Top Things to See
Romania offers visitors a vast array of ancient historical sites
— some dating to Saxon times, others farther back to the Dacian Kingdom.
Ancient fortresses situated in beautiful natural surroundings draw
increasing numbers of tourists to places like the Orastie Mountains and
Mount Tampa. In the meantime, modern amenities and raucous
entertainment await vacationers in the Black Sea resorts radiating from Mamaia.
 Brasov
The city of Brasov sits in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The city
is endowed with numerous Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic structures that have
been well-preserved during the centuries. The city’s modern roots date to 1211,
when Knights of the Teutonic Order began to build over an ancient Dacian
settlement. The Town Hall Square is rich with baroque and gothic architecture,
headlined by the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in the
country. Many of the city’s defensive bastions have been well cared for, still
testifying to the constant threat of invasion that once haunted Brasov. Vlad the
Impaler once impaled 40 victims here on the summit of Tampa Mountain, where
today’s visitors travel for panoramic views of the city.
 Bucharest
Capital of Romania since 1862, Bucharest was nicknamed ‘Little Paris’ in the
early 20th century due to its fashionable monuments and the local emphasis on
art and culture. Belle Époche Architecture accents the broad, tree-lined avenues
here, and there are numerous historical attractions including Romania’s version
of the Arc de Triomphe; an old city that exhibits architecture
ranging from medieval ruins and period churches to neoclassical buildings from
the early 20th century —all of which is included in an ongoing rehabilitation
project. Bucharest was the site of the Romanian Revolution (1989), and
Revolution Square remains an important historical site for visitors.
 Constanta
On the shores of the Black Sea, Romania’s largest port city boasts more than
2,500 years of history. Constanta was founded by Greek colonists, and legend has
it that Jason and his Argonauts landed here after securing the Golden Fleece.
Constanta spent time under Roman rule and then flourished as a
city along Italian trade routes before passing to the Ottoman Empire. Today,
Constanta’s old city boasts numerous historical monuments, ancient ruins, 19th
century mansions and several interesting museums. The Grand Casino
attracts vacationers from the outlying Black Sea resorts. The
Royal Hotel
and the Oxford
Hotel are popular choices for travellers to Constanta.
Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains
The Orastie Mountains in Romania are home to a series of six ancient fortresses,
some of which date as far back as the 1st century BC. These castles were built
by the ancient Dacians, and their architectural style was quite unique. Elements
indicative of the late-European Iron Age are apparent in these fortresses; the
architectural techniques exhibit an odd blend of religious and military motifs.
Once the fulcrum of the Dacian Kingdom, these fortresses were later conquered by
the Roman Empire in the early 2nd century AD. The well-preserved ruins are
located in a stunning natural environment among the Orastie Mountains.
 Danube River Delta
Here at the confluence of the Danube River and the Black Sea, a series of fresh-water
marshes and lakes harbour an extremely diverse array of wildlife. In
all, there are more than 300 distinct species of migratory birds that come and
go in their seasons. Several species of fish and unique plants also inhabit the
wetlands. This natural environment (which enjoys listing with UNESCO) covers
more than 1.6 million acres and includes oak forests, reed islands, broad canals
and desert-like sand dunes.
 Mamaia
Often referred to as the Romanian Riveria, Mamaia sits on the shores of
the Black Sea. Remarkably, the city has very few full-time residents
and in the off-season is practically empty. However, during the months of May
and September, Mamaia becomes one of Europe’s pre-eminent summer holiday spots.
Mamaia is the unofficial capital of a string Black Sea resorts that span 45
miles of fine-sand coastline, characterised by a mild climate, fine hotels and
the entire gamut of water sports.
 Sighisoara
Founded in the 1100s by Transylvanian Saxons, Sighisoara is one of Europe’s
finest and best-preserved medieval cities. The historic centre is recognised by
UNESCO and the city amazes visitors with its nine towers,
cobblestone streets, historic burgher homes and stoic, 16th-century churches,
all of which are in outstanding condition. The infamous Vlad the Impaler was
born here in Sighisoara, and his house is still standing. Other noteworthy
attractions include the 13th-century Venetian House; 16th-century frescoes in
the Church on the Hill and the city’s 12th-century citadel.
 Villages of Transylvania
Many villages in Transylvania date back several centuries to the Middle
Ages. These villages draw their heritage from the medieval Transylvanian
Saxons, and the original city layout of many villages is still intact,
shedding light on the contemporary land-use system employed by the Saxons.
Fortified churches dominate the skylines of these towns; and the compact
city streets radiate from this central site. Seven such villages have been
recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage list: Biertan,
Câlnic, Dârjiu, Prejmer, Saschiz, Valea Viilor and Viscri.
Top Things to Do
 Charter a boat to the Danube Delta.
The Danube Delta is particularly well-known for its rich ecosystem and
diverse wildlife. Rowboats can be rented for independent
exploration, while those wishing to visit more sensitive areas can join
larger, informative tours of this unique environment.
 Enjoy the view from Mt Moldoveanu.
Romania’s highest peak (8436 ft) offers some of the finest panoramic views
in the country. There’s no cable car, and the climb itself is fairly
challenging. Most hikers base themselves nearby in Cabana
Podragu.
 Explore Sibiu’s medieval old city.
Sibiu boasts an outstanding medieval old city, divided into the Upper Town
with its historic sites and the Lower Town with its cobblestone squares and
its cosy, charming atmosphere. The Brukenthal Art Museum
here is one of the finest in the country. Great stays are assured at the
Palace Dumbrava Hotel.
 Hop from castle to castle.
To view some of the finest castles in Romania, base
yourself in Brasov. This is the first major Saxon outpost north of
Bucharest, and there are numerous castles and Baroque buildings in the
countryside, each warranting its own daytrip.
 Scale the Bucegi Mountains.
Hiking, mountain biking and skiing are all active pursuits accommodated in
the Bucegi Mountains. Busteni and Sinaia are the most popular peaks, each
offer outstanding views and both are equipped with their own cable car.
Tour Sighisoara by bicycle.
This charming medieval town is best viewed on two wheels. Hire a bike
through your hotel or local travel agent and head out to see the numerous
fortified churches accessed by cobblestone roads. A modest dirt road
connects Sighisoara to nearby Vulcan, which is another worthwhile town for
sightseeing. The
Rex Hotel is a popular choice in Sighisoara for its closeness to the
historical attractions.
 Travel back in time.
Maramures is known as the region time forgot. In many aspects, life here
goes on as it has since the Middle Ages. Enjoy the atmosphere here, where
many locals still don traditional dress
and engage in time-tested traditions like weaving wool by hand and ploughing
their fields with horse-drawn equipment.
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