Former Romanian capitals

Romania as a success story celebrates this year 100 years from the Unification, which is actually our national day. But our history goes far beyond and is really troubled and interesting, no doubt.

Campulung, the first Capital of Wallachia

I won't go in the details, which are not very relevant for the today tourist. The today tourist must see something, taste a special food and have a place to sleep. We have plenty of them, and many travel agencies offer more or less outstanding travel to Romania.

I would go further and send you outside from the beatten path mentioning something about our former Capitals. Briefly speaking, during Middle Age, there were three Romanian countries, known as Wallachia, Moldavia and Transilvania. The today Capital, Bucharest, is rather a new city, grounded during the XVth Century. And of course we had our regional Capitals before Bucharest. In Wallachia we had Curtea de Arges, Campulung and Targoviste; in Moldavia Suceava and Jassy; and in Transilvania/Siebenburgen Alba Iulia and Medias.

The city of Campulung at 1900

Oops, I hope is not too detailed and still interesting, don't wanna bore you with unnecessary knowledge. All of these former Capitals are today rather little towns, which are nevertheless worth to a visit. You can still discover within their ancient walls the arrogance and pride, and imagine the ceremonial of the Court. Brave wariors, beautiful ladies, and a lot of people on the streets, really a golden brilliant age.

Happy Romanians celebrating the national day, 1st December

Any of these old cities would be glad if you visit them. They have a lot to show you, e.g. wonderful pieces of architecture, maybe something of their modern life. I will try to introduce you all these cities and release travel guides for every one, which is not an easy task!

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Et in Arcadia ego! It was actually Romania

Is really nice to live in Romania for sure. Sometimes not very easy, when thinking to politics or other big problems and issues we must face, but any country must experience something similar, I guess.

The ancient history and its many legends: Sarmizegetusa is the former Capital of Dacia

Anyway, I love this country of mine very much, and I like introducing it to the foreigners, my beloved guests. Really think sometimes to have a dream job: wonderful country, friendly interested guests and the strongest Romanian incoming agency as an excellent partner. Thus all the necessary conditions are being filed.

Only 5 % OF THE OLD FORTRESS HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO LIGHT, AND THE REST IS WAITING FOR YOU

And as a supplement we have something more: the spell, the legends, the history. It is really amazing, the guests are really fascinated by this country of mine, and I am very grateful to them for this thing. Of course, all other Romanians feel the same. We are a strong proud nation, sharing gladly the natural beauty of this country.

Another simply fact: since the oldest times was Romania the same. The ancient Romans led by Traian conquered the Daciams, and so came to light the Romanian people. And the same Romans used to call the province Dacia felix. Quod erst demonstratum.

You can discover in the Romanian Carpathians the ancient citadels of our ancestors, and the best known of it is Sarmizegetusa Regia. The acces road is being rebuild, and that means you have the best conditions for the next year (not all the plans run in Romania smoothly, but let's hope this one will do).

Landscape in the Romanian Carpathian, a natural fortress

You will find there a round sanctuary having an unknown astronomic signification. You can digg, as some treasure hunters also do, for the gold collection of the old King Decebal. By the way, Decebal is a national hero, who commited suicide after the Roman conquest. Be sure to find in any Romanian city a Decebal street and a Traian street, together with  a Lupa Capitolina (The wolf female from Rome nourishing Romulus and Remus) as a remember to the Roman roots of the Romanians.

I hope you enjoyed this brief introduction in the Romanian history, and hope to come again soon with other chapters. Besides, there are many other things to discover in Romania, it is also a country for the today people, and not only for history fans.

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The other Romanian Capital

Next to Bucharest, for any Romanian the small town of Alba Iulia proudly stays as a historic and cultural Capital of Romania. Alba Iulia has hosted a few crucial event for the history of Romania, specially for the heroic fight of the Romanian from Transilvania for social and national freedom, as for reunification with the other Romanians from Wallachia and Moldavia.

