Spas in Romania

Spas in Romania

            Romania is famous for it’s healing thermal and mineral spring resorts that people travel from across the world to visit and get therapy. One third of Europe’s springs reside here and it has been proven that these spas do have a healing effect. Romania has over 70 spas and each one is unique in what they heal and in their techniques. This country is the perfect place for a vacation of pampering yourself and giving your body a break from your busy lifestyle.

            Home to the “World’s most revolutionary Spa,” Romania contains many different spas with a variety of features. The Baile Felix Spa contains four surrounding hotels and is specialized in treating rheumatism, arthritis, and certain neurological and metabolical disorders. The Baile Herculane Spa gained its name from the legend of Hercules bathing here and his wounds being healed in the mineral springs. This spa is also said to help with Rheumatism and cardiovascular ailments. The Baile Olanesti is famous for its cures of digestive problems, chronic kidney and urinary disease, and lung disease.

            Health spas are located all over in Romania including many on the Black sea coast and in Covasna. Not only do these spas have natural healing powers, but other forms of therapy are available as well. A lot of places offer acupuncture, electrotherapy, and have medicines produced from plants. Also offered are mud packs, hot baths, and inhalations. Romania is the place to go and is known as top notch in spa therapy. For some time away and state-of-the-art pampering, Romania is your first choice!

 

 

 

 

            The Ocna Sibiului Spa Complex Resort, also known as “The Transylvanian Seaside,” is located in the Sibiu depression. This spa offers many therapeutic factors including the hyper concentrated salt water, the mineral water from springs, and sapropelic mud. The establishment has been newly renovated and comes with a restaurant, swimming pools, tennis court, Jacuzzi, as well as a disco-bar. The Ocna Sibiului Resort is ready to make your Romanian stay as comfortable as possible!

            The Baile Herculane Spa is also a very popular attraction in Romania, not to mention the oldest spa, even well known in Roman times. It is located in the southwestern part of Romania on Cerna Valley. It is unique for it’s ability to heal people with moving problems such as degenerative rheumatism as well as obesity. Chronic breathing problems such as bronchitis, and asthma have been healed here as well. This spa is a low price of 800 United States dollars for a two week stay that includes three treatments.

            Founded 120 years ago, another famous Romanian spa is the Baile Govora. Also in the southern part of Romania, this spa is known for treating respiratory problems and conditions. Offering mineral water baths rich in iodinated mineral and sulphorous water that is used for external use and magnesium, calcium and sulphurous-rich water that is used for internal treatment, these methods have been proven to cure many diseases. There is also a spot for the children to be cured as well who may suffer from rheumatic or respiratory diseases. The Baile Govora is truly a historical and cultural landmark with many famous paintings and the oldest collection of printed law in Romanian was created here. This is a very diverse resort that is perfect for a family vacation.

            Lastly, the largest spa, the Baile Felix is also known as the “spa of happiness,” is located in the northeast region of Romania where a milder climate is experienced. Here, thermal waters that are very rich in minerals are used to treat disorders such as rheumatic arthritis and gynecological and nervous disorders. This spa, founded in 1711 has become today one of the most visited and modern health resorts in Romania. As you enjoy the spa, you can also have the pleasure of the water lilies nature reserve at Petea Lake as well as the Betfia Crater which is 86 meters deep and can be explored. The oldest thermal open-are bath in Romania also resides here for your enjoyment.

            Each of the Romanian spas offers something unique to bring to your vacation in a way that benefits you. There is a wide variety of places to choose from in Romania and with each on you can find something different. For comfort, relaxation, and an unforgettable vacation, choose one of Romania’s health and healing spa resorts.

