Romania

In recent years the country of Romania has been slowly making its way to the lists of ‘must-visit’ places in Europe. Visitors to the country are taken aback by the alluring castles, a unique culture, enthralling legends, and pristine landscapes. There’s much about this European country that will tantalize your senses from Romania’s capital Bucharest to its medieval towns.

Like most European countries, Romania also has a long and varied history. In fact, human remains found in the region represent the oldest known Homo Sapiens in Europe. Through the years Romania was the site of many conquests and had numerous rulers. Evidence of this past is seen in the multitude of castles, citadels, and fortresses that still stand tall.

One of the best places to see these spectacular castles is in Transylvania. While Dracula’s castle, Bran Castle, is one of the most popular in the area, Peles Castle and Corvin Castle are no less impressive. Many of Romania’s well-preserved castles provide an interesting insight into the country’s past. However, castles aren’t the only standout architectural feature in Transylvania. Over 150 well preserved fortified churches scattered across seven villages in Transylvania bring in the crowds too. Apart from Transylvania, there are many other small towns in Romania that are worth visiting. Medieval towns like Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Brașov, and Bistrița are a step back in time with their cobbled streets and old architecture.

Another alluring feature of Romania is its folklore and legends. Rural tourism uses these legends and folklore to lure the curious. Although Dracula was a fictional character created by Bram Stoker, people love the spooky tale of his castle. Likewise with the legendary wooden churches of Maramures and the painted churches of northern Moldavia.

Romania is never short of hair-raising stories and the tale of its Hoia Baciu Forest is another of them. Don’t be shocked if you have a paranormal experience if you dare to venture into this forest just outside Cluj-Napoca. The eerie forest with its strangely shaped trees is known as one of the most haunted places on Earth. Whether its the spooky tales, Romania’s capital Bucharest or the history that brings you to this beautiful country, there’s no doubt that you’ll come away enchanted.