The Fortress of Alba Iulia hosts everything you must see in this significant town

Alba Iulia waits its guests unavoidable with its communist blocks of flats and a few industrial factories. Visiting them might be a bargain, specially the porcelain factory. Going deeper inside the town and digging better is any pain worth. Namely, you must find the Fortress (Cetate), concentrating all the must do and must see in this interesting town.

The Ceremony of changing guards in Alba Iulia is an historic evocation of the Habsburgic times

Alba Iulia is also known as Gyulafehervar in Hungarian or Karlsburg in German. The Austrians build the Fortress in the XIth century in the Vauban style, on the remaining of the antic city of Apullum. During Middle Age, under Hungarian occupation it becomes the Capital of Transilvania until 1690. It grew substantially economically and culturally, reaching its peak under the authority of Gabriel Bethlen. The University of Alba Iulia was renowned in the all Europe.

A few interesting touching events of the history of Romania took place in Alba Iulia, and that's why this town is very important to any Romanian:

-the antic town of Apullum was renowned for the prowess of their Dacian inhabitants. After the Roman conquest the town kept on growing, reaching impressive 30 000 inhabitants.

-in 1784 the oppressed Romanians rose to fight for their rights under the leadership of Horea, Closca and Crisan. It should have been a sign for the Hungarians and Austrian landlords, but they totally missed and did only to catch the heads and execute them through wheel hauling, a humiliating and painful torture. The Romanian showed a lot of character and are today celebrated as heroes by any of us.

-in 1918 after WWI and dissolution of Austrian-Hungarian Empire and Monarchy, the representatives of all Romanians from this obsolete kingdom decided to unite with the rest of the country. Besides the mentioned representatives 100 000 people came here to seal for ever this decision, in Romanian national ports mostly. After that they celebrated or cried for hours, it was the peak of a long heroic fight.

The Bathyaneum Library from Alba Iulia hosts a few rare books with a fantastic value

The Museum of History from Alba Iulia is one of the best and most touching in all Romania. You can find it of course inside the fortress. Follow there all these crucial moments of the Romanian history and discover others too. Every Romanian is overwhelmed stepping there, please try to understand, accept and respect it, even if you can't feel the same.

Observe the fantastic guards change where the people wear original uniforms from the Habsburgic Empire, and discover further the impressive Orthodox cathedral with its very high bell tower. Only a few steps away the Catholic Cathedral is very old, dating back to the XIth century. No less impressive than the Orthodox Cathedral, it host the remainings of a few prominents, e.g Iancu de Hunedoara, Stefan Bathory, Isabela Zapolya.

Much easier to admire for any culture afficionado is the Bathyaneum Library, where the Bishop Bathyany collected a few rare and very precious books. Just to raise your curiosity, I will mention only the Codex Aureus from the VIIIth century. Very interesting the history of this Codex, as our library hosts only a half of the book, while the other half is in Rome and the covers in London.

If you are hungry, be sure to find there, inside the fortress a few interesting restaurants for any budget, while for staying I would recommend the Hotel Cetate (The Fortress) in order to keep the same Medieval note.

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Unknown facts about Sibiu

There are a lot of mysteries in Romania. Even the proud survival of these happy people is a mystery itself. I would like to reveal and unveil a few Romanian hidden secrets and mysteries, with the necessary mention that a solved mystery gives birth to other ten new mysteries at least.

Hotel Hilton Sibiu, one of the city's best

One of the best renowned Romanian cities is Sibiu/Hermannstadt in German/Nagyszeben in Hungarian. It is really nice, with a multicultural flair, and has been for hundreds of years the most important cultural center of the German minority in Romania. They left wonderful traces in Sibiu, and we must say "Danke". Even today the general mayor is a German, while the German population consists only of 5 % of the full population of Sibiu. Klaus Johannis is a legend himself, and anyone can admire the city hall of Sibiu as one of his impressive works, no doubts.