Romanian national soccer team

Top: Romanian national team

Bottom: Adrian Mutu

Soccer is always No.1 preffered sports of Europe. Europe has many top ranked soccer teams
such as Italy, France, Germany, England, Netherlands (Holland), and etc. Among many European national soccer teams, Romania was always been considered as darkhorse that can upset those top rankers. In FIFA WorldCup held in France 1998, Romanian team made to round of 16 by beating England and Columbia, and Netherlands couldn't pass the qualifiers for WorldCup 2002, which was held in Korea and Japan, losing their critical match with Romanians.
In fact, Romanian team is ranked 19 out of 207 national teams registered in FIFA. But their continental ranking (Europe) is only 15 out of 53 teams. This is because European division is very competetive and challenging. Nevertheless, Romania has turned out many great soccer players like christian Chivu of Inter Milan (Italian Seria-A) and Adrian Mutu of AC Ffiorentina
(Italian Serie-A)

Transylvania

Transylvania is a Central European region located in the eastern half of the Carpathian Basin, in present-day central Romania. Bounded on the east and south by the Carpathian mountain range, historic Transylvania extended in the west to the Apuseni Mountains; however, since 1919, Transylvania also encompasses, in the north-west, parts of the historical regions of Crişana and Maramureş , and in the west, eastern-(Romanian) Banat.
Transylvania is an ancient land, once the nucleus of the powerful Kingdom of Dacia. After 106 AD the Roman Empire conquered the territory and its wealth (gold and salt) was systematically exploited. After the Romans' withdrawal in 271 AD, it was subject to various temporary influences and migration waves: Visigoths, Carpians, Huns, and Gepids Slavic peoples. Starting with the 10th century Magyar tribes slowly subdued Transylvania, which became part of the Kingdom of Hungary (11th–16th century). As a political entity, Transylvania is mentioned from the 11th century (after the Hungarian conquest) as a voivodeship, part of the Kingdom of Hungary. After the battle of Mohács it became an autonomous principality under the Ottoman Empire's suzerainty, then successively a part of Hungary ruled by the Habsburgs in 1711, again a part of the Kingdom of Hungary (within the newly established Austria-Hungary) in 1867, and a part of the Kingdom of Romania after World War I.
Outside romania, it is strongly associated with the novel Dracula, while within Romania and Hungary the region is known for the scenic beauty of its Carpathian landscape and its rich history.

Transylvanian Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List
Historic Centre of Sighişoara (1999)
Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania (1993)
Wooden Churches of Maramureş (1999)

Romanian Skiing

Going into this project, I didn’t even know that people could ski in Romania, so I had a lot of work to do. However, being from an area with some of the best skiing in the world, Colorado, I felt some sort of advantage. For my research, I was aiming at two different categories: specific resorts and their relation to each other as well as specific packages that certain companies offered for European “ski holidays” as they call them. Within the first category of specific resorts I realized that I couldn’t research all of them, so I narrowed my search even more and focused my efforts on five resorts that are relatively close together in the Carpathian Mountain Range. Those resorts included Poiana Brasov, Sinaia, Predeal, Paltinis, and Runcu.

Throughout my research, the same resort kept coming up as the best ski resort in Romania. That resort was Poiana Brasov. While all of the top ski resorts are usually in close proximity to each other due to the natural limit of mountains, this resort stood our for a number of reasons. One way is the that it has the most shuttles from airports to their resort, which plays a huge role in making life easier for your customers as well as saving them money on a rental car. This resort is also great because it has the most resources for tourists in terms of bilingual staff. While the amenities are great, Poiana Brasov also benefits from simply the best skiing in the country of Romania. It has the most runs and the most chairlifts to which some other resorts simply cannot compete. The other resorts still offer great skiing, but lack in other areas such as amenities, amount of runs and chairlifts, and overall hospitality.

Another approach to this research was to find out what made Romania an attractive tourist destination for other tourists from Europe. What I found made this destination preferable to that of Italy or other destinations is that you have the ability to be secluded in the vast wilderness of Romania. When looking into the Italian and Swiss resorts, it seemed as if they had gone “too commercial” and seemingly forgot their roots of catering to the skier, rather than the shopper or the lodge-dweller. It is this down-to-earth approach that Romanian resorts possess that give it an old fashion charm that is hard to find anywhere else in Europe. Another contributor besides the relative absence of corporate logos is the wonderful castles you can enjoy while skiing. In fact, it is possible to ski during the morning and get your late afternoon tour of Dracula’s castle in the same day. Romanian resorts are also appealing because it is still very cheap to ski there, since the Romanian dollar is worth about a third of the US dollar.

