Posts Tagged "romania"

Sibiu is the prettiest city in Romania and its most important cultural center. It lies in the very heart of the country, in the enchanting region of Transylvania and stands out due to its atmospheric Old Town whose magnificent architecture conveys the visitor through 8 centuries of history and traditions. This lovely historical center is an ensemble of squares, museums and National Monuments of great beauty and inestimable value. Suspended in time and encircled by beautiful architectural buildings, the Grand Square (Piata Mare) has established itself as Sibiu Old Town’s most prominent landmark. It houses one of the world’s oldest museums - the National Brukenthal Museum (1870), the striking Council Tower and a surprising mix of cafes, shops and restaurants....

Romania is a land of many more traditions than you’d normally expect from some lesser-known Eastern European country, and Christmas is no exception. From lovely groups of children singing carols from door to door to mouth-watering dishes and various eccentric habits, the homeland of Dracula and other cool things you’ve probably never heard of, is kind of a truly amazing place to spend Christmas. Some of these customs and traditions are old, unusual and authentic, others borrowed from overseas, but together they dress up Romania in bright holiday clothes, offering it an identity and a special charm.   Christmas season in Romania kicks off with a series of wonderful celebrations right after St. Andrew’s Day (November 30), when according to the...

Located in the Romanian Carpathians, just off Sinaia mountain resort, Peles Castle is the most exciting and beautiful castle in Romania and it definitely competes with the bests in Europe. Built by the first king of Romania- Carol I between 1873 and 1914, the construction features an elegant Neo-Renaissance style combined with Gothic Revival and striking Baroque, Saxon and Swiss alpine influences. In the cradle of the palace lies a breathtaking backdrop of majestic mountains covered in dense timberlands of evergreen pines and wild flowers. The spectacular exterior of Peles Castle is represented by Italian Neo-Renaissance terraces proudly adorned with large balconies, landscaped gardens, fountains, marble paths, splendid stone sculptures and guarding lions...

Everyone knows that the idyllic Romanian region of Transylvania with its tormenter ruler Vlad the Impaler has inspired Bram Stoker to create the scariest character of all time – Dracula. Because of that, Bran Castle, the place where he supposedly lived has become one of the world’s most famous Halloween destinations. Well, sorry to disappoint you, but this is a catchy urban legend with just a grain of truth within it. However, what most of you don’t know is that despite these controversies, Transylvania is indeed an amazing place to spend Halloween. No matter how hard other places will try, it’s difficult to compete with such a gorgeous region of rugged mountains, rolling hills, picturesque timberlands and crystalline streams. With over 118 castles, many...

Romania used to have a temperate climate with four seasons, but for several years things have changed a bit. Summers began to be increasingly longer and the winters increasingly frosting, so those four seasons have somehow turned into two. Considering that today is the first day of autumn, I decided to share with you a few things about Romania in the fall. The weather is beautiful My childhood’s autumns were characterized by three months of gloomy skies, long rains, crispy winds, thick sweaters and inviting scents of plum jam. Now the temperatures are high, the days are sunny and the sweaters are often replaced by swimsuits. September looks like an extension of summer with up to 30 Celsius degrees throughout the day. Only after mid-October, autumn takes root...

Romania boasts many unusual places and Movile Cave (pestera Movile) is definitely one of these. The story began in 1986, when a group of Romanian researchers discovered the cave in Mangalia, a town near the Black Sea.After a more detailed study, they observed that the cave was inhabited by some unusual organisms. The real reason why Movile Cave has shocked the entire scientific world was in fact the weird ecosystem found inside. Several animal species, of which 33 were completely new, have been found in this absolutely independent bionetwork. The novelty resides in the discovery of the first ecosystem on Earth whose life is based on chemosynthesis (life without oxygen). According to scientists, this procedure was supposed to be possible only on Mars, Europa and...

Have you ever considered a city-break in Romania? I bet you haven’t, although the East European country prides itself with a couple of exciting destinations to choose from whether you’re looking for fun, rich culture, vibrant nightlife, leisure or a romantic weekend. When it comes to city breaks most travelers are heading for famous cities such a Rome, Paris, Prague, London or Amsterdam, never taking into account other delightful corners of Europe. Even with the latest development of tourism in the former Soviet Bloc, Romania has remained among those few less-visited destinations. And if however the scenic Carpathian Mountains with their lovely resorts, breathtaking views and ski slopes manage to bring some overseas visitors in Romania during the winter and...