Transfagarasan
Transfagarasan Highway has 90 km. The road climbs to 2,034 metres altitude.As one of the most spectacular roads in the world, the Transfagarasan is definitely a must-see for any tourists crossing the Romanian border. This exquisite mountain road measures 93 miles, and it required 4 years to build between 1970 and 1974 during the reign of Nicolae Ceausescu, and was meant to provide quick and easy army access across the mountains in the event of a Soviet Union invasion. . Over 20 tons of dynamite was used to dislocate 3 million tons of rock during the construction process. As with almost any major architectural undertaking, it is said that many workers actually lost their lives while building the road. Due to its impressive elevation, the Transfagarasan is usually closed off each year from October to June because of heavy snow. Moreover, if weather conditions are unfavorable, the road can be closed in other times of the year as well. The Transfagarasan is known for its numerous hairpin turns and steep descents, which is why it can prove relatively difficult to traverse, especially for inexperienced drivers or bikers. Breathtaking panoramas and unique experiences are all in reach for those that get a chance to travel across this magnificent road. One of the most beautiful Places To Visit In Romania.
Turda Saltworks
Turda Saltworks represents a very important tourist attraction in Turda, Romania. This place was a very important salt source ever since the times of the Roman Empire, but salt mining was particularly popular between the 15th and 17th century, especially during the Hungarian occupation of Turda.
In 1932, the Turda Saltworks officially went out of business, mainly because of obsolete technologies and low salt yield, but also because of increasing competition. In 1992, the Turda Saltworks was opened once again as a tourist destination, and it can currently be visited all year round. Attractions include the old Rudolf, Tereza and Iosif salt mines as well as a great deal of perfectly preserved medieval tools.
In 2009, the Turda Saltworks was the subject of a massive restoration project that was completed in January 2010. Nowadays, this place flaunts its own amphitheatre, treatment rooms and a fantastic salty lake that has extraordinary curative properties.
In 1932, the Turda Saltworks officially went out of business, mainly because of obsolete technologies and low salt yield, but also because of increasing competition. In 1992, the Turda Saltworks was opened once again as a tourist destination, and it can currently be visited all year round. Attractions include the old Rudolf, Tereza and Iosif salt mines as well as a great deal of perfectly preserved medieval tools.
In 2009, the Turda Saltworks was the subject of a massive restoration project that was completed in January 2010. Nowadays, this place flaunts its own amphitheatre, treatment rooms and a fantastic salty lake that has extraordinary curative properties.
Bucegi Mountains
Bucegi Mountains can be found in the central part of Romania, just south of the city of Brasov. Apart from their immense natural beauty and high peaks, the Bucegi Mountains are also the home of 2 of the most famous natural landmarks of Romania – the Babele and the Sphinx.
The Babele are rocky formations placed in close proximity to the Baba Mare peak, which boasts an elevation of 7,519 feet. The stones were shaped by erosion over vast amounts of time, and they now feature a distinct mushroom-like shape. The origins of the rocky formations are still subject to controversy, especially since no scientific evidence can fully explain the phenomenon. The nearby Babele Cabin is definitely the most popular in the region accommodation-wise, since it provides a perfect base for visiting these fantastic landmarks as well as the famous Sphinx.
The Bucegi Sphinx was also formed by erosion, and it can be found just 10 minutes away from Babele. This important landmark was photographed for the first time during the 1900s, but the picture was taken from the front rather than from the side. Consequently, it wasn’t until 1936 that the rocky formation got its Sphinx name, since its distinct silhouette can only be observed clearly if it is viewed from a specific angle.
The Babele are rocky formations placed in close proximity to the Baba Mare peak, which boasts an elevation of 7,519 feet. The stones were shaped by erosion over vast amounts of time, and they now feature a distinct mushroom-like shape. The origins of the rocky formations are still subject to controversy, especially since no scientific evidence can fully explain the phenomenon. The nearby Babele Cabin is definitely the most popular in the region accommodation-wise, since it provides a perfect base for visiting these fantastic landmarks as well as the famous Sphinx.
