Romania: Unlock the Secrets of Europe’s Enchanted Wonderland
Discover a land where history and legend intertwine, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of stunning landscapes, medieval wonders and vibrant culture. Romania beckons travellers with its unique charm and diverse experiences from the mystical forests of Transylvania, home to the legendary Dracula’s Castle to the cobblestone streets of Sibiu, where time stands still. Explore the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains, perfect for adventure seekers and relax in the tranquil beauty of the Danube Delta, a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers.
In Bucharest, the lively capital, old-world charm meets modern sophistication offering eclectic architecture, a thriving arts scene, and vibrant nightlife. Savor the flavours of traditional Romanian cuisine, from hearty stews to sweet pastries and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Romanian people.
Whether you seek history, adventure or relaxation, Romania promises an unforgettable journey filled with captivating stories and endless discoveries. Embrace the magic of Romania, where every corner reveals a new wonder and every moment is a treasure waiting to be uncovered.
Good news for UAE citizens! You don’t need a visa to travel to Romania for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business or family visits. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay, have proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket and be prepared to show sufficient financial means for your trip having an average amount of around €50-€100 per day.
Bran Castle
Bran Castle is often associated with Dracula as his home, though there’s no indication that author Bram Stoker even knew of this medieval castle. The castle, a Romanian landmark, has a fairy tale quality, peeking out from forested a hillside near Brasov in Transylvania. With roots dating to the 13th century, this medieval castle today is a museum showcasing art and furniture collected by Queen Maria. It also is home to an open-air museum featuring Romanian peasant buildings from around the country.
Sighisoara Historic Center
If you have preconceived notions of what medieval life was like, Sighisoara Historic Center will certainly fulfill them. Old Town Sighisoara is definitely medieval at its finest. Found by 12th century Transylvanian Saxons, Sighisoara is a great example of a fortified medieval town. It has the traditional narrow streets flanked by colorful stone buildings. It is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Sighisoara celebrates its medievalness every July with a festival that includes rock bands.
Palace of Parliament
In a country where medieval buildings abound, there’s nothing medieval about the Palace of Parliament in the capital Bucharest. It is a thoroughly modern complex that is considered the largest administrative building in the world. It took 20,000 workers, working around the clock, 13 years to build it. It is an architectural wonder involving 700 architects and design specialists. The palace is a popular tourist attraction with foreigners, but not so much with the locals since it was built by Romania’s hated leader, Nicolae Ceaușescu.
Peles Castle
Peles Castle doesn’t have a history of sieges and warfare but it does have something other European castles don’t: spectacular beauty, sitting as it does on a Carpathian hillside. This Neo-Renaissance castle was built by King Carol I who vacationed here in the 1860s. Fairytale-like in appearance, it’s considered one of the most stunning castles in Europe. A 4,000-piece weapons collection reflects the king’s military interests, while a movie room decorated with frescoes reflects the queen’s artistic interests. The first movie shown in Romania aired here.
Piata Mare
Surrounded by medieval buildings, the Plata Mare, or Big Square as it’s known in English, is a must-see sight in the Transylvanian city of Sibiu. The square had its beginning as a cereal market in the early 15th century. A few decades later, the Tailors’ Guild building went up. It was followed by houses, a Jesuit church and Brukenthal Palace. Big Square was a place for public gatherings, including festivals and beheadings. It was place to see troublemakers as they were displayed in the “lunatic’s cage.”
Merry Cemetery
Merry Cemetery in the town of Sapanta isn’t your ordinary run-of-the-mill cemetery. It’s more like a folk art gallery, with colorful tombstones, crosses and statuary celebrating the lives of the deceased. This colorful tradition began with a 14-year-old boy who began carving crosses in 1908. He added poems and painted a portrait of the deceased on the cross; sometimes he even painted how they died. And thus a tradition was born. The background on everything is deep blue, with other colors symbolizing life, death and fertility.
Transylvanian Alps
The Transylvanian Alps, also known as the Southern Carpathians, aren’t as high as the Rockies or the Himalayas, usually under 2,000 meters in elevation. The exception is Mount Moldoveanu, at 2,544 meters (8,346 feet), the highest point in Romania. The rugged mountains, dotted with sheep-filled meadows with wildflowers, offer some pretty good hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. Couch potatoes can visit a mist-shrouded Gothic castle instead as they hunt for legendary vampires on their own turf.
Biertan Fortified Church
Biertan Fortified Church stands head and shoulders above the other buildings in Biertan, It was originally a Catholic church built when the region belonged to Hungary. It became a Lutheran church after the Reformation. Rather than build a fortress to defend against Ottoman invaders, townspeople fortified the church. Built in Late Gothic style, it is one of the largest fortified churches in Romania. The church is noted for its towers, including one used to store food during sieges and another to imprison husbands who wanted a divorce.