Top 3 Most Interesting Churches In Romania

There are plenty of churches in Romania, mostly of them are of course Orthodox, as we are almost all Orthodox (between 80 and 90 % of the Romanian population belong to this holly Christian church). The differences comparing to the Catholic or other Christian churches are not very significant.

The Holly Trinity from Agapia, painted by Nicolae Grigorescu is totally impressive

Patio of the Holly monastery Agapia with its distinctive flowers

One of the main differences between Romanians and the rest of the world is that we love and esteem our church, which was very helpful during the history keeping our conscience as a nation. We still visit and attend our churches in numbers on Sunday, feasts and holy day of obligation. The church is widely seen as the most reliable institution, despite some scandals inside it.

As noticeable Romanian churches those from Bucovina come among the first, but they are already renowned and I don't want to repeat. I have found and selected others, with your permission, allow me to introduce them!

The little town of Curtea de Arges lies not far from Pitesti in a fantastic hilly environment, with orchids and vineyards. Totally unbelievable Curtea de Arges has been for centuries the Capital of Wallachia, and the impressive Cathedral of the town still shows it. About the building of the church there is an interesting legend and ballad about it: as everything build daily collapsed over night, the people in charge through the foreman took an unprecedental decision. Namely, first of their wives coming next day shall be build alive within the walls of the church. The foreman's name was Mesterul Manole, and his wife came first and was a colateral victim. The results are totally impressive for any visitor, and here found their final rest the last kings and queens of Romania.

The Royal Church from Curtea de Arges is an architectural gem

Not far from Curtea de Arges is Bistrita with its renowned monastery, which has been for many centuries an important cultural center of Romania. Admire there the architecture in all the details, and the separating wall between the altar and the nave, a Vienna work from 1881. It is a masterpiece for sure. Among the Romanian gipsies, an important minority of the country, is widespread an interesting legend: the gipsies in slavery could buy their freedom here in Monastery Bistrita for a little amount. They still come here on the 8th of September and celebrate. Some of them are not poor at all, come here with Versace suits and fancy cars, just to show proudly their ancient traditions, by donating large amounts of money. The priest and the monks are a little uncomfortable about their noisy behavior.

The Bistrita Monastery played for centuries an important role in the Romanian culture, and an interesting legend is tighten on it

In Moldavia Agapia is one of the biggest nun monasteries, not only in Romania, but worldwide. 300 nuns find here a home and are totally devoted to their faith and monastery. There are for sure a few workshops inside (e.g. carpets etc) and the proud wonderful monastery glitters proudly in the sun with its many flowers. Next to the disciplin, devotion and talents of the nuns observe the inside painting of the monastery. It is brilliant and genial, made around 1900 by Nicolae Grigorescu, the best and most renowned Romanian painters all time. He was only 20 years old when took this contract, but his saints seems to be really alive, with a fantastic charisma and light coming from inside.

I still have many things to talk about the Romanian churches, and I still need your attention and patience. As I don't want to abuse of them, I stop here, but you must keep in mind an important fact: in most all of the Romanian churches you can stay over night, but don't expect the comfort of a hotel!

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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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Unknown facts about Romania

There are a lot of things to say about Romania, and most of them are highly interesting yet bizarre. There are a lot of interesting things to do in Romania, and there are a lot of unknown things or prejudices about Romania, and I am going to explain some of them. Please join and tell me your experiences in Romania.

Very important: the second biggest building worldwide, behind the Pentagon, is in Bucharest

Some people might say that Romania is a very complicated country, one of the most complicated on Earth. Fact is that the Romanians are really different comparing to their neighbors. They are proud, polite, well mannered and educated and always very helpful. Not very rich (average income 300 Euros), but able to give everything for their friends and guests. Amazing people these Romanians of mine, and not less amazing is the history of the Romanian language. It is a Roman language, close to French, Italian and Spanish. Not very easy to explain its existence in the middle of a Slav sea, but the historic facts can help. The Romanian ancestors were the brave Dacians, came here around 5000 years ago. Conquered by the Romans in 106 a.C who had a superior culture. Through this mix came to life and to light the Romanian people.