The Dracula Experience is just one package offered by Romanian tourism companies. In my research I found a variety of packages that offer log cabin exclusion to five star luxury hotels. There are half –and- half castle and skiing packages, skiing and hiking packages, or just plain skiing packages. It was this variety of entertainment packages that I found appealing, as well as important information for the American Tourist.

Danube Delta

 

            A romantic getaway, a family trip, an adventure, and relaxation all come to a point at the Danube Delta. A trip to Romania can never exclude, the Danube Delta, which offers an increasingly wide variety of recreational activities combined with nature and excitement.  Depending on one’s personal enjoyments, there is always something to find at the Danube Delta. 

            At the meeting point of Palaerarctic and Mediterranean biogeographic zones the Danube Delta combines a dynamic wetland with rich biodiversity of multiple wetland habitats.  At a sea level of 49 feet and only 18 inches of annual rainfall the climate is determined by the bodies of water that are in near proximity.  Right off the coast of the Black Sea, in eastern Romania, and between the branch rivers of Chilia, Culina, and Sfintu Gheorghe, the Danube Delta not only offers charm of its own, but also that of its neighboring cities.  The Danube Delta shares this enchantment while still expressing the influence of the historic trading that took place there between the Greeks and the Romans, through their settlements that still remain and include their lighthouse, and also the surrounding villages filled with Turkish influence.  These small contributions from this region's past, encourages the culture to become a part of the trip to the Danube Delta. 

            A place with such a wide variety of activities such as, cruising, eco-tourism, bird watching, fishing, camping, and hiking offers multiple types of vacations and attracts multiple types of visitors.  A tourist trip here, can be devoted to just one aspect of the Danube Delta or can compromise a little bit of everything.  Cruising is available through U.S. and Romania tour operators.  Depending on the cruise you decide to take, you may get to visit one of the following countries in addition to Romania, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Yugoslavia, Russia, and/or Bulgaria. Throughout the cruise, the ship will sail along the coast of some of Europe’s most fascinating cities including Vienna, Budapest, and of course Romania’s capital, Bucharest.  The ship stops in many different towns allowing for passengers to take a day off the boat and explore the museums, nightlife, and individual preferences of each town.  Many of the cruises are of a more intimate setting, with smaller groups of passengers; entertainment on ship usually includes music performances by either singers or pianists.  Some of the cruises offered include specific nights where passengers stay on shore in hotels or cabins in order to have time to completely obtain the cultural heritage of the city.  Cruises on the Danube Delta usually include all meals, stays, and offer advice where to go sight see throughout the day.  These are convenient packages so that travelers can avoid trying to handle money while on vacation.  Cruising through Europe’s finest countries is an experience of culture, heritage, excitement, and fascination. 

            A journey filled with an abundance of natural highlights would include the Danube Delta Eco-tourism.  One has the opportunity to travel through Romania’s most untouched natural regions, which include waterfalls, mountains, caves, canyons, and an array of wild life. Different tourists can take groups on the multiple trips offered, some which last up to eight days.  Depending on the route taken, travelers go by boats, jeeps, horses, bikes, or hiking, accommodations include guesthouses by local people, possibly hotels, teahouse lodges, or camps.  The eco-tours combine the most majestic aspects of the Danube Delta such as bird watching, fishing, and hiking.

