In the north-west of Romania there is a region - Transylvania, which is divided into three historical regions: Banat, Maramures and Crisana. The area itself is a magnificent nature, where meadows, fields and mountains are beautifully mixed. Stunning castles and gothic buildings, cobbled streets of historic towns and singing gypsies are everywhere.
One of the most important cities
As the locals say, Transylvania starts from Brasov. It is one of the largest and oldest cities in Romania. The old part of the city is practically squeezed into a narrow valley between the mountains. The settlement itself has all the attributes of a medieval settlement.
The city changed its name several times, was Kronstadt and Brasso, even Stalin.
The settlement became world famous after popularizing stories about Dracula or the terrifying Vlad the Impaler.
However, Brasov in Romania is not only Dracula's castle, there are well-preserved monasteries and other buildings, ski resorts and beautiful nature withdense forests, full-flowing rivers and mountains.
Walking around the center
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, the building of which was erected in the 15th century.
Tourists are sure to be shown the majestic building of the City Administration (XIX century), made in the neo-baroque style. And in the district - park areas and beautiful squares.
The most beautiful is the Park of Heroes, where a monument was erected in honor of the 1987 uprising. The entire area is decorated with flower arrangements and stone structures.
There are many museums in Brasov, Romania. One of the most interesting is the museum of the first school. In the 16th century, it even had its own printing press, which produced books for students.
An interesting place to visit is the Mureshan family museum. 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 an ordinary walk around the city will be very pleasant, by the way, in the city Strada Sforii is the narrowest street in the whole country.
Religious sites
Fans of religious buildings have something to see. First of all, this is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Shkey quarter). The building was erected in the 13th century, completely rebuilt after 2 centuries, work ended in the 18th century. On the walls of the templeskillfully painted, and inside there are many ancient decorations and artifacts. In some places, even the oldest frescoes have been preserved on the walls.
The Black Church is another interesting place that attracts tourists. It was erected in the XIV century. One local legend says that a boy found his last resting place within the walls of the temple, hence the name.
Dracula's residence
30 kilometers from Brasov in Romania is Bran Castle, which attracts tourists the most. After all, the palace in all 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 15th-16th centuries. Whether the count himself was a vampire is also not clear. It is only known that he really tortured the Turks in the area.
After the release of Bram Stoker's book, the castle began to be regarded as the home of Dracula, and tourists flocked here.
Today, after the restoration of the castle by the American film director Coppola, the place is considered one of the most mystical in the whole world.
Where to stay
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, then there are hotels in Brasov in Romania, which are located in historical buildings. One of these is the Casa Wagner hotel. The building was erected in 1477, inside cozy rooms with exclusively local furniture, antiques and luxurious carpets.
One moreAn interesting building that 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 strictly according to the rules of the Middle Ages, there are wallpapers with gilding, public areas are finished with natural materials.
For outdoor enthusiasts
If you love skiing or just sledding, head to the ski resort in Poiana Brasov in Romania (at the foot of Mount Postavaru). The resort is located 13 kilometers from the city.
Here are great hotels and clean air, there are no cars. You can only move around the resort on horses or sledges.
Poiana Brasov in Romania is 120 days (November-March) of a wonderful winter holiday. In January, the average temperature is 5 degrees, but there are snow cannons, so the lack of natural snow is not a hindrance to skiing.
There are 12 tracks on the territory, there are 2 springboards, a bobsleigh track and even an Olympic one. The highest point is 1060 meters. In addition, there is the possibility of off-piste skiing. To go upstairs, chair lifts are at the service of vacationers.
In the ski resort of Brasov in Romania, you can not only ski, there is a swimming pool and saunas. There is an outdoor artificial ice rink. Medical procedures are carried out, there are even springs with mineral water. Night clubs, restaurants and discos are open in the evening.
Where to go gourmet
Romania is famous for its hearty and meat dishes. The most popular local dish is Brasov roll, pancakes made according to a local recipe.
The most popular restaurant in the city is the Butoiul Sasului restaurant. It is a two hall 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 cuisine and collectible wines here.
No less popular in Brasov, Romania is the Casa Tudor restaurant. The main dishes here are prepared from seafood. For exotic lovers, they even cook frogs and octopuses.
Romantic couples should head to Casa Ungureasca, where everything reminds of what the city was like in the old days, from massive wooden doors to black and white photographs.
Festivals
Festivals are another reason to visit the city. At the end of every July, the Padina Fest is held. Fans of ecotourism, nature and music gather in the mountains. The duration of the festival is 4 days, not only local musicians, but also European ones come to it.
For lovers of harsh music, it is better to come to the city in early August, when the Rockstadt Extreme, Rasnov festival is held. This is an international event, so stars of different levels and popularity perform at the festival.
In mid-September you canvisit the Brașov Jazz & Blues Festival. Eminent jazz musicians come to it. Photographers show their work. The event is held at the Patria Cinematheque and is absolutely free.