On the Balcascu street from Sibiu (former Stalin street)

There are a few interesting legends about the yearly Medieval years of the city. One of them says that a certain shepherd called Hermann from Nueremberg has grounded the city, searching a new better life. Another legend says on the contrary that the village of Sibiel was grounded by Romanian shepherds, and these were in need for craftsmen. When a German skilled artisan passing by asked to give the land he can cover with a skin, the locals accepted without any hesitation, thinking to have made a good business. But the German cut the skin in very small pieces, and attached one to another! The Romanian saw the trap, but should accept, as it was a matter of honor. So the German artisan stayed and brought other mates too. Nowadays these artisans are again wanted and invited in Sibiu.

The impressive downtown from Sibiu

Please start your visit in Sibiu from Piata Mare/Big Market/Grossring which is really the heart of the city and hosts concerts, and other events. Think that during Middle Age the distractions were totally different (e.g. executions). Walk further on the pedestrian area, called today str. Nicolae Balcescu which is really impressive, with lots of shops and restaurants. During the obsessive decade 1950-1960 when the Stalin's personality cult was at its peak this exquisite street was called "Stalin street" of course. Even quirqier the city of Brasov (120 km away and showing a few similarities with Sibiu) was also named Stalin. What comes further is very funny indeed: both these wonderful cities qualifies for an important investment, a salami and sausage factory. But at those times nobody dared to think about selling and marketing salami and sausages of Stalin (Stalin's sausages!) and that's why finaly Sibiu won the competition. That factory is existing up today, making the country's best sausages at the price of 20 Euros/kilogram.

Observe further in Sibiu the city's eyes: the roof openings which are not very common in Romania and surely a landmark of the city. Probably at the begining of the city the houses hosted cereals deposit at the last floor, and these openings were really necessary. Visit also the Little Market/Piata Mica/Kleinring with the liars' bridge, another legend will follow soon.

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Romanian Myths and Legends

We love our myths and legends here in Romania and are really fond of them. We are also very proud of our nation. Myself grew up to the countryside and I still can remember the long discussions from the winter nights around a glass of wine. Also totally unforgettable as one of the strongest and nicest scent I ever smelled is the quince put on the stove.

This is the real Vlad Tepes The Impaler, Bram Stoker's model for Dracula

An interesting figure of the Romanian Middle Age is Vlad Tepes Dracula, no doubt. He was brave, and well educated in Istanbul, but had the nerve to defy and fight against the almighty Turks, who came here with a huge army to put the things again in control. Dracula's army was much less, but he had a brilliant saving idea, maybe the only one which he could carry on under those circumstances. Namely he attacked the Turkish camp by night. It was one the rare situations when his perfect Turkish knowledge showed to be useful. Vlad Tepes Dracula himself attacked the tent of the omnipotent Sultan, who escaped  the death just because was visiting a neighboring one. Anyway, the Romanians from Wallachia lead by Vlad Tepes caused big damages to their enemies, which retired next day.

The Olt River in the mountains

Another legend about Vlad Tepes: once, when receiving the Turkish messengers, those refused to uncover their heads. The Romanian ruler decided then to nail their turbans on their heads in order to keep the hierarchy. Equally ruthless was Vlad Tepes against the inside ennemies: after inviting a lot of the local landlords to a pantagruelic dinner, he order to execute many of them through putting them on spikes, which was his favorite way of torture. For the others who bagged mercy he prepared the building of his citadel in Poenari. As Vlad Tepes should to live the country unexpectedly, some people have been looking his hidden treasure in Poenari or in his birth house in Sighisoara.

The Mures River and one of the many archaeological funds on his shores, in Soimos by Arad

Vlad Tepes has ruled not very long, only 6 years, but for his faith and bravery be was and  is still beloved among the Romanian people. The rest of the legends about Dracula are the creation of Bram Stoker and Hollywood, but they are useful for the development of the Romanian tourism. Many castles and places in Romania try to make a profit on Vlad Tepes Dracula, but most of them don't rely on historic proven reality.