Although, the option to combine these activities into a tour is available, shorter visits can be arranged so that travelers are able to decide which activities they prefer on their own.  The Danube Delta, is a huge migratory zone for many birds, some being some of the world’s most outstanding.  For example, Dalmatian pelicans and 60 percent of the world’s smallest cormorants reside in this region alongside 300 migratory birds and resident birds.  Bird watching alone makes for a fascinating day but one can also combine it with the fishing that is available.  Fishing for fresh water and salt water fish is allowed all year long except during the 60-day spawning period in April.  Boats are for rental at various locations on the Danube Delta.  The boats can also be used for water sports, or simply a lazy day on the water.  While boating tourists will find that the channels and canals lead to lakes surrounded by trees, reed islands, oak forests, and marshes.  On this adventure, there is also the possibility of finding the way to desert dunes or even fisherman villages.  Even though, fishing is a tourist attraction it is also a main occupation for many residents of the Danube Delta. 

            Tourists come to Romania to experience the variety of activities at the highlighted points but also because Romania’s cities do not leave any disappointment for travelers.  Every aspect of Romania offers a different taste of culture, fun and flavor.

The city where the Danube Delta lies, Tulcea, Romania, has a population of 100,000 people and is about 5.4 square miles.  Tulcea, located on seven hills, like Rome, offers the history of its past and the daily life of its present through many museums that can be visited throughout ones visit.  These museums include, the Danube Delta Natural History Museum, the Art Museum, Folk Art and Ethnographic Museum, and the History and Archeology Museum.  The Danube Delta Natural History Museum offers an inside view of the towns history and also depicts the life of a typical fisherman at this time period.  The museum has a collection of pray and exotic fish that live in the area.  The Art Museum, also offers a profound collection of paintings, sculptures, glass and wooden icons that are all piece of celebrated Romanian artists, Nicolae Tonitze, Frederic Stork, and Victor Brauner, to name a few.  In addition, the Art and Ethnographic Museum contains agricultural and fishing tools along with folk art household items and decorative fabrics, and traditional costumes and jewelry.  This allows tourists to understand the lifestyle and the traditions that are a part of Romania and that shaped Romania in the past.  One last museum is the History and Archeology Museum; out of all the museums this offers the widest range of art and history, dating from the ancient times in northern Dobrogea to the medieval age.  They contain about 90,000 archaeological objects, old documents, ceramics, sculptural pieces, and jewels.  Other then the Museums, Tulcea offers a wide variety of nearby attractions such as, the Niculitel Basillia and Srica Niculitel Vineyards, this is only 18 miles away from Tulcea, (located in Niculitel) and not only offers a wide-variety of vineyards to explore and relax but individuals can also see the Christian basilica which was built in 370 AD throughout Emperor Valerius’ life.  These attractions make for a delightful stay when visiting the Delta because they offer not only historical background into Romania but also an artistic and worldly approach to traveling across Romania. 

Every Romanian visitor travels through Romania in their own personal way, but the Danube Delta is a must see, whether just for a day or for an extended visit there are numerous opportunities for tourists to be immersed within the lifestyle and landscape of Romania. 

           

 

Museums at Tulcea Availability and Contact Information

 

Danube Delta Natural History Museum

            Hours:

Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

 (October – April 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Admission Charge

Contact: (240) 515.866

Art Museum

            Hours:

                        Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.

                        October-April 10:00 – 4:00 p.m.

                        Contact: (240) 513. 249

Folk Art and Ethnographic Museum

            Hours:

                        Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m.

                        October – April (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m)

                        Contact: Str. 9 Mai nr. 2

History and Archeology Museum

            Hours:

                        Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

                        October – April 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

                        Contact: Str. Gloriei

Danube Delta Information

 

Danube Delta

300 migratory and permanent bird species

160 types of fish

800 plan families

Covers 1,678,000 acres

There are specific regions in which permission to visit is required due to nature reservation.  These areas are closed during bird breeding season.

Weather

            June through August average high temperatures: 69-79 degrees Fahrenheit

            June through August average low temperatures: 51-59 degrees Fahrenheit

            Wettest seasons are late spring and early summer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Danube Delta Cruise Information/Sample Itineraries

Six Country Danube Cruise

Vienna to Bucharest

         Day 1: Vienna, Austria

                        Check in and boarding

            Day 2: Vienna, Austria

Belvedere Palace, Parliament, the Burgtheatre, the Votive-Church, Spanish Riding School, numerous other architectural gems.  Day is at traveler’s leisure to either explore on his or her own or purchase an optional tour available on board.  Set sail around midnight.