The Bucegi Sphinx was also formed by erosion, and it can be found just 10 minutes away from Babele. This important landmark was photographed for the first time during the 1900s, but the picture was taken from the front rather than from the side. Consequently, it wasn’t until 1936 that the rocky formation got its Sphinx name, since its distinct silhouette can only be observed clearly if it is viewed from a specific angle.
Corvin Castle
The beautiful Corvin Castle can be found in Hunedoara, in the Transylvania region of Romania. This Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece was commissioned by John Hunyadi in 1446, and it was meant to replace an already existing keep that was built by Charles I of Hungary on the same site. The original Corvin Castle was built in the Gothic style, but it did feature a few Renaissance design elements as well.
The building served as John Hunyadi’s home but was also used extensively for defensive purposes, which is why it gradually received multiple towers and extra fortifications. Some of the towers were meant to be used as prisons, especially the Deserted Tower and the Capistrano Tower, while defensive towers such as the Buzdugan Tower featured large openings that would house imposing weapons. Notable improvements were made during the 17th century, including the addition of a new Large Palace and the construction of 2 towers named the Artillery Tower and the White Tower. Sadly, the building fell into ruin after numerous years of neglect, and it even caught fire at some point, which caused extensive damage.
The present version of the Corvin Castle is actually the result of a successful restoration. Due to its incredible history and long lifespan, this majestic building is still shrouded in mystery and legend to this day. One of the most popular Places To Visit In Romania.
The building served as John Hunyadi’s home but was also used extensively for defensive purposes, which is why it gradually received multiple towers and extra fortifications. Some of the towers were meant to be used as prisons, especially the Deserted Tower and the Capistrano Tower, while defensive towers such as the Buzdugan Tower featured large openings that would house imposing weapons. Notable improvements were made during the 17th century, including the addition of a new Large Palace and the construction of 2 towers named the Artillery Tower and the White Tower. Sadly, the building fell into ruin after numerous years of neglect, and it even caught fire at some point, which caused extensive damage.
The present version of the Corvin Castle is actually the result of a successful restoration. Due to its incredible history and long lifespan, this majestic building is still shrouded in mystery and legend to this day. One of the most popular Places To Visit In Romania.
Peles Castle
The Peles Castle is undoubtedly one of the most exceptional tourist attractions in Romania, boasting a fabulous architecture and a rich heritage. The castle can be found near Sinaia in Prahova County, nestled within the majestic Carpathian Mountains. This fantastic landmark was built by King Carol I of Romania between 1839 and 1914, and it was meant to serve as the monarch’s summer retreat. The cost for this incredible undertaking was quite enormous, since the construction project required approximately $120 million in today’s currency.
Nowadays, the Peles Castle is a very important museum that houses a vast collection of arms, armour and art pieces. Some of the most notable rooms in the castle are called The Honor Hall, The Imperial Suite, The Arsenal, The Playhouse and the Florentine Room, each housing its own unique treasures.
The Arsenal, for example, displays 1,600 examples of armour and weapons, including a 15th century German decapitation broadsword and a full Maximilian armour for rider and horse. The Florentine room features a more artful approach, boasting Italian Renaissance elements such as a Grand Marble Fireplace by Paunazio and massive solid bronze doors made in Rome. One of the most interesting Places To Visit In Romania.
Visitors of the Peles Castle are greeted upon entry by a beautiful statue of King Carol I that was made by Raffaello Romanelli. There are also numerous other statues scattered across the surrounding terrace gardens, most of them being attributed to Romanelli as well.
The castle can be explored only via a guided tour. There are 3 tours available, the first being limited to the ground floor only, while the last offers a complete exploration of the landmark. There is an admission charge as well as an extra charge for those that wish to bring their cameras along (around 20€ per total). The Peles Castle can be visited all year round except for November, when it is closed for maintenance.
Nowadays, the Peles Castle is a very important museum that houses a vast collection of arms, armour and art pieces. Some of the most notable rooms in the castle are called The Honor Hall, The Imperial Suite, The Arsenal, The Playhouse and the Florentine Room, each housing its own unique treasures.
The Arsenal, for example, displays 1,600 examples of armour and weapons, including a 15th century German decapitation broadsword and a full Maximilian armour for rider and horse. The Florentine room features a more artful approach, boasting Italian Renaissance elements such as a Grand Marble Fireplace by Paunazio and massive solid bronze doors made in Rome. One of the most interesting Places To Visit In Romania.