Further, another interesting legend about the forming of the two most important rivers in Romania: The Muresh River and The Olt River. The both have their sources in the Hasmas mountains, close to the resort Izvorul Muresului. It is said that a few thousands years ago Hasmas was a local ruler and landlord, having two sons. You guessed, the sons names are Olt and Muresh. As he grew older, he talled to his sons to keep together, as they are unbeatable. He also gave to each of them a half of this shield. During a fight, after days of brave and successful fight for Olt and Mures, the enemy ruler, aware of their  strength when they are together, invited them to peace talks, but separately. They accepted by mistake, being trapped and killed. As a punishment, their father transformed them in two rivers going in opposite directions, becoming himself a mountain. But they still watch up today against the ennemies of the Romanian people.

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How to better understand Romania and the Romanians

How to better understand Romania and the Romanians

Yes, we are different, comparing to our neighbors, and we are very proud about. No one can take a Romanian as an Hungarian or a Bulgarian, or a Russian. We love all these people, but we are proud Romanian!

Romania is a very Orthodoxe country indeed. Most of the churches are simply earthbreathing masterpieces, e.g. Stavropoleos above

Entering Romania from a neighboring country, any one has  suddenly a revelation. The language is totally different, and also the people. Totally amazing, the Romanian language is a Roman one, close to French, Italian or Spanish. We feel all these mentioned countries with Roman languages, and specially France, as our older sister. By miracle and by a happy hazard, the Romanians succeeded to keep this Roman language despite the Slavian neighbors. And we are confident to keep further for ever in this crazy world. Most of the Romanian cities have a copy of the wolf nourishing its cubes, very similar with the original in Rome! And any Romanian city has a Decebal and Traian street, our heroic ancestors.

Bucharest may not forget being the Capital of a rural country.  The Museum of the Romanian Peasant is one of its best leading museums

The simple truth is, that the almighty God was very generous to Romania, we are very grateful for this! 90% of the population are Orthodox, and the half are going regularly to the church. That keeps us together, and that's why in many parts of Romania the society seems to be still in order. Fertile plains, high mountain peeks, many richness in the soil- how not to be proud and thankful for that?

Besides, we, the people, the proud simple Romanians, make this country so nice, rich and attractive. Most of the Romanians are normal people, friendly and always ready to help you, if you need. They are also charming, flexible and diplomat. All kind of privacies taught them to solve every problem, by improvisations if necessary. I won't dare to say that my compatriots are the best people worldwide, but we are not far from that, despite the negative publicity targeted toward us sometimes! And all these fantastic people are very open, ready to receive guests and give them all the best.

Any travel to Romania becomes without the slightest intention  a fantastic trip in the Ceausescu communist era, due specially to the monumental Parliament palace

After almost 50 years of living in this country, I must quit trying to understand the Romanians. I think it is simply impossible, they are rather sensitive and emotional, than reasonable. Simply love or hate them, but I am sure that is practically impossible hating them!

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Discovering Drobeta by night in a special way

How to discover a Romanian city at night

In the Romanian city of Drobeta Turnu Severin (only one city, believe me!) I have one of the most interesting experiences of my activity as a travel guide, and now I wanna to share with you. I hope you will enjoy, understand, finding also interesting.

Namely, I reached the wonderful city of Drobeta in the afternoon, guiding an active biking Romania tour from Launer Reisen. It was a wonderful weather, middle August. The city itself nice, clean, interesting and inviting. We arrived in Hotel Continental Portile de Fier, checked in and took our rooms, and had the dinner at 7 hours p.m. Was O.K., no objection, we also said good bye, as the German customers were supposed to go further in Serbia and I was supposed to go back to Bucharest, taking over another group. It was an excellent trip, that I enjoyed a lot, and I hope the tourists also.

A group of happy bikers, touring Romania through Launer Reisen ( see Mr Paul Launer the first on the left, in the black suit)

After the dinner, I made an unexpected proposition: let's go walking through the city and discover it at night! Just two persons showed to be interested: Dr. Renate and Norbert Lauppenheimer.

We walked through the city and discovered first a spectacular kinetic fountain. It is really one of the most interesting fountains in the all Romania, a masterpiece of a local scuptor. Besides, the market place around is nice, has a nice park and a monumental building (a museum in restoration). It was very peaceful in that marketplace, I noticed that was the locals' favorite meeting point. It was still day light, but the night came upon the city of Drobeta.