            Day 3: Bratislave, Slovakia

                        Morning panoramic city sightseeing tour, St. Martin’s

                        Cathedral, Castle and Primate’s Palace, Old Town, return to

                        Return to ship to set sail, lunch on board with wine tasting party                         (selection of high quality wines from Romania), accompanied

                        with live music from Gypsy Band onboard. 

            Day 4: Budapest, Hungary

                        Breakfast sightseeing tour, The Parliament Building, St. Stefan

                        St. Stefan Cathedral, the Opera, the Square of Heroes,

Vajdahunyad Castle.  Time to explore on own or take part in a            

planned excursion.

            Day 5: Budapest, Hungary

St. Adrej, numerous fascinating architectural churches.  Enjoy                         leisure time.

            Day 6: PECS (Mohac), Hungary

Bus ride to Pecs, (town of old world architecture), wine tasting party at local wine cellar. On board there are lectures on the Balkans by Cruise Managers. Gypsy Band performs.

            Day 7: Novi Sad, Serbia/Belgrade, Serbia

Walking tour through Novi Sad, afternoon to explore, buffet lunch held on sun deck.

            Day 7: Belgrade, Serbia

Once in Belgrade the evening ends with private folklore show performed by members of “Talia.”  A special fashion show introduces hand made sweaters of “Sirogojno”

            Day 8: Belgrade, Serbia

Kalemegda Fortress, St. Sava’s Orthodox Cathedral, rest of the day tourists can enjoy the street performers, open air cafes, and live bands at their own leisure.

            Day 9: “The Iron Gate” Turnu Severin, Romania

In the morning enjoy the viewing of the highest natural gorge on the Danube, named, “The Iron Gates”. Lecture on local history, lunch on board, travel through Turnu Severin, renowned for its Museum of Ancient History, see the site of archaeological excavations from Roman times, enjoy festival Captain’s Gala dinner, accompanied by Gypsy violins.

                       

            Day 9: Vidin, Bulgaria

In the morning, a walking tour of river port and 13 century fortress “Baba Vida.”  Free time for strolling and shopping, afternoon sailing and the Gypsy Band concert at night for dancing.

            Day 10: Giurgiu/Magurele – Bucharest- Romania

Panorama tour highlights, Revolution Square, Arch de Triumph, the National Theatre, and the Romanian Athenaeum.  See President Ceausescu’s “People House.”  Optional 3 day extension Dracula extension.

 

Included in this package:

         - Roundtrip economy airfare from US to Europe

            - Arrival and departure transfers

- Accommodations for 10 nights/11days in all outside cabins in categories

- Three meals daily starting with dinner/ending with breakfast

- Daily afternoon tea and cakes and early morning coffee

- Shore excursions, daily sightseeing programs, on board lectures and

folklore performances/music concerts, and wine tasting

- Live 3 piece Gypsy band playing each evening

- Professional English speaking Cruise Directors and local, English speaking guides

 

Not Included:

-       Port fees

-       Transfers if purchasing Cruise Only

-       Any travel and document fees

-       Personal costs (laundry, telephone, liquor, souvenirs)

-       Tips to Crew, Cruise Directors, and local guides

-       Any unpredicted increases in costs

Ship:

“Little Prince”

            Decks: 2

            Maximum Passengers: 90

            Crew: 25

            Length: 93.34 m

            Width: 11.18 m

Departures and Price

Departs at different times between May 10-Oct 24.

The Cruise Only cost ranges from $2,399- $2,299 (varies on dates traveling)

The with Air from NYC cost ranges from $3,199 - $2,999 (varies on dates traveling)

There is also a reverse itinerary available; from Bucharest to Vienna

 

This is just one sample itinerary for a Danube Delta Cruise that travels through the enchantments of Romania; there are numerous other Eastern Danube Delta Cruises as well, which also offer the culture and heritage of Romania.

