Authentic, Natural and Cultural. are the words that best capture the essence of Romania, a dynamic country rich in history, arts and scenic beauty.

Romania

Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. It borders the Black Sea to the southeast, Bulgaria to the south, Ukraine to the north, Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, and Moldova to the east. It has a predominantly temperate-continental climate. With a total area of 238,397 square kilometres (92,046 sq mi), Romania is the 12th largest country and also the 7th most populous member
state of the European Union, having almost 20 million inhabitants. Its capital and largest city is Bucharest and other major urban areas include Iași, Timișoara, Cluj-Napoca, and Constanța. The River Danube, Europe's second-longest river, rises in Germany's Black Forest and flows in a general southeast direction for 2,857 km (1,775 mi), coursing through ten countries before emptying into Romania's Danube Delta. The Carpathian Mountains,

which cross Romania from the north to the southwest, include Moldoveanu Peak, at an altitude of 2,544 m (8,346 ft). Modern Romania was formed in 1859 through a personal union of the Danubian Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia. The new state, officially named Romania since 1866, gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1877. Following World War I, when Romania fought on the side of the Allied powers, Bukovina, Bessarabia, Transylvania and parts of Banat, Crișana and Maramureș became part of the sovereign Kingdom of Romania. In June–August 1940, as a consequence of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and Second Vienna Award, Romania was compelled to cede Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina to the Soviet Union, and Northern Transylvania to Hungary. In November 1940, Romania signed the Tripartite Pact and, consequently, in June 1941 entered World War II on the Axis side, fighting against the Soviet Union until August 1944,

when it joined the Allies and recovered Northern Transylvania. Following the war, under the occupation of the Red Army's forces, Romania became a socialist republic and member of the Warsaw Pact. After the 1989 Revolution, Romania began a transition towards democracy and a market economy. The sovereign state of Romania is a developing country and ranks 52nd in the Human Development Index. It has the world's 47th largest economy by nominal GDP and an annual economic growth rate of 7% (2017), the highest in the EU at the time. Following rapid economic growth in the early 2000s, Romania has an economy predominantly based on services, and is a producer and net exporter of machines and electric energy, featuring companies like Automobile Dacia and OMV Petrom. It has been a member of the United Nations since 1955, part of NATO since 2004, and part of the European Union since 2007. An overwhelming majority of the population identifies themselves as Eastern Orthodox Christians and are native speakers of Romanian, a Romance language.

History
Most of Romania was the Roman province of Dacia from about A.D. 100 to 271. From the 3rd to the 12th century, wave after wave of barbarian conquerors overran the native Daco-Roman population. Subjection to the first Bulgarian Empire (8th–10th century) brought Eastern Orthodox Christianity to the Romanians. In the 11th century, Transylvania was

absorbed into the Hungarian empire. By the 16th century, the main Romanian principalities of Moldavia and Walachia had become satellites within the Ottoman Empire, although they retained much independence. After the Russo-Turkish War of 1828–1829, they became Russian protectorates. The nation became a kingdom in 1881 after the Congress of Berlin. At the start of World War I, Romania proclaimed its neutrality, but it later joined the Allied side and in 1916 declared war on the Central Powers. The armistice of Nov. 11, 1918, gave Romania vast territories from Russia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, doubling its size. The areas acquired included Bessarabia, Transylvania, and Bukovina. The Banat, a Hungarian area, was divided with Yugoslavia. King Carol II was crowned in 1930 and transformed the throne into a royal dictatorship. In 1938, he abolished the democratic constitution of 1923. In 1940, the country was reorganized along Fascist lines, and the Fascist Iron Guard became the nucleus of the new totalitarian party. On June 27, the Soviet Union occupied Bessarabia and northern

Bukovina. King Carol II dissolved parliament, granted the new prime minister, Ion Antonescu, full power, abdicated his throne, and went into exile. Romania subsequently signed the Axis Pact on Nov. 23, 1940, and the following June joined in Germany's attack on the Soviet Union, reoccupying Bessarabia. About 270,000 Jews were massacred in Fascist Romania. Following the invasion of Romania by the Red Army in Aug. 1944, King Michael led a coup that ousted the Antonescu government. An armistice with the Soviet Union was signed in Moscow on Sept. 12, 1944. A Communist-dominated government bloc won elections in 1946, Michael abdicated on Dec. 30, 1947, and in 1955 Romania joined the Warsaw Treaty Organization and the United Nations. Running a neo-Stalinist police state from 1967–1989, Nicolae Ceausescu wound the iron curtain tightly around Romania, turning a moderately prosperous country into one at the brink of starvation. To repay his $10 billion foreign debt in 1982, he ransacked the Romanian economy of

everything that could be exported, leaving the country with desperate shortages of food, fuel, and other essentials. An army-assisted rebellion in Dec. 1989 led to Ceausescu's overthrow, trial, and execution.
 

Tourist Information  

About Romania
Fast Facts, Location, Geography, Climate, People, History, Government, Economy, Did You Know, Romania in the Press.

Main Attractions
Black Sea Resorts, Castles & Fortresses, Danube Delta, Medieval Towns, The Carpathian Mountains, The Painted Monasteries, Medical Spas, Traditional Villages, World Heritage Sites.

