras Highway

Alpine road, laid between Wallachia and Transylvania in 1974. About 6000 tons of dynamite were spent to pave the way in the rocks. It is currently considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. It leads through beech groves and a waterfall with mountains in the background. Near the highway is the "residence of Vlad Dracula" - the fortress of Poenari. For travelers, the road is open only for a few warm months of the year.

33. Bicaz Gorge

Located in the Eastern Carpathians. Between the high rocks of the gorge flows a mountain river, in which trout is found. In Romania, the Bicaz Gorge is the longest and deepest. Part of the road along it is a serpentine. On one side there are steep cliffs, on the other side there is a sheer cliff. Near the gorge you can see Lake Krasnoe, formed as a result of the blocking of the river bed after a collapse.

34. Danube Delta

It is the second largest in Europe. Most of it is located on the territory of Romania, and it is she who is recognized by UNESCO as a natural heritage site and taken under protection. This area is protected. The landscape of the delta is diverse - there are sand dunes, thickets of reeds and willows, and swamps. Many small rivers and streams flow through the wetlands of the reserve. There are many animals of the Red Book.

35. Mamaia Beach (Constanta)

The Mamaia resort is considered the most expensive and famous resort in Romania. Luxury hotels and health centers have been built near the beach coastal zone. The beach is 8 km long and 200 meters wide. The sand is soft and velvety, golden in color. The beach infrastructure is well developed. There is a rental of jet skis and water skis, mini-football and volleyball courts are equipped. Thanks to the breeze on Mamaia Beach, there is no sweltering heat.