Maybe not so big like the Western Cathedrals, but not less spectacular: the painted churches from Bucovina

A little digression, and a provocative question, specially for experts: what was before? Well, some experts, based on a few interesting rocks of the Carpathian Mountains speak about a Pelasges civilization, consisting on a sort of giants who build these already mentioned rocks (e.g. Sfinxul, Babele etc). Other people think that these rocks are the simply result of a millenary erosion. The better is to watch yourself these rocks, building your own theory and opinion!

Hand made long time ago, or simply result of the erosion? This is the main question about the Sfinx from the Romanian Carpathians!

During Midle Age have been existing for centuries three Romanian states: Moldavia, Transilvania and Wallachia where the Romanian population was ever in majority. Despite foreign oppressions and occupations, the Romanians showed more times to be brave, pacient and even diplomate. They even showed a strong national patriotism, gathering all these states in only one country. It was really a saga full of blood and victims.

Nowadays we have a lot to show to the wide world and to the many tourists coming to our country. We might luck the huge cathedrals from the Western Europe, but we have our churches. They  are not so big, but some of them are also spectacular (painted monasteries from Bucovina e.g.). Besides, we still have some fortified churches of the Transilvanian Saxons (a very interesting German minority). The Romanian are a charming mix of populations with different origins ( nowadays the most important minorities are the Hungarian one and the Gipsy one). Broadly speaking, 90 % of the all population speak Romanian as the mother's language and are orthodox. Amazing, isn't it ?

Campia Romana has a secret charm, which not many people can feel

We have mountains, we have hills, we have the Romanian Riviera, we have the unique Danube Delta. We have also plain, mainly in the South. Maybe not so attractive and spectacular for the tourists, but I grew up in The Romanian plain and I can unveil its secret charm. It is huge, has no limits and is very dried in summer the Romanian plain. Might seem so uniform, even tendious, but in fact is fast changing. Observe the lakes appearing from time to time, observe the nice villages, and observe also carefully the cultivated fields with tree curtains at every 10 kilometers.

Also very important, but totally unknown, as some media channels are spreading many silly unreal facts and prejudices about Romania: my country is one of the safest worldwide for the tourists. I can make this statement and motivate it through my long experience as a travel guide in Romania, it is a proven fact!

So, please, don't hesitate coming to Romania. It is not expensive, and you will be rewarded like a king.

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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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Basic things to do in Suceava and Bucovina

To make the things clear for anybody: Suceava is a city in the utmost northern part of Romania, and also an important district all around (I shall maybe remember you that Romania is divided and organized in 40 districts). Besides, the legendary region of Bucovina includes not only the district of Suceava, but also another Romanian district, as a part of Ucraina with the city of Chernowitz.

The fantastic church of Voronet, where the outside frescos are perfectly conservated after 600 years. The painting receipe is still unknown

If I didn't succeed to make the things clearer, I bag you pardon. I am not guilty about it, but the trembled history of this region! And now let's go back to work, let's go to the basics.

Suceava is nowadays a nice city with 100 000 inhabitants and has been for a few centuries the Capital of the Moldavia, a Romanian state from the Middle Age. Stefan cel Mare, a legendary Romanian ruling prince, set here for the first time the Capital in 1457. You can still visit the ruins of the Medieval fortress, trying to figure out the daily life of those times, and even the bad days when the ennemies came all around, trying to take the fortress and hereby the all country. Very impressive the huge deposits, but also the very small rooms, who are not at all looking like a royal residence. Not far the Mirauti church where Stefan Cel Mare ( The Big Stephen)  was entitled and confirmed as the ruling prince of Moldavia. Stephen the great is even today a living legend among the Romanians, there are many modern jokes having him as the main character. He enjoyed wine, he enjoyed women, he was hot blooded and heart harded (a human with sins as you and me). But beyond of that he was very brave while fighting, and thus very beloved and popular among the people.