Eco-Tourism Information

Sample Trip from The Nature Adventure 

Eco-tourism consists of small groups of approximately four to twelve people.  There are many different options available depending on each individual is looking for.  A sample package include:

 

Danube Delta Discover – eight days

            Day 1: Transfer Bucharest – Niculitel, ancient village near Tulcea

            Day 2: Travel by boat to Tulcea

            Day 3 – 4: Bird watching on the Dogdaproste Lake

            Day 5: Travel by boat to Crisan village

            Day 6: Cruise on the channels and lakes

            Day 7: Travel back to Niculitel, visit first Christian basilica in Europe

            Day 8: Transfer to Bucharest, tour of the city

Throughout the tip travelers will experience the biggest pelican colony in Europe, being in the midst of pure nature, surrounded by sand banks, ponds, forest, fisherman’s villages, and the beautiful vegetation. This adventure allows travelers to experience the ancient fortresses, ruins of the land, but also blend the common lifestyle of Romanians who live in this area. 

 

 

 

 

            The Danube Delta is one of the few reserved places of nature left where people visit simply to enjoy nature as it is.  The Danube Delta offers many different inhabitants form fascinating carnivorous plants to 300 different types of bird species.  In the Delta visitors can enjoy an array of activities from relaxing cruises, to adventurous hikes. These advertisements portray how exclusive the Danube Delta remains while still exemplifying the fun activities that reach out to young adults.  Whether someone is looking for serenity or adventure these advertisements express numerous possibilities within the Danube Delta.

 

 

 

                   

 

Brief background history and Romania after the fall of Communism

Romania is a country that has had to fight for their stability and for the position they are in today. Romania formerly a poverty stricken Soviet Bloc country has not had much opportunity to expand as a nation, yet today Romania succeeds in tourism and availability of resources. To get to this point however, Romania had to unify as a country as spoken on December 1, 1918 at the Great National Assembly in Alba Lulia, “unification of all Romanians- with Romania for all ages to come.” This day became Romania’s National Day to remember their Great Union.

After the Great National Assembly the Romanian Government followed a democratic based system, but between the Depression of 1929 to 1933 the social instability led to King Carol proclaiming a Royal Government in 1938. Romania was struggling to govern itself when in 1940 it was taken over by the Soviet Union due to strained relations with the USSR and Germany. This begins the battle of Romania trying to protect their land and fight to regain their independence from other nations and protect their land.

Romania thrown into the war sided with Germany and eventually fell under Stalin and Churchill’s power (1944) and became a communist country. After a string of dictators, which implemented foreign policies and eventually led to economic, social, and moral depression, Romania became filled with corruption and violation of human rights. Being completely isolated from the Western world Romania was at a falling pint of poverty and ruins.

As it seemed that Romania could not plummet any farther Ceausescu (dictator) was overthrown and executed in 1989, allowing the country to begin its slow climb back to a functioning economy. In 1989 there was a reestablishment of democracy and return to market economy. As Romania re-integrated into the European cultural world they began to see changes throughout their society. Although many Romanian’s still reside in poverty, the overall quality of their country had immensely increased.

While Romania used to be a swamp of bleak tragedy, now Romania is filled with color, culture, and recreation. As Romania climbs out of the slump they lived in for so long it is a country that holds much individuality and personality to experience.


After the Fall of Communism

After the fall of Communism, Romania was left to face many demanding challenges, some of which the country is still facing today. Currently Romania is focusing its efforts on a transition to a market economy and western European structures as a member of the European Union. Rekindling the pride and Romanian spirit is also an issue. Fifty years of Communist rule negatively affected the people’s sense of mission, leadership and involvement with the rest of the world. Now working to improve education, health care and a shifting government and politics, the “New Romania” has come a long way in a couple short decades. Also, with such population of various ethnic groups Romania is also working towards bridging the gap between minorities, especially the Rroma or Gypsy population and others.

