Romania is located in the central-east part of in Europe. It is bordered by Ukraine and Moldova in the northeast; Hungary and Serbia and Montenegro in the west and Bulgaria to the south along the Danube River. Romania has a stretch of sea coast on the Black Sea and the eastern and southern Carpathian mountains run through its centre. Romania has been a member of NATO since 2004, and is also an acceding country to the European Union. The EU Accession Treaty was signed in early 2005, and Romania is due to join the Union on January 1, 2007.

Romania offers a rich tapestry of attractions and experiences unique in Central-Eastern Europe: medieval towns in Transylvania, the world-famous Painted Monasteries in Bucovina, traditional villages in Maramures, the magnificent architecture of Bucharest, the romantic Danube Delta, fairy-tale castles, the Black Sea resorts, the majestic Carpathian Mountains, spas and much more.



omania was formed after the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia secured their autonomy from Turkish rule in 1856, and it gained independence in 1878. Its history as a communist-block nation is more widely known, primarily due to the excesses of the former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. After his overthrow, the 1991 Constitution established Romania as a republic. Romania joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.

The traditional art of painting on glass and wood remains popular even today. Romanian literature draws inspiration from the country’s rich folklore along with its turbulent history as an occupied country. Folk music and dancing have long been popular in Romania. Couples dance in a circle, a semicircle or a line.

Romania, located in south-eastern Europe, lies on the Black Sea and is bordered by Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Hungary, Ukraine and Moldova. The forested Carpathian Mountains account for one third of the country’s area; another third is covered by hills full of orchards and vineyards; and the final third comprises of a fertile plain where cereals, vegetables and herbs are grown. Mount Moldoveanu is the tallest peak in the region


Romania is home to a number of festivals, both religious and cultural. The Whit Sunday Szekely Pilgrimage is the largest traditional Szekely folk and religious festival of the year. The Fundata Fair, a traditional folklore fair originally held for shepherds to meet their future wives, is held in June. September witnesses the International Chamber Music Festival concerts in Brasov and Bran.

Medieval Days, a two-week long medieval arts, crafts and music festival in Sighisoara, and the Hora de la Prislop, a wild dancing festival on the Prislop Pass, celebrate the tradition of the country. The pastoral festival of Sambra Oilor marks the sheep herds coming down from the mountains. In December, the De la Colind la Stea Christmas festival, held in Brasov, is celebrated with much gusto.





Even though much of Bucharest’s French architecture was destroyed by Ceausescu, it is still an enchanting place to visit. Biserica Stavropoleos is a church with fresco-adorned walls and an impressive dome.

For a taste of Romania’s varied architecture, the museum of Muzeul Satului is a must. The Muzeul Taranului Roman is a regional museum with nearly 100,000 artefacts on display. The nineteenth-century Palatul Cotroceni, home to the royal family from 1893 to 1947, is furnished with personal items of the royal family. The Palatul Parlamentului or the Parliament Palace is a monstrous construction with its 3,000 rooms and 24 karat gold ceiling.

Transylvania, home to the legend of Count Dracula, is equally mysterious and enchanting. It is a land of forest-covered mountains, historic villages, fortified churches, and an unspoiled landscape. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Danube Delta is Europe’s largest wetland reserve.


Dracula’s Castle, also known as Bran Castle as it is located in a small town called Bran, near to Brasow, is a must-see. In fact, it is undoubtedly Romania’s most visited tourist attraction.

The Knights of the Teutonic Order built this castle in the 13th Century. It was used by the Saxons to protect Brasov from invaders.

The castle is home to some antique eastern and central European furniture that was used by Queen Marie who lived her for a large part of her life. The stories related to Vlad Tepes (Dracula) are mere stories and myths and the castle holds no historical evidence of these stories.

The look of the castle resembles more the castles portrayed in fairy tales rather than the ones in horror stories. The castle has typical tall pointed towers and was home to the Romanian Royal Family until very recent times.

The castle has a very attractive and historic appeal to it as it is amongst the oldest structures in Romania.