The traditional Armenian church of Hagigadar from Suceava

Every year he used to have a fight against the foes, and if the results were positive ( usually they really were so) he build a church. There are many churches speaking a lot about that, and his following throne holders kept on this trend. Some of them even came to the brilliant idea to paint them outside, to make the Orthodoxe belief more popular among the locals (the church service was held in Slavonian, unknown to the most of the people). Five of these painted books of the Christian world are still today happy and proud eye witnesses of the good old times: Voronet, Dragomirna, Arbore, Sucevita, Moldovita. You can visit all of them from Suceava within a day, and you won't regret at all: they have fantastic proportion, the painting quality still hold on since 600 years, and beside are perfectly integrated in the environment. I shall not forget to mention that even UNESCO put them on the short list of the most important monuments worldwide.

Also very interesting in Suceava is the Armenian church, called Hagigadar. Very old and very proud is this fantastic community, and its members still cultivate an old habit: namely, when they come at Sunday to the church are supposed to go around the church three times, but not walking, and on their knees. Thus they thought to succeed in their most important plan or dream. On the 15th of August, the celebration of the Death of Virgin Mary, they are supposed to go in the same way on a longer distance, namely all the way from the base of the hill toward its peak.

The church Moldovita, not far from Suceava, is another must see in Bucovina

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The mysterious Romania

Usually and normally Romania is such a peaceful destination for your getaway,travel or holiday. The people are o.k., it is really a great travel destination, one of the safest worldwide (there are no rapist, murders, criminals etc, with the little exception of pickpocketers.).

Romania is not an easy land to discover: e.g. this calendar from Sarmizegetusa gives probably indications about the hidden treasure of Decebal

Nevertheless, there is no chance to annoy during your Romanian trip.Not even if you are a treasure hunter, or a mystery hunter. I have hereby a few tips and tricks with the best places for mystery and treasure hunters.

Dracula will follow permanently during your Romanian trip

First of all, for many people Romania, or at least Transilvania, means Dracula, thank to Bram Stroker and Hollywood myths. Dracula is an overexaggerated legend, based nevertheless on an historic truth: the Romanian ruling prince Vlad Tepes. He was cruel, but right and very brave fighter against the Turks,and thus very beloved among poor simple people. When he left in a big hurry Romania, there are many speculations and allegations concerning his huge secret treasure remaining in his country. Don't bother to search the Dracula's hidden  treasure neither in Bran, that castle has nothing to do with Vlad Tepes, nor in other castles scattered all over Romania and trying to get a profit from the mainstreaming myth of Dracula. In my opinion, the treasure must be searched whether in Sighisoara, as his birthplace, or in the inaccessible fortress of Poenari. The citadel of Poenari is really an eagles' nest, making the perfect place to hide a treasure.

Another important ruler of Wallachia was Constantin Brancoveanu (1688-1714). He was actually not a fighter or a warrior, but a builder. He was very clever, diplomat and tactful and during his ruling years Vallachia met a brilliant development in arts, architecture and culture, broadly speaking. He manage to collect for himself a huge fortune, whose proportions are still subject to speculations. He build a lot of churches and monasteries, and among them the lurid monastery of Horezu, a masterpiece for sure. Visit it, is a must do, and observe the first mystery: his remains are not there! There is an explanation for sure: he also left his land suddenly, due probably to a betrayal. Afterwards, he and his four sons have been beheaded  in Istanbul, a heroic death for sure. Nobody knows what happened with his huge fortune. It might be in Mogosoaia castle, by Bucharest, Monastery of Horezu or one of the many churches and monasteries build by him in the all country.

Constantin Brancoveanu  was not a warrior, but had an heroic death

Digging much deeper in the Romanian history one can discover the Dacians (or Getes), our ancestors from the antic times (together with the Romans). In the mountains, almost impossible to conquer, they build their capital Sarmizegetusa, whose fantastic ruins are to be seen today. Strange buildings everywhere, one may think is a calendar or secret indications of a hidden treasure. In the area have been reported already fantastic funds, but the most important are to follow probably. Another point of your map of fantastic places in Romania.

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Discovering Romania in style

Usually you don't need to spend a fortune to discover Romania. There are many excellent offers which are really cheap and totally satisfying,but  it still is Romania on a budget.

The Romanian Athenaeum is a landmark of Bucharest, hosting many concerts and other cultural events. Also important: it lies 200 meters away from the renowned Athenee palace Hotel!

