Transylvania: the land beyond the forest
South-Eastern Transylvania was colonized in the 13th century by the Saxon and Szekely settlers. South-Western Transylvania, known as Tara Hațegului, was settled by the Dacians.
Did you know Transylvania is not just a small town? It actually makes up over 1/3 of Romania. Romania is not like most places, this country has a charm to it like no other place, you literally live in villages that you read about in children books, or that you see on Disney movies. The time here has been frozen, there is no modern civilization, mass tourism, or industrialization. Anyways enjoy the photos of Dracula’s Castle and find out what to do while visiting Romania!
Dracula’s Castle aka Bran Castle
First things first obviously you have to go visit Dracula’s Castle. Now you may be asking how exactly I have photos of Dracula’s Castle considering the fact we are still in a middle of a Pandemic world wide…well these photos are a few years old. They are actually from 2017. One thing I specifically want to due is spend Halloween Night at the Castle. I believe they just started doing this in 2018.
Dracula’s House
Not Dracula’s Castle. This is an actual house. In fact it is the house where Dracula was born. It is located in UNESCO World Heritage town of Sighisoara. You can find it halfway between Brasov and Cluj-Napoca. The downstairs was turned into a gift shop and the first floor was transformed into a local restaurant, however, the room Vlad Tepes was born in has not been changed and can be accessed through the restaurant area. This house belonged to Dracula’s father, Vlad Dracul, and Dracula (aka Vlad the Impaler) himself lived at until he was 4.
Sighisora Belltower
While at Dracula’s childhood house swing by the Sighisora Belltower. Inside the tower there is a small museum and then you can climb to the top. This is one of the best photo spots.
Church on the Hill of Sighisora
Not too far from Dracula’s House and the Belltower you can follow the long wooden covered walkway up to the church. The church is the highest point in the city.
The Black Church
This church is one of the most famous buildings in Romania. A few years after the Great Fire of London the Black Church was burned in a fire that killed over 1/3 of Brasov’s population. However, despite the tragic outcome due to the fire the Virgin Mary painting inside the church survived and is still there to this day for you to see. There is a legend that goes: the dress Mary wears in the painting was originally blue, but the fire turned it black and it now represents mourning the lives the fire took from Romania.
*Photos are not allowed to be taken inside the church*
Visit Rasnov Fortress Ruins
This fortress was lived in up until about 100 years ago. Now it is considered ruins, but it is ruins in perfect condition. It also has some of the most beautiful views of Transylvania.
Brasov Sign
If you are up for the hike, or an outdoors type of person this place is for you. Just like the Hollywood sign in California Romania has a similar sign, “Brasov”. It is a gorgeous view when there is snow.
Sarmale + Mititei + Papanasi
While in Transylvania treat yourself to their national dish, Sarmale. It has been in Romania for centuries. In short, it is a cabbage wrapped around pork. Mititei is another traditional dish in Romania, it is a mix between pork and sausage burger. Papanasi is a delicious dessert in Romania. It basically is like a funnel cake in a way: a large clump of fried doughnut with a smaller clump of fried doughnut on top while sour cream and blueberry jam is drizzled all over it.
Peles Castle
One thing: go when there is snow. You will not be disappointed. This is a newer castle in Romania, built in the 19th century. It is the most aesthetically pleasing fairy tale castle there is.
Salt Mines
Indulge in halotherapy or explore the mines, the mines are set up like small amusement parks. Either way this is a hidden gem you must see. You can just chill there drinking wine, play games, chit chat with one another. You are disconnected from the rest of the world, and I mean that literally, there is no cell reception.
Corvin (Hunyadi) Castle
This is one of the most authentic castles in Romania. Think of it as gothic meets renaissance. The medieval vibes have been preserved for years.