Special Interest
Arts and Crafts, Architecture, Authentic Experiences, Active Vacations, Danube River Cruises, Dracula Legend, Festivals & Events, Food & Wine, Genealogy Searches, Jewish Heritage, Meetings & Incentive, Saxon Heritage, Traditions & Folklore.

Romanian Regions
Transylvania, Banat & Crisana, Bucovina & Moldova, Dobrogea, Maramures, Walachia.

Romanian Cities
Bucharest, Alba Iulia, Arad, Baia Mare, Brasov, Braila, Cluj, Constanta, Craiova, Galati, Iasi, Oradea, Satu Mare, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Suceava, Timisoara, Targu Jiu, Targu Mures, Tulcea.

Best Places to Visit in RomaniaWith a bold and cosmopolitan capital city, a plethora of quaint medieval towns, a unique delta, a Black Sea coast full of contrasts, and an unexpected mix of natural and cultural gems, Romania is an interesting country, to say the least. It also has a mesmerizing heart that pulses with history, culture, and spirituality; some uncharted, majestic mountains that
hide wildlife, unimaginable natural treasures, and time-forgotten hamlets; and a world-famous region (Transylvania) whose links with vampires are a far cry compared with its stunning natural beauty, let alone the fascinating age-old traditions, charming Saxon fortresses, and sumptuous castles that dot the landscape.

Transylvania
It’s funny how most people have no clue where in the world is Romania, but they’re usually quite familiar with Transylvania – the region whose legends, history, and Gothic castles have inspired Irish author Bram Stoker to set his vampire novel Dracula here. Back to reality, however, this magnificent region in the heart of the country is much more than just gloomy landscapes, crumbling ruins, and haunting lords. While downright eerie and mysterious, Transylvania is also brimming with art, culture, and spectacular medieval towns. In the shadow of its majestic mountains carpeted with virgin forests are quiet sun-drenched valleys and serene rolling hills scattered with some of Europe’s most stunning castles and fortified citadels. Some not-to-miss destinations in Transylvania include Sibiu – a European Cultural Capital with excellent museums, high-quality restaurants, and a fantastic Old Town; Sighisoara – a fairytale of a citadel with
dazzling pastel-colored houses and a UNESCO-protected historic center; Brasov – a lively and cosmopolitan mountain city brimming with medieval treasures, bohemian cafés, and a

wealth of things to see and do; and Cluj-Napoca – one of Romania’s biggest, most vibrant, and culturally-rich cities. Nevertheless, the real charm of Transylvania goes far beyond its eye-catching cities. Let the idyllic countryside seduce you with its postcard-perfect Saxon villages, fascinating traditions, and simple way of life that has been kept intact for centuries.

Maramures
Tucked away in the northernmost corner of Romania, Maramures seems miles away from the modern world. A “rural fairytale”, how The Telegraph contributor Sarah Shuckburgh called it, this remote land isolated from the rest of Romania by heavy forested mountains, stands out for its distinctive rural culture, UNESCO-protected medieval wooden churches, and unspoilt bucolic charm. I might be biased, but Maramures, with its time-capsule villages, lush magical surroundings, and ancient customs that have been kept alive like nowhere else, is perhaps the best-kept secret of Europe for the seekers of authentic experiences. It’s a place where people still grow animals for food and use horse-drawn carts to get around, where household items and tools are still handcrafted by local artisans, and where working the land is, and has always been, the locals’ main occupation. For a completely unique
experience in Maramures, choose to stay in a private home. This will offer you the opportunity to get a valuable insight into the inhabitants’ daily life, indulge in their heavenly homemade food, and discover traditions that have elsewhere vanished. Among the main

attractions in Maramures are the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, the Wooden Churches of Maramures, as well as the cities of Sighetu Marmatiei and Baia Mare, where numerous museums can be found. The region plays host to countless natural protected areas – such as the stunning Pietrosul Rodnei Wildlife Reserve, the Creasta Cocosului Geological Reserve, and the Chiuzbaia Fossil Reserve – making this place a wonderful destination for trekking, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities. Last, but not least, magical Maramures is also home to one of the world’s magnetic hills, near the town of Cavnic.


The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
Divided between Romania and Ukraine, Bucovina (Bukovina) is a land of spellbinding natural scenery, villages suspended in time, and fascinating centuries-old traditions that have been passed down from one generation to the next. And although the main attractions here are the magnificent UNESCO-listed painted monasteries, this place is worth a visit for its beauty alone. Situated in northeastern Romania, the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina consists of a stunning collection of Byzantine jewels adorned with exquisite 15th and 16th-0century frescoes that depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Due to their uniqueness, authenticity, exceptional artistic value, and gorgeous surroundings, most of them have been included in the World Heritage List as masterpieces of mural art. Among the best preserved are Sucevita, Probota, Patrauti, Moldovita, Humor, Arbore, the Church of St. George, and the Monastery of Voronet, famous worldwide for its inimitable shade of blue (Voronet Blue). Visiting the monasteries can be pretty difficult, as they are tucked away in the countryside, in tiny villages and areas with no public transportation. You can either base yourself in Suceava (the largest city in the area) and opt for a guided tour from there, or find a place to sleep in the town of Gura Humorului (which is closer), rent a car, and explore the monasteries on your own.