But supposing you are not anymore on a budget, e.g. you have special reason or occasion (like a wedding or a honeymoon etc) or you might not want anymore to stay on a budget. And you still want to travel to Romania, discovering it in style! Allow me, ladies and gentlemen, to introduce you Romania in style.

A have a few suggestions, as also tips at tricks for pampering you in Romania, without becoming too expensive. My wish is to know Romania in style without spending a fortune for it.

Hotel Atenee Palace from Bucharest smells and breathes the taste of aristocracy

If you come in Romania and reach Bucharest, our nice and proud Romanian capital, stay please at Athenee Palace or Casa Capsa. The both look back to a long glorious history of 100 years and more. Let your imagination run and figure the Romanian politicians, aristocrats and landlords sitting on the tables from restaurants, having a great time time with dancers, actresses and poets. These two renovated houses will help you a lot practicing this interesting exercise with their flamboyant inside architecture or their exquisite kitchen. During WWII Athenee Palace hosted the Headquarter of the German Army, and its briefings with the Romanian generals.

If you wanna breath fresh air walking in the center of Bucharest, be by guest further. Very close is the Romanian Athenaeum, with many cultural events inviting you to take part ( concerts of good symphonic music e.g.). Not far, the National Art Museum with renowned masterpieces of notorious masters like Rubens, Rembrandt etc. Bucharest was good renowned as the little Paris and is still today very proud of this label, keeping alive a rich intensive culture life.

As an exercise before Miss Liberty from New York and Tour Eiffel from Paris,French engineer  Gustave Eiffel errected in Iasi The Grand Hotel Traian

Another place full of legends is the fabulous Grand Hotel Traian from Iasi, a former Middle Age capital of Moldavia. You can feel again an aristocrat, a really one in this wonderful stylish hotel, build by Gustave Eiffel himself, two years before the Miss Liberty from New York and seven years before the Tour Eiffel from Paris! During WWI after a disaster campaign against German troops, most of Romania including Bucharest felt under the enemmies, but not Moldavia and Jassy, where the king and the government found their refuge. And you can already realize and figure out again, the notorious Grand Hotel Traian has been  the residence of the king and the Romanian government for two years. 

Princes, kings and princesses, ambassadors, ministers and state presidents, people of arts, pilgrims in quest for spirituality, or businessmen always on road, they all lived one day of their own story right here, in the old hotel, "symbol of the French-Romanian cultural community, made famous by Eiffel himself". Please join this select exclusive club!
Glamorous, elegant and with a privileged location downtown, TRAÍAN Grand Hotel is, together with tha  Palace of Culture, "Vasile Alecsandri" Theatre and the Metropolitan Church, a symbol of Iasi City.

Maybe this is your representation of Romania in style: Sun Garden Golf and Spa Hotel from Cluj Napoca

If you are not the legend aristocratic kind, but rather the modern one, you also can find something appropriate in Romania, namely a good spa hotel. The Sungarden golf and spa hotel from Cluj Napoca is a brand new one, with all modern ammenities and even more, an amazing state of the art property! The hotel itself has no legends around, but the city Cluj Napoca (Koloszvar or Klausenburg) all around will offer you some interesting sights and stories.

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Fantastic unsolved mysteries in the Romanian Carpathians

Whether you are a history and archaeology freak, or you simply like climbing mountains, in some areas of the  Romanian Carpathians you will meet some enigmatic buildings.

As we know about history, 2000 years ago the Romanian mountains were populated by Dacians, which have been conquered by the Romans. But what happened here before, which civilisations have settled in the area? Of course, unsolved ancient mysteries are not only in Romania to find, think about Stonehenge, Pyramids etc, to name just a few of other enigmatic areas, which are maybe even better knowned like the Romanian ones!

The former Capital of the mighty Dacian Empire is still hiding some mysteries

The fact, that many evidences and artifacts point to a revolutionary conclusions: before the dacians, in the Romanian mountains, were other civilization, which was advanced and able to do unbelievable works. Iconic historians called them Pelasges, while other scientists reject this theory!That's why I am going to present only the facts, which you can discover and see yourself.

Is the Sphynx from the romanian Carpathians hand made, or the result of natural erosion?

