Transylvania: A Mysterious Region

Welcome, once again!

Romania, next trip, this is what my Erasmus friends told me. At the side it was hard to choose whether to go or not, it was a country that I had barely heard anything about and it scared me a little, to be honest.

However... in this life we can't leave anything unseen. Everything will tell us something, whether it be good or bad. And believe me, Romania is a country that breaks prejudices; any Romanian is willing to help you with a smile on their face from ear to ear, so the myths that I brought with me to this city and its inhabitants were squashed during my visit to Romania. I didn't just visit the region Transylvania, but more places that I will tell you about in another post.

I consider Transylvvania to be a mysterious region due to the history that comes with it, and also for its endless, empty motorways, its deep valleys and all of the forests that only stop for a castle, monument or city.

Furthermore, it can't be less than being enveloped by the legend of the terrible and cruel Count Dracula.

Visit Transylvania!

1. My first day in Romania was in Bucharest

Each step I took was towards something else that caught my eye, it's because Bucharest is atmospheric and energetic; there are large avenues in this city and museums that leave you open-mouthed, like they did for me.

If something is going to surprise you it is Parliament, the largest in the world. Impressive!

I didn't know how to do it so that the photo fit everything in it, it's impossible!

Now... On the inside we didn't even speak, it was even more impressive, so big and with lots of security.

From what they told me, I understand that Romanians don't appreciate it much, but... For an tourist that visits Bucharest, you have to see it - it's an essential during your trip to Romania.

I liked the immense atmosphere that Bucharest had, to be honest. We fancied going out clubbing in the evening, or finding a place to have a drink, we were young and Bucharest met our expectations; there are so many bars and restaurants throughout the centre.

To relax, we also had places in the city like parks and green areas that you wouldn't see in other places. Huge!

Let's go there!

2. My second visit, Brasov

A concealed city, I would say; it is covered by the Carpathian Mountains with unforgettable views.

Furthermore, I would say that Brasov is a city with clean air - I don't know whether it gave me a sense of freedom, of less contamination... Maybe it's just an appreciation of mine.

In this Romanian city, with great success among tourists, you can enjoy a beautiful square, the Sfatului Square, where I decided to rest having a drink in one of its terraces and contemplated the Black Church.

If you like to ski, visit Poiana Brasov, the ski resort of the city, we saw it, but as our trip was in May, there was little snow anymore. What a shame!

On the other hand, I have to sat that we visited this city due to curiosity about Count Dracula, Dracula's Castle is here.

3. Bran Castle, third stop

Going to Romania and not seeing a castle is not worth it. It is filled with castles, but the Castle of Bran might be the most famous among tourists, and the truth is that it didn't deceive me.

When I arrived there I was told that this castle was so recognised by the history of its interior, but also because Bram Stoker used this well-known castle as an image to represent the house of Dracula, for its dark appearance, and also used and molded the personality of Vlad Draculea, to create Count Dracula.

No one confirms, denies or corroborates that such a story happened there, but... Today it is known as Dracula's Castle, rather than by its real name.

And that's why thousands of tourists, including me, visit Bran Castle, as it is known for Count Dracula.

It is a must-see!

4. Next stop: Sibiu

You won't forget this city, with its large wooden doors and cobblestone streets... They liven up your trip through this city in the region of Transylvania.

The old town is impressive, its Main Square is always full of people and climbing the Turnul Sfatului, is essential to contemplate the beautiful city of Sibiu from above.

And, on the other hand, among many other things, the Small Square is recognised by its restaurants, and I confirm that this is true - the restaurants in this square are for never stopping eating.

Apart from that, the icon of this square is the Bridge of Liars, surrounded by legends and stories about liars, true or not.

I recommend that you visit Sibiu, to enjoy walks with stories and full of things to see.

Incredible!

5. And now we stop in Sighișoara

I went searching this city for being the inspiration for the work of Count Dracula. Like me, I'm sure each and every one of the tourists that visit here come for the same reason.

I don't wonder why this city is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site - it's all a work of art. It is a beautiful medieval city.

Don forget about...

Exploring the Central Square and the Clock Tower

Have something to drink, climb the tower and see the beautiful views across the whole of Sighișoara; get to know the museums, the churches... The life in this city is of people who love theirs.

Obviously, it's worth it as we have come for that reason, to visit the birth home of Vlad Tepes, Drácula. When I arrived, I expected a house, but surprise! It was a restaurant.

The walls and the nine towers, visit it!

You can only find a few cities like this in the world.

Add it to your trip!

6. We went on the Transfagarasan Motorway

I could never have imagined that it would make me a little scared to go on a motorway, but it was a special motorway; touching and beautiful. Spectacular! The most spectacular in Europe, in my point of view.

100% recommended, get a car and explore this motorway. Look out! Be careful with the weather, as many times... Due to the weather you can't go on it.

7. The Peles Castle, Sinaia.

We went with very high expectations of this castle, but this one didn't surprise us much. It is, for me, one of the most beautiful monuments in Romania.

Inside, everything you see will surprise you. It is inexplicable.

Furthermore, the place where the castle is found makes it even more beautiful, in the middle of a forest. That, during snow days, gives the castle an eerie feeling, covered in snow.

Romania is, undoubtedly, a country that hides a lot of things to see. We didn't have much time to be able to enjoy each landscape, monument and castle - many places that undoubtedly deserve a lot of time to be dedicated to them and to enjoy each step you take in this gorgeous country.

I won't stop writing about Romania, because I want you to discover each part of it, so... More in the next publication!

See you next time!

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