Americans typically know Romania as a country of Dracula, Communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu, and its numerous orphanages. However, Romania is in the process of changing this negative image as they emerge as a democratic country and promote tourism. Much has changed since the fall of communism in the traveling business. Historical sites as well as recreational areas that were once closed during communist rule have reopened with a new vigor, and in such a short time, the traveling business has done quite well. Focusing on their beautiful landscapes, medieval castles and resorts, the “New Romania” has attracted a new kind of tourist to Western Europe, one in search of rediscovering a country once cast aside by most travelers.

Once torn apart by a Communist rule, travelers will be pleasantly surprised to find how quickly the country has recovered and has refocused its direction towards the future. Although challenges still lie ahead, with such large strides in democracy, the economy, the Romanian spirit and the tourism business, Romania looks to a bright future

Interview with Romanian Teenager

Learn why a young Romanian thinks you would enjoy traveling to her home country. Also, how the country has changed throughout her lifetime.

Interview with Romanian Teenager, Sorina Scarlatescu


Rachel Lawrence (RL): Where were you born in Romania? What year were you born there?

Sorina Scarlatescu (SS): I was born in Craiova, Romania in 1990.


RL: How have you seen Romania changed since you were a child? What improvements has the country made that you noticed in your life?

SS: I guess there are major changes in Romania since I was born. First of all after 1990 we became a democratic country after the revolution when Nicolae Ceausescu died. Now Romania is a ''normal'' country with a democratic president.

RL: What do you think is the biggest struggle facing Romania today?

SS: I think corruption is the biggest problem for Romania. Of course there are many problems but in my opinion this is the biggest.

RL: What do you think is the biggest misconception of your country? What do you wish people knew about Romania that they do not know?

SS: I believe Romania is a beautiful country! We have some amazing places in Romania for example in the north, Moldova or at the seaside (Black Sea) or in Brasov (Bran castle).

RL: What are some of the areas you have visited in Romania?

SS: I’ve visited like 50% of Romania: Brasov, Constanta, Sibiu (this was the cultural capital of Europe last year in 2007), Tg. Jiu,Bucuresti and others.

RL: Why do you think American tourists would like to visit Romania as a vacation destination?

SS: As I said I believe Romania is a beautiful country you must see it to convince yourself.

RL: How would you describe the Romanian people?

SS: Warm, nice, and sociable and many different kinds. Many left their countries like Spain or Italy to work in agriculture in Romania.

Castles and Fortresses in Romania

Here is a description of some of the popular castles and fortresses that many tourists visit in Romania. Included is its location, a short history, hours of operations and cost.

Romania’s many castles and fortresses throughout the country not only give tourists a picturesque view but a deep sense of history, with some castles dating back to 13th century. Although some travelers might be familiar with one famous castle in particular from Bram Stocker’s Dracula, the truth is that there are many more castles in the region and elsewhere, all unique in their own right. While older castles built several hundred years ago were mostly for protection, newer castles built since the 19th century boast lavish décor on a grand scale. Wherever one chooses to travel, each region in Romania can give tourists a taste of olden times just by looking at the towering castles embedded in Romania’s rolling hills.

Romania’s most famous castle, without a doubt is the Bran Castle, located in Transylvania. Built on top of a 200-foot rock, it is not only famous for inspiring the myth behind Dracula, but because of its unique towers, snow-white stonewalls, and aesthetic appeal. Dating back to 1212, the area around the castle served as a Teutonic knights fortress while the castle came later in the 14th century. However the castle is now most famous as the supposed setting in one of the most beloved fiction stories of all time. Even though Bram Stocker never visited the castle in person, his research and vivid thoughts inspired him to set his story in a place much like Bran Castle, and the association stuck. Bran served as a royal residence much later in its history, from 1920 to 1957, housing Queen Marie of Romania. Now a museum dedicated to Marie’s art and furniture collections and ancient weapons and armor, the 60 roomed castle complete with underground passages can be visited year round. Near the village of Bran, this picturesque castle has long been a calling for tourists and continues to attract them today.