The Civic Centre of Drobeta Turnu Severin is charming and seducing

An old city indeed, very important for the Romanian history. The name itself sends immediately to the Roman Empire! Short and concrete, the Romans build here a bridge, engineered by Apolodor from Damascus, one of the most notorious architects of the old times. On that bridge came the Roman legions, invaded and conquered Dacia. Thus has been build the Romanian people and language, the Romans and Dacians are our ancestors.

The ruins of a foot from the antic bridge designed by Apolodor from Damascus. Discovering it by night was a thrilling adventure

As a proud Romanian I am, I invited my companion to show them one of the foot of that bridge. Meanwhile, the night falled and we walked and walked along a nice streets with big houses (traditionally a residential area of Drobeta Turnu Severin). Finally we found the foot, in the yard of the History Museum, which was in reparation and locked. It was a very unpleasant situation for me, and I didn't know what to do, as I ought to show that foot to my tourists.

I knocked strongly, waking up all the local vagabond dogs, but also the Museum guard. And that guard allowed us to enter the yard and watch the ruins of the bridge. My honor was saved, thank God. Further was not so easy, we discovered the foot on the Danube shore, after a little fight with a pack of barking dogs, crossing the railway and climbing a hill. Everything in dark, at night, don't forget!

I really think it was a fantastic experience, showing that in Romania everything is possible!

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Discovering Romania by bus

Discover Romania by bus

There are so  many possibilities to discover Romania by bus. First of all comes not the bus, but the route itself. Fix it according your prior knowledge, interests, recommendations and main theme of your projected trip ( wine tour, history tour, culture etc, there are endless possibilities in this fabulous country!)

Culture tour with the painted churches from Bucovina  is naturally one of your first choices when thinking to Romania

Second and third, the bus and the guide (about the guide ask me first of all, I am doing this job since 20 years with huge success). The bus is easy to find, but take care of your costs and the level of performances you need ( e.g. in the mid summer when the temperatures reaches 40 degrees Celsius you need a bus with an efficient cooling system!). Speak to the bus company and to your guide (may be that is me) about your wishes, budget, time and allow them to give you good advices. Never forget that Romanians are proud to salute you there and are very happy to help you with every little matter.

Wine tours are also possible in the fabulous Romania

A good recommended solution is taking contact with a good incoming company. I personally recommend Karpaten as the best incoming company. A few of the best specialists will be happy to find a solution to your wishes and needs, combining different means of transportation and turning your trip in a real event.

Unspoiled nature for the nature freaks is a another amazing side of Romania

Another solution is to organize your trip in Romania as an extension to a trip in another European country. There are line or special buses from the neighboring country or from Austria, Germany etc. When thinking to Austria and its many very serious and reliable bus companies, RATZENBOECK REISEN comes first in my mind, as I have worked with this small, but excellent manged company. Their program is outstanding, including an interesting circuit from Satu Mare to Timisoara, over Maramures, Bucovina and its painted churches, Szeklerland, Brasov and Bucharest. And that means totally from Austria/ St Aegidi and back a convincing itinerary of 3000 km! A fantastic trip, I must say, offering you a good piece from Hungary and Austria as a bonus!

Ceausescu Palace in Bucharest is a must, and RATZENBOECK REISEN offers it!

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Why should you choice Romania  your favorite travel destination

There are so many reasons to make Romania as your favorite travel destinations. I will reveal them all bellow with the necessary details and explanations.

First of all, because of the people. Don't try to understand them, they are rather sensitive and emphatic, and no one can understand them. But they are really lovely, well mannered and educated, and make their guests feel like kings. Even the poorest peasant will try to help you, will invite you in his home and to dinner. Is a matter of education, of their Christianity and of national pride. They are always there for you, if necessary, ready to help.