Prahova Valley
Snuggled between Romania’s Eastern and Southern Carpathians, about 100 km north of Bucharest, Prahova Valley is the country’s most popular destination for mountain lovers. Characterized by history, stunning natural landscapes, and a rich artisan culture, the magnificent region has close ties to Romania’s royalty and features a number of well-appointed ski resorts, where you can enjoy various types of slopes, thrilling hiking and biking trails, as well as a good range of traditional restaurants. Prahova Valley’s main resorts include Predeal, Azuga, Busteni, and Sinaia. The latter is strongly related to Romania’s Royal Family, its glamorous past still echoing through places like the railway station – which has been designed exclusively for the Royal Family and their noble guests; the gorgeous Peles Castle – a Neo-Renaissance jewel used as a summer retreat by King Carol I of Romania; and the storied Sinaia Casino, whose lavish interiors were once hosting grandiose parties for the European elite.

The Danube Delta
A UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site and one of the most unique places in Romania, the Danube Delta is teeming with an amazing variety of flora and fauna that’s unique in Europe, and maybe the world. It boasts no less than 23 natural ecosystems and 3,450 animal species, including 300 types of birds, some of which come here from faraway lands such as Asia and Africa. In Romania, the Danube Delta spans 4,152 km² of marshes, lakes, islets, and sandbanks, including the world’s greatest stretch of reed beds, providing visitors with landscapes of stunning natural beauty and tremendous opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting. Accommodation options in the area range from budget to luxury, and the local cuisine is mainly based on fish products. The towns of Sulina and Sfantu Gheorghe offer some nice, quaint beaches, while Letea Forest Nature Reserve, with its gorgeous wild horses that roam freely through 700-year-old oak trees, makes for a fantastic day out.

Bucharest
In terms of culture and nightlife, Bucharest has a lot going on, boasting fascinating museums, theaters, and opera houses, as well as a vibrant bar scene and a pretty spectacular choice of swanky nightclubs. It has, of course, all the good, the bad, and the ugly of any former European communist capital, but also a hunger for freedom and novelty. It’s not particularly the safest city on Earth, but hey, this is a big, bustling, and modern metropolis we’re talking about here, not a quaint, postcard-perfect village in Switzerland. The architecture throughout the city is a striking mix of eras and styles, with grand boulevards, medieval cobbled streets, Art Deco masterpieces, and Baroque palaces bringing life and color to the dull grey blocks and obscene palace that Ceausescu has cursed us with. For culture and history buffs, Bucharest boasts a tremendous range of museums to choose from, including the National Museum of Contemporary Art (in the Parliament Palace), Grigore Antipa Natural History Museum, Bucharest History & Art Museum, as well as the captivating Museum of the Romanian Peasant and the Village Museum (Europe’s largest outdoor museum) – both of them dedicated to the life, folklore, and architecture of rural Romania. In terms of entertainment, the world-famous Romanian Athenaeum offers wonderful concerts performed by George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra and other prestigious artists from across the world, while the charming Lipscani district in Bucharest Old Town entices visitors with its vibrant mix of art galleries, hip cafés, and antique shops that line the narrow cobblestone streets.

The Black Sea Coast
Stretching nearly 275 km from the Danube Delta to Bulgaria, Romania’s Black Sea Coast is dotted with numerous towns and beach resorts for all budgets and tastes. With a busy port and a bunch of museums, shops, bars, and restaurants, Constanta – the getaway to the Romanian seaside, is an excellent base if you want to explore the area. Almost glued to it lies the upmarket resort of Mamaia – the nation’s premier summer destination. Here, a long strip of fine golden sand lined up with elegant hotels attracts the young and hip with its water sports facilities, glamorous beach clubs, and upscale party atmosphere. The resort has plenty of shops and restaurants (both traditional and international) to keep you busy by day, but it’s the crazy nightlife that really puts Mamaia on the map. Equally lively, but considerably less expensive is Costinesti, whose excellent beach and low-key student vibe draw an eclectic crowd of rowdy teens and young adults in search of fun in the sun and boogie nights. Other popular destinations on the Romanian Black Sea Coast include Neptun, Olimp, Navodari, the spa towns of Mangalia and Eforie Nord, as well as Vama Veche – known for its hippie atmosphere and rustic surroundings. In addition to beaches and nightlife, this beautiful region in southeastern Romania is also famous for its vibrant summer festivals, lush vineyards (including Murfatlar), and significant archaeological sites. Of special interest is the village of Adamclisi, where can be found Tropaeum Traiani – a remarkable monument built in 109 in order to celebrate the victory of Roman Emperor Trajan over Decebalus and the Dacians, in the Battle of Tapae.

Authentic, Natural and Cultural. are the words that best capture the essence of Romania, a dynamic country rich in history, arts and scenic beauty. Its the nice Romania. Best place for your travel, so you can travel.