The Corvinesti Castle in Hunedora can also be found in central Romania. The Anjou family built the largest Gothic-style castle in Romania where it served as a fortress in the 14th century. Later, Transylvania’s ruler Iancu de Hundedoara remodeled the building into the most astonishing historical castle in Romania. With scenic features such as a knight’s hall, drawbridge, courtyards and a chapel, The Corvinesti castle represents a picturesque castle in most American’s minds.

Along with castles, buildings that served primarily as fortresses also dot the countryside. The Fargas fortress was once considered the strongest in all of Transylvania. Composed of three floors and five towers, it also had a protective moat, that in times of need was filled by a nearby stream. After serving as a prison during communist rule, it is now a museum for traditional folk crafts, including an intensive collection of paintings on glass. Standing as sturdy as ever, the fortress reminds tourists of Romania’s conflicts throughout history and the country’s dedication to stand united as one and is a great visit for history and war buffs alike.

Peles Castle in the mountain town of Sinaia, the castle is extremely unique in its new-Renaissance atchitecture and stands out not only in the country of Romania, but in all of Europe as a stunning castle. Made up of 160 rooms housing only the finest Euoprean art, the collection includes exquisite chandeliers and stained glass. The collection also includes extravagant gifts from other countries such as Turkish silk embroideries and Indian teak furniture. Serving as a summer residence in 1883, it reminds of Romanians of the luxury the country once boasted and their close connections with other countries.

The Rasnov fortress is another central Romania attraction on a rocky hilltop and differs from other Saxon fortresses in architecture and its intended purpose. Made up of 30 houses, a school, it looks more like a village than a fortress as it was intended to be used for long periods of time. Torn apart by war, the fortress only had to surrender once when in 1612 when its water supplies were discovered and cut off. Destroyed by fire and other natural disasters, the fortress has been restored to its former state as a museum with many eye opening remains including a skeleton buried under a glass floor and maze-like secret passages.

Although Romania is home to many different castles in fortress all with various histories, purposes and attractions, they give a true sense of Romanian history. Tourists will find themselves transported to the past in castles built before America was discovered, a unique opportunity for any traveler.

BRAN CASTLE
Location: Transylvania – Central Romania
Nearby large town: Brasov (16 miles northeast)
Nearest train station: Brasov
Address: Str. Traian Mosoiu 489, Bran
Telephone: (268) 238.333
Email: info@brancastlemuseum.ro
Web: http://brancastlemuseum.ro
Open: (May – September)Tue. – Sun. 9:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m.; Mon. 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
(October – April) Tue. – Sun. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Closed Mon.
Admission charge

CORVINESTI CASTLE
Location: Hunedoara – Central Romania
Nearest train station: Hunedoara
Address: Str. Castelului 1,
Hunedoara
Telephone: (254) 711.423
Email:
contact@castelulcorvinilor.ro
Web: www.castelulcorvinilor.ro
Open: (May – August)
Tue. – Sun. 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Mon. 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
(March – April)
Tue. – Sun. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Mon. 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
(September – February) Tue. – Sun. 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Mon. 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Admission charge

FAGARAS FORTRESS
Location: Transylvania – Central Romania
Nearby large towns: Sibiu (44 miles west) and Brasov (45 miles east)
Nearest train station: Fagaras
Open: Tue. – Fri. 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.;
Sat. – Sun. 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.;
Closed Mon.
Admission charge

PELES CASTLE
Location: Sinaia – Southern Romania
Nearby large towns: Brasov (40 miles north) and Bucuresti (80 miles south)
Nearest train station: Sinaia
Address: Str. Pelesului 2
Telephone: (244) 310.918
Email: museum@peles.ro
Open: (June – September) Wed. 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Thu. – Sun. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Closed Mon. & Tue.
(October – May) Wed. – Sun. 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Closed Mon. & Tue.
Note: Peles Castle is closed during the entire month of November
Admission charge

RASNOV FORTRESS
Location: Transylvania – Central Romania
Nearby large towns: Brasov (9 miles northeast)
Nearest train station: Brasov
Admission charge