Visitors of the Peles Castle are greeted upon entry by a beautiful statue of King Carol I that was made by Raffaello Romanelli. There are also numerous other statues scattered across the surrounding terrace gardens, most of them being attributed to Romanelli as well.
The castle can be explored only via a guided tour. There are 3 tours available, the first being limited to the ground floor only, while the last offers a complete exploration of the landmark. There is an admission charge as well as an extra charge for those that wish to bring their cameras along (around 20€ per total). The Peles Castle can be visited all year round except for November, when it is closed for maintenance.
Merry Cemetery
Tucked away in a tiny village of Maramures county, near the Ukrainian border, the Merry Cemetery (Cimitirul Vesel) is not only a very unique burial site, but also an open-air museum and a tourist attraction in its own right. Designed in 1940 by the local woodcarver Stan Ion Patras, Sapanta’s cheerful cemetery stands out for its colorful high wooden crosses carved in oak and painted with scenes of the deceased’s life. Moreover, each tombstone features a witty poem depicting the person’s life and the way he/she died. Even if you can't read Romanian, the simple paintings on the cross tell unmistakable tales of their own. There's one where a priest sits looking enviously at a group of men carousing at a nearby table; in another, a teacher works at his desk while casting a furtive glance at a woman sitting across the room. Many just show scenes from everyday life men working in the fields, women working in the home; or reflect the things the deceased held dear family, friends, animals, booze. Even Romania's dour Communist rulers wanted in on the fun. One former party boss's grave shows him sitting at a table holding up the red hammer-and-sickle symbol.
To give you an idea, here is a funny epitaph:
"Here I rest.
Stefan is my name.
As long as I lived, I liked to drink.
When my wife left me,
I drank because I was sad.
Then I drank more
to make me happy.
So, it wasn't so bad
that my wife left me,
Because I got to drink
with my friends.
I drank a lot,
and now, I'm still thirsty.
So you who come
to my resting place,
Leave a little wine here."
To give you an idea, here is a funny epitaph:
"Here I rest.
Stefan is my name.
As long as I lived, I liked to drink.
When my wife left me,
I drank because I was sad.
Then I drank more
to make me happy.
So, it wasn't so bad
that my wife left me,
Because I got to drink
with my friends.
I drank a lot,
and now, I'm still thirsty.
So you who come
to my resting place,
Leave a little wine here."
Palace of the Parliament
The Palace of the Parliament is a record-breaking building that can be found in Romania’s capital – Bucharest. This massive structure was designed by Anca Petrescu and flaunts 12 stories, 4 underground levels as well as a total floor surface of 3,7 million square feet.
Finished in 1997, the Palace of the Parliament is a fine example of neoclassic architecture, but it does feature multiple design elements borrowed from other sources. The construction costs for this massive landmark soared to $4.1 billion, and so the palace currently holds the record for the “most expensive administrative building ” while other records include “heaviest building” and the largest civilian building with an administrative function”, all 3 titles being acknowledged by the World Records Academy. As surface, The Palace of the Parliament is the second biggest building in the world after the Pentagon.
During his days as Romania’s leader, Nicolae Ceausescu named the building “The People’s House”, which is why the Palace of the Parliament is more commonly known in English as the “Palace of the People”.
The construction of the colossal building has been ordered by Ceausescu in 1980, after the tragic earthquake in '77 where more then 1.500 people lost their lives, 11.000 people were left injured and 35.000 homes were completely destroyed.
Approximately 20.000 people had worked 24h/day in 3 shifts to bring up the massive building. Unfortunately, is also often considered a grave stone for what was before a beautiful neighbourhood filled up with history. About 9000 other buildings and homes were demolished to make space for the building bearing the imprint of the country's former dictator.
There are also many myths: the building is haunted by the people who died during the construction or that there is a secret metro line who cross the entire Bucharest.
Finished in 1997, the Palace of the Parliament is a fine example of neoclassic architecture, but it does feature multiple design elements borrowed from other sources. The construction costs for this massive landmark soared to $4.1 billion, and so the palace currently holds the record for the “most expensive administrative building ” while other records include “heaviest building” and the largest civilian building with an administrative function”, all 3 titles being acknowledged by the World Records Academy. As surface, The Palace of the Parliament is the second biggest building in the world after the Pentagon.