In the remote isolated area near Orastie (not far from Deva, Alba Iulia or Sibiu) you can discover one of the most iconic and enigmatic places in the Romanian mountains: the sanctuary from gradistea Muncelului. Here was the mighty Capital of the Dacian kingdoms, on 30 human cut terraces. Professional or hobby archaeologists discovered houses, workshops for metal and pottery, water basins, defending walls and ritual sanctuaries. In the middle were the tower houses of the Dacian kingdoms. The walls are more than two thousand years old and form an irregular quadrilater. The former Capital was stretching on 6 accres. Please observe that our ancestors did not build with stones from the neighborhood, as they was simply too soft. They brought stones from tens kilometers away. The food was also coming from remote area, and you can imagine the logistics and technical problems emerging. The Dacians used a special technique to build walls, called "murus dacicus", and the sanctuary found in the area show advanced knowledge of astronomy, technology and even medicine! The ancient Capital is not easy accessible, you have to walk two hours long from Costesti (where a cabin would welcome you).

Old maid chatting in the Bucegi mountains

Another enigmatic place is the Bucegi Mountains, on the Prahova Valley, easy to discover from Sinaia. There are some caves in the area where happen strange things, used to initiate the Yoga aspirants. And there also some interesting artifacts, the Sphynx and Babele. hard to say if they are hand made, or the simply normal result of the natural erosion. Watch them in nature, or in photos, and tell me your opinions!

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The Salt Mountain from Slanic

Leaving Ploiesti towards Slanic and Valeni de Munte means to drive in a certain way out the beaten path. So, don't leave the city of Ploiesti to Campina-Brasov, or Campulung-Brasov, and neither towards Buzau-Focsani. Please take care a lot to the indicators, maps, GPS, as otherwise you'll be in serious troubles!

Only 40 km away from Ploiesti, in a majestic landscape, the resort Slanic welcomes its visitors with rowing white firs, but also with one of the oldest salt mines of Wallachia, opened already from the XVIIth century. When the exploitation begun, there were actually two salt mines, but along the years one of them collapsed inside forming Baia Baciului/ The sheepherd bath. The precipice filled with water , resulting in the swimming pool you can see nowadays!

Typical house from Slanic

But in Baia Baciului another surprise is obvious: due to collapse of the first salt mine, the soil above the other mine has been removed and an entirely salt mountain emerged to the surface. It is an amazing view, looks like a giant crystal with cutting edges, changing color in the sunlight.

Inside this mountain, the mine filled it with water, building The Bride Lake. The legend says that a local girl comited suicide here, after her parents forced her to marry a boy she didn't love. The salt water pushed her to the surface and kept her there, but she died nevertheless due to the strong impact (he falled from a high rock).

The old salt mine from Slanic is excellent for fighting lungs diseases, due to the constant temperature

Unfortunately, only a few years ago, another part of the salt mountain collapsed, and the Bride Lake lost its fame. But the place deserves nevertheless a visit due to the strange bizarre aspect. You can take an excellent bath in the lake, don't forget your suits.

Visit further in Slanic the Salt Museum, as also the old mine, and continue your trip to Valeni de Munte, a small but interesting town, having many to reveal to any visitor. Nicolae Iorga, one of the most distinguished Romanian scientists ever, has lived here for 40 years, and his house is nowadays a Memorial, where you can admire fine paintings, and unique pieces of furniture, with a popular inspiration. Next to the Memorial house, a collection of church works of art, with a focus on icons and books from the XVIIth century.

Please notice the lake from Slanic with its amazing neighborhood, and finally take a good bath 

If you are rather interested on natural phenomena, direct to Cheia, and meet a very special thing: The Green Mountain. It consists on rare soft volcanic rocks, and the locals use pieces of it to obtain a special ornamental mortar, which you can observe to the most of the fences and houses.

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The romantic secrets of Varatec Monastery

The Romanian people have for sure a religious vocation, I think that the number of churches and monasteries is bigger than what you can find in other countries. Please correct me if I am wrong!

Making donations for a monastery, or much better, building a monastery, was for any wealthy Romanian the best way to gain social recognition, and most of them kept long time alive this tradition. Thus, many of the monasteries are rich, have lands, forests, art works etc. For a good cause, because the Orthodox church has a pregnant social mission, when not turning in a concern, due all its properties.