For the nature freaks, Romania is unbeatable in some parts of it

Second, if you start thinking of your favorite kind of vacation, you are going to find it in Romania. Sometimes you must dig longer and deeper for it, but you can find it, no doubt. Ask me and ask Karpaten, the best incoming agency for any details. Here you are the most frequent tours and vacations you might looking for. Even if you can't find your specific tour, don't lose your temper, we can also tailor it for sure:

Culture freaks won't be dissapointed at all in Romania. Here one of the painted churches of Bucovina/Northern Moldavia

-Romania Tours with the highlights in Transilvania, Moldavia, Wallachia of 7 to 14 days in many different variations, even for your specific taste

-Wine and food tours. Keep in mind that Romania is a wine country, as a former part of the Roman Empire, and we developed a wine culture, similar with France, Italy and Spain. As you are a wine afficionado, you must have heard about Murfatlar, Niculitel, Cotnari and other leading Romanian vineyards.

Wine and food tours in Romania have a long tradition

-For the beach lovers, there are a plenty of pristine beaches on the Romanian Black Sea coast, and the resort Mamaia has a tremendous night life. That resort is totally comparing with Ballerman or Rio.

-For the nature freaks there are many options. One is the fantastic Danube Delta, a UNESCO natural reserve, and another the Romanian Carpathians (e.g. Fagaras, Retezat, etc)

-For the endurance sportsmen, you can climb and walk the mountains, discovering some landscapes of an untouched breathtaking beauty. For the bikers, an excellent offer you can find at Launer Reisen, Germany for more difficulty degrees.

During a Bucharest Architectural Tour you have the unique opportunity to see the world's second biggest building, build by the former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu

-About city breaks, don't miss Bucharest, Sibiu, Iasi, Oradea, Timisoara, Brasov which are really seducing and worth a visit in any season. Even the little towns have in Romania a special fantastic charm.

-The culture freaks won't be disappointed at all in Romania. There are interesting museums in every major city, there are the fantastic painted churches of Northern Moldavia or the wood churches from Maramures. There are antic ruins in Constanta, Histria, Drobeta and so much more.

And the last argument: Romania is still cheap. You can eat in some places a good lunch with 3-4 Euros (ask about "Meniul zilei"). And most important of all, Romania is very safe, as the criminals moved out in richer countries, and the police is very active.

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The history of the Romanian Germans

Myths and legends about the Germans from Romania

I must confess, I like and love Germans, as the most of people in Romania also do. They have been for centuries very esteemed and beloved, being a sort of people who had major contributions to the culture and civilization in Romania.

German Made Architecture in Sibiu/Hermannstadt, still having today a German Mayor

They have been very orderly, hard working  and industrious, they build hospitals, schools, museums etc and we, the Romanians, would like to say "Danke!" /Thank you! Comparing to them, the Romanians seem to have a better sense of humor, as they are oriented to enjoying life, while the Germans are hard workers and the last to understand a joke! But nowadays this cliche does not apply anymore, my German tourists understand a joke better, deeper and more sweeping than I do myself!

The Black Church from Brasov is one of the most impressive in Romania

The Germans came to Transilvania during  the XIth century brought by the Hungarian King Geza I, who aimed to secure the boundary. For almost 1000 years they did not only defense and securing the boundaries, but also developed cities like Brasov/Kronstadt or Sibiu/Hermannstadt. They made business, they build houses in an easy to recognize style. But the history has been very ruthless to the Germans during the 20th century. After the WWII the Romanian Germans have been deported to Romania or Russia. Many of them did not come back.

Old Habsburgic Uniforms to the guards from Alba Iulia

Besides, after a catastrophic economic policy of Ceausescu, he simply bought a good part of the German experts to the Western Germany. It was a major success of the Romanian economy during the communist time! After the dissolution of the communist regime and the fall of Ceausescu, all the economy collapsed and almost all of the remaining Germans took the decision to emigrate in the reunified Germany (it was obviously the only possible option, not only the best one).

