Exploring Transylvania in Romania

⭐ = Must see

Bran Castle ⭐ - Wiki - Maps

• Bran Castle is a historic fortress located in Bran, Romania. It is commonly known as "Dracula's Castle" due to its association with the fictional character Count Dracula from Bram Stoker's novel. It showcases a collection of medieval art and furniture, providing insights into the region's history and folklore. The castle's connection to the Dracula legend adds an intriguing allure to its appeal, making it a must-visit for vampire enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
• The castle dates back to the 14th century and has served various purposes throughout history, including a strategic defense fortress, a royal residence, and a museum.
• Bran Castle is situated on a hilltop, offering picturesque views of the surrounding Transylvanian landscape. Its architectural style combines elements of Gothic and Renaissance design, with towers, courtyards, and winding staircases.

Sighisoara - Wiki - Map

• Sighisoara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, known for its well-preserved medieval fortified old town. The Sighișoara Citadel is the only inhabited medieval fortress in Europe. more history here
• It is also the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration behind the fictional character of Dracula.
• We went to Gasthaus Altepost Restaurant Traditional Map link for dinner. Would recommend. They also had a selection of Romania wines which were great.
• We also had a drink and traditional Romanian dessert Papanasi (Image seen below)

Turda - Salt Mines⭐️ - Wiki - Map

• The salt mine was in operation between the 17th century until the first half of the 20th century.
• The mine was converted into a tourist attraction in 1992 and underwent a major renovation in the early 2010s.
• The mine features an underground lake, a Ferris wheel, and a mini-golf course.
• FYI no real eating spots here. Would reccomend taking a bottle of water down with you. The Air as you can imagine is very high in salt.

Alba Iulia - Wiki - Map

• Alba Iulia is known for its impressive citadel and fortress, which date back to the Roman Empire and were expanded upon in the Middle Ages. It's a great spot for history buffs and those interested in medieval architecture.
• The citadel is shaped like a star as seen below.
• Restraunt we went to for lunch was called framm's Maps. Their home made pizza was good, would reccomend. Pizza below
• If I came back again I would like to go to the "Principia" Archaeological museum. Maps link here. It has good reviews on google maps. We just didn’t have time to visit.

Hunedoara - Wiki - Map

• Hunedoara is a city in Transylvania with a population of around 70,000 people.
• The city is known for its impressive Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle, which dates back to the 14th century.
• The castle is one of the largest in Europe and has been featured in several films, including "The Nun" and "The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power."

ASTRA Museum - Wiki - Maps

• The ASTRA National Museum Complex is located in Sibiu, Romania and is one of the largest open-air museums in Europe.
• It covers an area of over 96 hectares and features traditional homes, churches, and other buildings from different regions of Romania.
• The museum was founded in 1905 and has since expanded to include exhibits on folk art, ethnography, and cultural history.

Castelul de Lut - Website - Maps

• Would not recommend as there isn’t much to see or access
• Castelul de Lut is also known as the Fairy Castle.
• It is made almost entirely out of locally-sourced natural materials, such as wood, clay, and straw.
• If you do go there is local food options with traditional Romanian dishes

Peles Castle ⭐ Wiki - Maps

• Peleș Castle is a stunning Neo-Renaissance palace located in Sinaia, Romania. It was built between 1873 and 1914 and served as a summer residence for the Romanian royal family.
• The castle's architectural style combines elements of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque design, resulting in an exquisite and eclectic appearance. It features intricate woodcarvings, stained glass windows, and luxurious interior decorations.
• Peleș Castle is surrounded by a beautiful park that spans over 7.5 hectares. The park is adorned with manicured gardens, terraces, and fountains, offering visitors a serene and picturesque environment to explore. The castle and its surrounding grounds are open to the public for guided tours.
• Food wise we ate at Carol Gastro Bierhaus which 5 min away from the castle. We share Schnitzel which was good.

Bucharest - Wiki - Maps

• Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania, situated in the southern part of the country. It serves as the cultural, financial, and industrial center of Romania and is home to over 2 million people.
• Bucharest is often referred to as the "Little Paris of the East" due to its architectural resemblance to Paris, especially in the early 20th century when many buildings were influenced by French architecture. The city features a blend of architectural styles, including Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and Communist-era buildings.
• Bucharest is rich in cultural attractions, including the Palace of the Parliament, which is the world's heaviest building and the second-largest administrative building globally. Other notable landmarks include the Romanian Athenaeum and a magnificent concert hall.
• Grădina Cișmigiu (maps) one of the cities is worth a visit it’s a lovely walk when the weather is nice. (Image below)
• You can do Bucharest for a weekend, no need to stay for longer.

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