Beautiful Romania

*Photo courtesy of www.viamigo.com

We continue our journey through the Balkans. A little reminder from the past - New York Times on Bulgaria: http://travel.nytimes.com/2006/04/30/travel/30next.html ; on Transylvania, Romania: http://travel.nytimes.com/2006/08/27/travel/27next.html?scp=7&sq=romania&st=tcse ; and on Montenegro: http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/europe/montenegro/overview.html?scp=1-sub&sq=montenegro&st=tcse .

We are heading to Romania today. A country with ancient origins like most in the region, and with not so easy past, Romania has been called by many "Beautiful Romania" while Bucharest was known in the 18th-early 19th century as the "Little Wien". A lot has changed since then but many older buildings can still be seen, especially houses of wealthy manifacturers built two-three centuries ago, hiding behind rows of plane and chestnut trees, surrounded by iron gates and fences. Look carefully.

Naturally, Transylvania is the most famous child of the country thanks to its Drakula resident. But Romania has much more to offer. If you like the seaside, go to some of the resorts - Mamaia for example, http://www.mamaia.com/ . Don't expect mad luxury or fancy hotels, many of the facilities were built during the communism and carry the marks of this architectural style but the sand is soft, the shore is beautiful, and the people are warm. Other seaside resorts to check are Eforie, Neptun, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn and Mangalia. Don't forget the mineral water and mud and visit some of the numerous spas in the resorts. For more info about the seaside resorts, visit this website: http://www.infolitoral.ro/ .

Next, don't miss the fabulous castles and fortresses which best illustrate the medieval heritage of the country:

Biertan Fortified Church (part of UNESCO World Heritage) in Transylvania – Central Romania. Nearby large town: Sighisora. http://www.biertan.ro/ .

Bran CastleLocation: Transylvania – Central Romania. Nearby large town: Brasov. http://www.bran-castle.com/

Calnic Fortified Church (part of UNESCO World Heritage). Location: Transylvania – Central Romania. Nearby large town: Sibiu.

Corvinesti Castle. Location: Hunedoara – Central Romania. http://www.castelulcorvinilor.ro/ .

Fagaras Fortress. Location: Transylvania – Central Romania. Nearby large towns: Sibiu and Brasov.

Peles Castle. Location: Sinaia – Southern Romania. Nearby large towns: Brasov and Bucuresti.

There are hundreds of others, really. If you decide to visit a particular area, just send us an e-mail and we'll provide you with more names, sitghts and locations to visit.

Also, it is a must to visit the seven walled medieval towns: Bistrita, Brasov, Cluj Napoca, Medias, Sebes, Sibiu, and Sighisoara. These are fantastic locations, many films have been made there, Google them for some images and to get an idea how beautiful they are!

And for even better Romanian experience, hit the road to the Painted Monasteries, an amazing sight and treasured world heritage. The monasteries are: Arbore Monastery, Humor Monastery, Moldovita Monastery, Patrauti Church, Probota Monastery, Saint George’s Church/ Saint John the New Monastery, Sucevita Monastery, Voronet Monastery (probably the most famous one). Some of the things you should know and consider if visiting the monasteries: they are easily accessible from both Suceava - with its direct airline and rail links with Bucharest, and Iasi - offering daily flights from Vienna and Bucharest. You can probably make it in one day but better plan for at least a weeknd, so you don't have to rush. Part of the beauty of these places is their silence and lack of time sense. Enjoy it.
The town of Suceava is probably the best starting point. Iasi – the largest city in eastern Romania – is located about 120 km southwest of the monasteries and could work out too.
The easiest way to visit the Painted Monasteries is by car; a 30-minute drive (or less) separates them. Car rental is available in Suceava and Iasi. Excursions and day trips are also available from Suceava and Gura Humorului.