During his days as Romania’s leader, Nicolae Ceausescu named the building “The People’s House”, which is why the Palace of the Parliament is more commonly known in English as the “Palace of the People”.
The construction of the colossal building has been ordered by Ceausescu in 1980, after the tragic earthquake in '77 where more then 1.500 people lost their lives, 11.000 people were left injured and 35.000 homes were completely destroyed.
Approximately 20.000 people had worked 24h/day in 3 shifts to bring up the massive building. Unfortunately, is also often considered a grave stone for what was before a beautiful neighbourhood filled up with history. About 9000 other buildings and homes were demolished to make space for the building bearing the imprint of the country's former dictator.
There are also many myths: the building is haunted by the people who died during the construction or that there is a secret metro line who cross the entire Bucharest.
Bears' Cave
Bears’ Cave is located in the western Apuseni Mountains, on the outskirts of Chiscau village in Bihor County, Romania. Discovered in 1975 by a group of amateur speleologists, the cave is named for the 140 cave bear fossils that were discovered here, thought to be left to die when a rock fell and blocked the cave entrance some 15,000 years ago. The cave is also known for its staggering density of stalactite and stalagmite formations.
The cave is more than 1.5 km (0.9 mi) long and has galleries on two levels. The upper gallery, which is 488 m (1,601 ft) long, is open to tourists, while the lower gallery, with a length of 521 m (~1,709 ft), is designated for scientific research.
In The Bears’ Gallery (also known as the Bones Gallery) and the Emil Racovita Gallery, visitors can view the skeletal remains of the cave bears (Ursus Spelaeus) that died here, as well as fossils of other animals such as a black goat, cave lion and cave hyena. Some of the skeletons and indeed the walls of the caves still bear the marks of bears’ teeth and claws as they devoured each other and attempted to escape.
The final gallery, The Lights Gallery, contains some of the fascinating stalactites and stalagmites, which resemble wax statues and have been given such names as The Mastodon, The Curtains from The Bears Gallery and The Pagodas.
The cave is more than 1.5 km (0.9 mi) long and has galleries on two levels. The upper gallery, which is 488 m (1,601 ft) long, is open to tourists, while the lower gallery, with a length of 521 m (~1,709 ft), is designated for scientific research.
In The Bears’ Gallery (also known as the Bones Gallery) and the Emil Racovita Gallery, visitors can view the skeletal remains of the cave bears (Ursus Spelaeus) that died here, as well as fossils of other animals such as a black goat, cave lion and cave hyena. Some of the skeletons and indeed the walls of the caves still bear the marks of bears’ teeth and claws as they devoured each other and attempted to escape.
The final gallery, The Lights Gallery, contains some of the fascinating stalactites and stalagmites, which resemble wax statues and have been given such names as The Mastodon, The Curtains from The Bears Gallery and The Pagodas.
Statue of Decebal
The Statue of Decebal is located near the town of Orsova, in southwestern Romania. The Statue is carved into the mountain rock and depicting Decebalus, the last king of Dacia (Dacia was the land occupied by the Dacians, during the 1st century BC and the 2nd century AD, Dacia is located in present day Romania) . The monument is about 40 meters tall (the tallest rock sculpture in Europe).
The Statue of Decebal can only be reached by a boat ride but it can be seen from the road (there is even some kind of parking lot in which you stop and view the danube and the monument from a far.) The Statue of Decebalus took 10 years to carve and even though it looks like it is as old as the ruler of Dacia it self it is pretty new to this world (sculptured from 1994 till 2004) – Twelve sculptors worked on it. The entire project was proposed and funded by one of the wealthiest Romanians ever lived, businessman Iosif Constantin Drăgan (1917 – 2008), it is believed that daragan spent one million u.s dollars over this project. There is an inscription (in Latin) right under the carved face, it says: “DECEBALUS REX—DRAGAN FECIT” (or in English -“King Decebal—Made by Drăgan”).