Another example of K.u.K architecture, in Suceava

But nowadays we need another Geza to bring our Germans back! The Romanian economy started to move, the country is stable, it is possible to make businesses here. Best prerequisites to come in Romania. Some of the Germans who left Romania really come back. The life is cheaper, and the environment better than in the Western Europe. The city of Sibiu still has a German Mayor, Klaus Johannis, and this is maybe the best guarantee for the returning Germans.

Myself, as a travel guide, never forget in my trips to mention all these things about the history of the Germans and their contribution to the local culture and civilization. And all the Romanians feel the same, we love our Germans. And nowadays, we call sometimes one Romanian as "The German", being the most beautiful compliment: he is the best in his area!

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Most important things to know about the Jews in Romania

Most important things to know about the Jews in Romania

Nowadays, unfortunately, there are only few Jews still living in Romania, most of them very old. We, the Romanians, or most of us, repent  very much this unhappy evolution.

But there are few things remembering their importance presence in the Romanian history. You can still find in Bucharest a huge Jewish district, with the Choral temple and the synagogue. You can still find people able to tell you some stories about the good old times, about the Romanian Jews, their ability for trade and our life together.

The Choral Temple from Bucharest is still impressive and still in use

Many Jews have  played for centuries an important role in the Romanian society (economy, culture, etc). They came and set here in waves, from different parts of the world where they was subject to persecutions and unfair treatment ( e.g. Galitia/Austrian Empire, Russia etc). The brave people escaping the Holocaust gone to Israel, getting finally a home there. Fortunately, we still have a few living and working in Romania!

Almost 100 years ago every Romanian town had a synagogue (here in Focsani)

Most of the cities and towns from Moldavia or Wallachia have their legends with Jewish traders and a central street full with different shops belonging to them. They had to be very innovative in their areas, as the Romanians, Armenians, Greek or Turks competitors were not waiting with crossed hands! Many of these downtowns in cities and towns with their obsolete atmosphere have been destroyed, turning in industrial towns. About these industrial towns with their uniform grey blocks of flat, everybody agree: they are not nice and attractive for the tourists, and the locals must reinvent themselves.

A much bigger, more modern and in use synagogue, in Cluj Napoca

Thus, a good opportunity for foreign investments, specially from the Israeli Jews who know Romania. We have shared our lives for a while, and wait for them to come back. For the younger ones, is to recommend a special tour for discovering the Jewish traditions. I will warmly and salute all of them, recommending the next steps!

And another important fact: Romanian is in Israel almost an official language. Everywhere the Romanian are respected and very well treated. We must say thank you for all these things, and trying to act in the same way!

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UNESCO World Heritage sites in Romania

Visiting a World Heritage Site in any part of the world is one of the most important thing to do in order to get  the best from tour destination. It is on one side, a small tribute to the hyper qualified, but independent, team of the UNESCO experts searching world wide treasures of the mankind, worth to a visit from you. On the other side, you go to the best destinations certified by independent authorities, sparing precious time and money for your searches.

Romania is one of the happiest examples worldwide of perfect coincidence between the recommended UNESCO sites and the most frequented destinations. The complete list of the approved UNESCO world heritage sites in Romania is easy to check at http://whc.unesco.org and most of these destinations I am warmly recommending with any possible occasion, in writing or speaking, inline and offline.

A floating hotel is a wise way to visit Danube Delta

Briefly, the approved UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Romania are the following:

1. Danube Delta is one of the best preserved Deltas in the world, a last refugee for many endemic and endangered species of plants and animals (mainly birds). Strongly protected by the Romanian authorities at local or national levels, offers even spectacular human encounters with the fishermen from that region. Most of the are the descendants of fugitive persecuted Russians from the XIXth century, making this piece of water and land simply unique!

Voronet, a breathtaking pearl of the Middle Age

2.Painted Monasteries from Bucovina have used secret recipes for their colors, making sometimes the restoration works almost impossible (most renowned of it is the "Blue of Voronet", compared with " Veronese green" or "Tizian's Red"). Painted in the Middle Age, they tried to bring the region myths closer to the people. It is amazing the perfect harmony with the environment (soil, sky, villages and the surrounding hills)

Barsana Church from Maramures

3.Wooden Churches from Maramures are very traditional, build in same way as few centuries ago. They are to find in a remote insulated region of the country, where there is still plenty of wood. Also to observe in the region, the massive wooden gates, measuring the wealth of the locals. They have been build during an oppression period, when the Romanians were not allowed to build in concrete or stone. But these fantastic wooden churches lasted better!

