In the north-west of Romania there is a region - Transylvania, which is divided into three historical areas: Banat, Maramures and Crisana. The region itself is a magnificent nature, where meadows, fields and mountains are beautifully mixed. At almost every step, stunning castles and Gothic buildings, cobbled streets of historic towns and singing gypsies.
One of the most important cities
According to locals, Transylvania begins with the city of Brasov. In Romania, it is one of the largest and oldest cities. The old part of the city is practically sandwiched in a narrow valley between the mountains. In the village itself there are all the attributes of a medieval settlement.
The city changed its name several times; it was Kronstadt and Brasso, even Stalin.
The settlement became known all over the world after popularizing the tales of Dracula or the terrifying Vlad Tepes.
However, Brasov in Romania is not only Dracula's castle, there are well-preserved monasteries and other buildings, ski resorts and beautiful nature with dense forests, full-flowing rivers and mountains.
Center walks
The city has a real atmosphere of warmth and tranquility. Most of the excursions start from Piazza Sfatului, which is the oldest in the city. It is here that significant local events are held, as well as the town hall, whose building was erected in the 15th century.
Tourists must be shown the magnificent building of the City Administration (XIX century), made in the neo-Baroque style. And in the district there are park areas and beautiful squares.
Heroes Park is considered the most beautiful, where a monument was erected in honor of the 1987 uprising. The whole territory is decorated with flower arrangements and stone structures.
There are many museums in Brasov in Romania. One of the most interesting is the museum of the first school. In the XVI century, it even had its own printing press, which produced books for students.
An interesting museum to visit is the Mureshan family. This family has made an invaluable contribution to the development of the city.
And, of course, you should visit the Kronstadt Castle - the oldest building in the city (1223).
Even a regular walk around the city will be very pleasant, by the way, in the city, Strada Sforiy is the narrowest in the whole country.
Religious sites
Lovers of religious buildings have something to see. First of all, it is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Shkay quarter). The building was erected in the XIII century, completely rebuilt after 2 centuries, the work was completed in the XVIII century. The walls of the temple are skillfully painted, and inside there are many ancient ornaments and artifacts. In some places on the walls even the oldest frescoes have been preserved.
The Black Church is another interesting place that attracts tourists. It was built in the XIV century. One local legend says that a boy found his last refuge in the walls of the temple, hence the name came from.
Residence Dracula
30 km from Brasov in Romania is the Bran Castle, which most attracts tourists. After all, the palace in all the tourist catalogs is listed as the residence of Dracula. In fact, the truth is not known at all. According to some reports, the castle never belonged to Count Vlad Tepes, according to another version, he owned the building at the turn of the XV-XVI centuries. Whether the count himself was a vampire is also not clear. We only know that he really tortured the Turks in the district.
After the release of Bram Stoker's book, the castle began to be seen as the house of Dracula, and tourists came here.
Today, after the restoration of the castle by the American filmmaker Coppola, the place is considered one of the most mystical in the whole world.
Where to settle
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, that is, in Brasov in Romania hotels that are located in historical buildings. One such is the Casa Wagner. The building was erected back in 1477, inside cozy rooms with exclusively locally produced furniture, antiques and luxurious carpets.
Another interesting building, which was built more than 400 years ago, is the Hotel Bella Muzica. Here the balconies have been preserved in their original form, the old brickwork has remained, there are original works of art.
Not far from the Black Church, there is another unusual hotel called Casa Antiqua. The interior of the hotel is made clearly according to the rules of the Middle Ages, there is wallpaper with gilding, public areas are decorated with natural materials.
For lovers of outdoor activities
Love skiing or just sledding - go to the ski resort in Poiana Brasov in Romania (the foot of the Postevaru mountain). The resort is located 13 kilometers from the city.
There are great hotels and clean air, there are no cars. You can only move around the resort by horse or sleigh.
Poiana Brasov in Romania is 120 days (November-March) of a wonderful winter holiday. In January, the average temperature is 5 degrees, however there are snow cannons, so the lack of natural snow is not an obstacle for skiing.
There are 12 runs on the territory, there are 2 ski jumps, a bobsleigh track and even an Olympic one. The highest point is 1, 060 meters. In addition, there is the possibility of off-piste skiing. To go upstairs, there are chairlifts for vacationers.
In the ski resort of Brasov in Romania you can not only ski, it has a swimming pool and saunas. There is an outdoor ice rink with artificial ice. Medical procedures are carried out, there are even sources with mineral water. In the evening, night clubs, restaurants and discos are open.
Where to go to a foodie
Romania is famous for its hearty and meat dishes. The most popular local dish is Brasovian roll, local pancakes.
The most popular restaurant in the city is Butoiul Sasului Restaurant. These are two halls of a cafe, a bar and a winery in the immediate vicinity. It is located in the historical part of the city, where in the Middle Ages there was the first tavern in the city. Now you can taste local dishes and collection wines.
No less popular in Brasov in Romania is the Casa Tudor restaurant. The main dishes are prepared with seafood. For lovers of exotic even cook frogs and octopuses.
And romantically-minded couples are better off heading to Casa Ungureasca, where everything reminds of how the city used to be in former times, from massive wooden doors to black and white photographs.