The Agapia monastery is a bigger, richer sister of Varatec

Only 40 km away from Piatra Meamt and 8 km from Targu Neamt, on the road leading between these towns, you can the wonderful monastery of Varatec, which is nice, sunny and only 200 years old. It was grounded by the daughter of a priest from Iasi. Entering the monastery you will be charmed by the richness of flowers and the tidiness. The nuns must be very aplicate, and they have also an efficient management.

Veronica Micle has been for years the inspiring lover of the Romanian national poet, Mihai Eminescu

The Church of the Monastery is a worship with two towers, whose roof is bell formed. From a strictly administrative point of vue, Varatec has the same management with the nearly Agapia, which is much bigger and better renowned due to the original painting made by Nicolae Grigorescu, the most important Romanian painter, whose masterpieces are very expansive nowadays (an excellent investment).

In Varatec the painting was made at 1840 and remade 40 years latter. The golden rood screen is simply breathtaking, beyond the religion matters. Simply a masterpiece, I hope you will agree! The Museum of the monastery mirrors the richness of the administration ( at 1850 the monastery possessed 4 churches, 17 bells, 700 nuns and an important yearly earning). Thus, the museum will proudly show you rare books and short editions, priceless icons, church suits etc ( only a part are donations, the monastery owned many workshops).

Spending vacations in isolation at Varatec was very frequent among the  local  aristocracy in the XIXth century

Discover further a smaller church, carrying the name of St John The Baptizer. Besides, a small white grave stone hides a very romantic tragedy, ending at 1889. Inside the grave rests Veronica Micle, the inspiring lover of Mihai Eminescu, the most important Romanian poet. After Eminescu died at 1889, Veronica Micle searched in Varatec shelter, silence, trying to forget all disappointments. He didn't succeed, and died in the same year, committing suicide with overdose of arsenic!

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Myths and legends about Maramures

Maramures lies in the extreme North of Romania, and is very attractive, proudly welcoming his honored guests. This country of Maramures is very particular in Romania, and you can discover it starting from Baia Mare and travelling all around.

This Mystery Land is actually an eagle  nest build on the mountain rocks. The natural beauty of the places is overwhelming, and the people have sometimes savage or suspicious faces, until they talk and adopt you (guess the next step, it is for sure an invitation to drink tzuica, horinca or palinka, local names for plum brandy. Don't be very happy accepting, it is difficult to face such an important test and must behave properly. You must know from the beginning, that the locals are very well trained.)

There are some easy visible contrasts in all these area. Observe the wooden churches, they are simply unique and note the inside paintings, devoted to Jesus Christ, but carrying Pagan symbols, like The Sun and The Moon. Also, on the monumental wooden gates, observe and note the tree of life! Most of the local cars are very modern, and have foreign plates from Italy mainly, as the youngsters work there to earn some money, while the women still wash their wool blankets in water mills, as their ancestors did a few centuries ago. Maramures is definitely a magic place, where the modern times face with the traditional archaic ones, but have no chance to win.

The wooden church from Barsana, Maramures is really a masterpiece and the highest in the area (75 meters)

The climate in Maramures pretty cold, and specially during winter you must be good dressed ( don't think to dress code or etiquette, you must be well protected against cold ). The surrounding mountains build a natural fortress, explaining the differences comparing to other regions in Romania and the special character of the locals. Up to 1950 was practically impossible to reach Maramures by train from Romania, it was necessary coming over Czechia!

Due to this isolation of Maramures, after Romans conquered Dacia, the still free Maramures was a good shelter for the fugees of other Romanian regions. It is said (local legend from Rozavlea) that Maramures was populated in the good old times by giants. As the time gone away, only one giant remained, and he was very old, but had a young daughter, the pretty Rozalia. Once, walking of the Valley of Iza, Rozalia saw a few small creature, and she didn't know who were. She collected a few of them, and ran to her father to show him. The old wise giant talled her, that these dwarfs are the Romans who shall conquer and run Maramures in the future. Consequently, Rozalia prayed God to make one of them bigger, and her smaller. This fact came true, and so appeared the Romanian people of Maramures!