4. The Horezu Monastery is an unique architecture masterpiece in the Romanian Brancovan style. Has a perfect balance among colors, shapes and ornaments, simply  overwhelming for any culture freak!

The amazing Sighisoara Fortress during a Medieval Carnival

5.The Historic City of Sighisoara is the only one Medieval Fortress still inhabited. Easy accessible from any point of the town Sighisoara, offer broad view to the all region. My secret tip: discover the traces of Dracula, eating in its birth house!

The Fortified Church from Biertan

6.The Fortified Churches from Transilvania could shelter for weeks the all population of an entire village, if the reserves were enough! Most renowned in Biertan or Viscri (where Prince Charles of Britain owns a few properties)

7.The Antique Fortifications of the Dacians from the Orastie Mountains are not easy to access, as they belonged to the ancestors of the Romanians, running from the conquering Romans. Most renowned is the Sarmizegetusa Regia. Savage mountains, mysterious artifacts complete an interesting getaway.

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Most Important Reasons to Visit Romania

You are not supposed to believe when I am declaring about the Romania being a paradise on Earth (but this is the true and the fact). Historically speaking, in the 70's Romania was a favorite target for foreign tourists, despite the huge differences in the politics and ideology compared to the non communist world. It was maybe the good bright side of the communist dictatorship ruled by Ceausescu.

Digging deeper in the past, in the 30's the glamorous Bucharest was called by all its tourists "The Little Paris", and I think that you already understood why from other books and authors.

After the fall of Ceausescu, the collapse of the communism and the dissolution of its regime, the Romanian tourism has suffered for years on a bad management, lack of infrastructure, high prices and bad services (the worst ratio between quality and price, I must accept). All these things are already past, and nowadays the Romanian tourism and the professional see again good reasons to be optimist.

History and archaeology tours in Romania are interesting for many people

For you as a potential visitor in Romania there are many reasons for doing it and taking this decision. You can only win doing this, and I want give you the most important reasons to visit Romania.

1. The professional of the travel industry are doing their homework right. They speak foreign languages, are able to find the best quotes and to organize unforgettable travels and circuits, being also nice pleasant persons (but believe, most of the people are like this, you are going to love the Romanian for sure!). I am discovering daily smaller or bigger travel agencies or companies with skills, informations and strong recommendations (e.g Euforia Travel is not very big, but very well managed and has some excellent offers!)

In Romania you can find luxury at unbeatable prices, and broadly speaking, a good ratio between  price and  the quality of the service. Also important: low tips!

2.If you are a nature freak, remember that Romania still possesses large populations of bears and wolves. We can also proudly show you tall mountains (nevertheless accessible for medium trained people, including women and children) and the unique Danube Delta.

3.If you are a culture freak, you can do a lot of fantastic tours: archaeology tours, urban archaeology tours, religious tours. Some of the Romanian museums from Bucharest, as also the Bruckenthal Museum from Sibiu   have an excellent reputations among the art conaisseurs from all over the world.

A wine and gastronomy tour in Romania might be the right thing for you

4. If you like to eat, or you love wine, I have also planned something for you. Romania has a long tradition as a wine producer, but you can also drink your beer here!

5. Romania is not only a wonderful country, but also a very safe one. The crime rate is very low, even in Bucharest downtown. There is no danger of rape as in other parts of the world, you can visit it and enjoy your lover/fiancee.

6. The prices are very good nowadays reported to the quality of the services and you can take profit on it. Romania is also a fantastic target for incentives and team building, I can recommend again an expert, namely Euforia Travel.

These are in my opinion the most important reasons for visiting Romania. And I can find many others, supposing you need more. Remember, please, that the Romanian tourism is booming, and you can still win to the favorable quotations!

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