2. Located on the Balkan Peninsula, Romania is a country of contrasts. The former
Eastern Bloc country has, over the years, belonged to the Romans who gave
the country its name, the Hungarians and the Ottomans. It is filled with
quaint old towns, mountain resorts that offer great skiing, and a burgeoning
art community. It’s most famous citizen, however, may be the vampire
Dracula, a fictional character found in Transylvania.
History is something that Romania is definitely not short of. Medieval castles dot
the country – notably in Sighişoara, which is filled with historic buildings and
Gothic-era, cobblestoned old quarters. You’ll find even more history in
Brașov, where – if you really do want to know where Dracula really lived –
you’ll find the 14th-century Bran Castle to learn about more than just
legends. And Bucharest? You’ll find yourself charmed by the medieval
architecture as much as wowed by the wild buildings of the Communist era.
3. 1. DANUBE DELTA
The majority of the Danube Delta, Europe’s second largest river delta, lies
in Romania. Originally part of the Black Sea, the Danube Delta is a good
place to observe nature. It is home to many unique species of plants
and animals in Europe, as well as contains 23 different ecosystems,
including some of the world’s largest wetlands. Previous visitors rave
about the spectacular sunsets and highly recommend taking a slow
boat ride on the river.
4.
5. 2.CLUJ-NAPOCA
Home to the country’s largest university,
Cluj-Napoca is considered the unofficial
capital of the historical region of
Transylvania. The city, which pre-dates
the Roman colonization, is one of
Romania’s arts and cultural centers.
Home to a large Hungarian population,
Cluj-Napoca features a statue honoring
one Hungarian king. Built in the 14th
century, the Gothic St. Michael’s Church
has the tallest church tower in the
country. The National Museum of Art,
housed in a former palace, has a large
6.
7. 3.MAMAIA
Located on the Black Sea, Mamaia is Romania’s most popular seaside
resort. Mamaia is small, however, situated on a strip of land that is
about 8 km (5 miles) long. It has great white sand beaches, just made
for sunning or people-watching. Mamaia has a water park, but activities
are limited for small children. Adults, however, might enjoy a few
lessons at the wind-surfing academy.
8.
9. 4.TIMISOARA
Located in western Romania, Timisoara is one of the country’s largest
cities, dating back to the early 13th century. Once part of the Ottoman
Empire, it was the first European city to have electric street lamps. The
city has bounced back after sustaining heavy bombing damage from
both sides during World War II. Unlike many European cathedrals, the
Timișoara Orthodox Cathedral was only built in the 20th century, but the
central, notable for its 11 towers, houses many historic religious objects
as well as vintage icon paintings.
10.
11. 5.PAINTED MONASTERIES OF BUCOVINA
Among the most picturesque attractions of Romania are the Painted
Monasteries of Bucovina in the northeastern part of the country. Their
painted exterior walls are decorated with elaborate 15th and 16th
century frescoes featuring portraits of saints and prophets, scenes from
the life of Jesus, images of angels and demons, and heaven and hell.
The best-preserved are the monasteries in Humor, Moldovita, Patrauti,
Probota, Suceava, Sucevita, and Voronet.