The wooden gates from Maramures are a landmark. The bigger the gate, the richer the master.

Exploring Valea Izei is easy by car, the road is good, just a little narrow and dangerous, because the locals don't fear anything, including cars! But if you are there on a feast, or during a festival, you will be very happy. The people still wear their ancient suits, bleach the wool in the water mills or spin it.

On the Iza River, in Barsana, Stramtura,, Rozavlea, Bogdan Voda, Ieud you will find the amazing wooden gates, which are not a sign of competition against other community members, but also a remember of the ancient Roman buildings (see the Arch of Triumph in Rome!), in my humble personal opinion.

Don't miss in Maramures  Sighetul-Marmatiei with the impressive Memorial of the Victims of Communism ( due to the isolation, here was a jail where the communist regime let many of his opponents to die) or with the Village Museum, which is a replica of an old village with its obsolete techniques. And a little further, the Happy Cemetery of Sapanta, where a local artist wrote on every cross something special for the deceased, which is usually very brisk!

Within the isolated Maramures, the people are still proud to wear the popular suits

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How to discover the Romanian Monasteries from Oltenia

The Romanian monasteries are build from stone and faith. The Romanian leaders wished always to engrave their faith in wood or stone, building churches and monasteries whether next to their residences, or in secret retreat places, good for meditation. The painted monasteries from Bucovina attract many tourists, while the monasteries from Oltenia are unfair neglected.

The Cozia Monastery is very nice, very quiet and meaningful for any Romanian: here is buried Mircea cel batran.

But beween Ramnicu Valcea and Targu Jiu, in the superb hilly region of Northern Oltenia  the Romanian rulers Mircea cel Batran, Matei Basarab, and Constantin Brancoveanu build monasteries. A special mention for Brancoveanu, an excellent diplomat who was able to keep Wallachia in peace for a long period. Thus he contributed to the exceptional cultural development of Wallachia during the XVIIth and XVIIIth century. He also created a personal charming architecture style carrying his name, by mixing the Italian Renaissance with baroque and Serbian or Byzantin influences.

The Govora monastery, very close to Ramnicu Valcea

You can discover the Monasteries of Oltenia starting from Ramnicu Valcea, on the busy DN7 leading to Sibiu, along the River Olt and the spectacular gorges of Turnu Rosu.

Discover first the Monastery of Cozia, a discreet hidden apparition between the noisy highway and the River Olt. It was buil at 1387 by the ruler Mircea cel Batran, who is buried here. The church has been build by Serbian masters from Moravia,, concentrating a wide palet of ornamental works. Constantin Brancoveanu added at 1707 the painted rood screens. Pleaes observe the painting of the grounder and the details of his clothes. Discover further the buildings from different ages and the small museum.

Drive through Ramnicu Valcea on DN67  following the Govora Monastery, build by Matei Basarab at 1640,  on the place of an older church. Matei Basarab also put here in function a printing shop, one of the first in the Romanian countries. The church is surrounded by flower, and also by solid walls. The rood screen is charming for real!

The Monastery Dintr-un lemn  is far way from any port or airport, but in a misterious way protects airman and seaman!

The monastery Dintr-un lemn ( meaning from Romanian 'from a single piece of wood) is pretty isolated, but very solid (its name is a guarantee for that). The interior is very protective, warm and familiar. Amazingly, based on an unknown reason and myth, this church protects the seaman and the airman!

The Horezu monastery and the charming Brancoveanu Architecture style

Don't forget in the area the famous vineyards from Samburesti and Dragasani, but you have an other important target, the Monastery Horezu, the pearl among all these monasteries from Oltenia! The land scape is extraordinary, and you must enter an yellow wooden door. It is the masterpiece of Constantin Brancoveanu and an UNESCO heritage. The church is in the centre of a big yard, closed aside by Monastery builing with big carved columns. Recognize and enjoy the Brancoveanu Architecture style through the perfect harmony between its proportions and the discreet ornaments. In this breathtaking church dreamt brancoveanu to stay in the ethernal sleep, considering the monastery as his last will in stone and faith.

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