The Statue of Decebal can only be reached by a boat ride but it can be seen from the road (there is even some kind of parking lot in which you stop and view the danube and the monument from a far.) The Statue of Decebalus took 10 years to carve and even though it looks like it is as old as the ruler of Dacia it self it is pretty new to this world (sculptured from 1994 till 2004) – Twelve sculptors worked on it. The entire project was proposed and funded by one of the wealthiest Romanians ever lived, businessman Iosif Constantin Drăgan (1917 – 2008), it is believed that daragan spent one million u.s dollars over this project. There is an inscription (in Latin) right under the carved face, it says: “DECEBALUS REX—DRAGAN FECIT” (or in English -“King Decebal—Made by Drăgan”).
Bran Castle - Dracula
Also known as Dracula’s Castle, the Bran Castle can be found in Bran, in close proximity to the important city of Brasov. This majestic structure is commonly regarded as the home of the famous Dracula character brought to life by Bram Stoker, but its history is much more comprehensive than that. Actually, the first written mentioning of Bran Castle dates all the way back to 1377, when Louis I of Hungary allowed the Saxons of Brasov to build their own stone keep. In 1920, the Bran Castle was an official royal residence and ended up being the favorite retreat of Queen Marie.
Nowadays, the Bran Castle operates as a museum that houses a large collection of art pieces and furniture that used to belong to Queen Marie. Visitors can choose to explore the halls themselves or under the guidance of a professional.
Nowadays, the Bran Castle operates as a museum that houses a large collection of art pieces and furniture that used to belong to Queen Marie. Visitors can choose to explore the halls themselves or under the guidance of a professional.
Sarmizegetusa Regia
A visit to Sarmizegetusa Regia will provide you with a better understanding of Romanians' origins from more than 2000 years before before Romans conquered Dacia. At that time Sarmisegetuza Regia was the capital of the Dacian Kingdom.
The Dacians are the first known tribe to inhabit the current territory of Romania, their actual origins being obscure. The Dacian Kingdom proves to be a very powerful actor in Easter Europe 2000 years ago as at its might was covering the territory of Romania and significant parts of current Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary and Ukraine. Sarmisegetuza Regia was placed strategically at 1200 meters altitude and it was protected by a chain of fortresses. The site is an outstanding example of Late Iron Agedevelopment and includes a fortress, a sacred and a civilian area proving the spirituality and strength of this nation.
At the beginning of the 2nd century Dacia was conquered by the Roman Empire, changing the destiny of the country and of Sarmisegetuza Regia. Having been partly destroyed during the conflict, a replica of it was made 40 kilometers away which served as a capital for the Roman occupied territory and it was called Ulpia Traiana Sarmisegetuza. Nevertheless significant parts are left for us to see, the site being under strict conservation, together with the chain of protecting fortress are under UNESCO world heritage.
While most words in Romanian language are of Latin origin, Sarmizegetusa is an example of how the ancient Dacian language sounded.
A visit to Sarmisegetuza Regia is possible only by private car,as there is no public transportation to take you there being in an isolated area in the mountains, but there can be arranged private day trips.
The Dacians are the first known tribe to inhabit the current territory of Romania, their actual origins being obscure. The Dacian Kingdom proves to be a very powerful actor in Easter Europe 2000 years ago as at its might was covering the territory of Romania and significant parts of current Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary and Ukraine. Sarmisegetuza Regia was placed strategically at 1200 meters altitude and it was protected by a chain of fortresses. The site is an outstanding example of Late Iron Agedevelopment and includes a fortress, a sacred and a civilian area proving the spirituality and strength of this nation.
At the beginning of the 2nd century Dacia was conquered by the Roman Empire, changing the destiny of the country and of Sarmisegetuza Regia. Having been partly destroyed during the conflict, a replica of it was made 40 kilometers away which served as a capital for the Roman occupied territory and it was called Ulpia Traiana Sarmisegetuza. Nevertheless significant parts are left for us to see, the site being under strict conservation, together with the chain of protecting fortress are under UNESCO world heritage.
While most words in Romanian language are of Latin origin, Sarmizegetusa is an example of how the ancient Dacian language sounded.
A visit to Sarmisegetuza Regia is possible only by private car,as there is no public transportation to take you there being in an isolated area in the mountains, but there can be arranged private day trips.