Romania

Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe. It has a coastline on the Black Sea and borders Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine. Romania has mountain ranges running from the north and west in the interior, which are collectively known as the Carpathians. The government system is a republic; the chief of state is the president, and the head of government is the prime minister. Romania has a mixed economy which includes a variety of private freedom, combined with centralized economic planning and government regulation. Romania is a member of the European Union (EU).

Traces of human life in Romania can be traced as far back as 2,000 years BC (the Lower Palaeolithic Era). This among the oldest finding in the whole of Europe.

In the Ancient years the land was inhabited by Thracian tribes from Greece who established the state of Dacia. The Dacians suffered many conquests made by the Romans eventually becoming under their rule. The area and its people where then subject to a complete Romanization, enforcing the Latin language onto the people. This was the beginning of the formation of the Romanian culture.

Romania has been a rather worn-torn country throughout it’s history. Due to its location the country has had to encounter many invasions from its neighbouring nations migrating through the area. Through these battles and invasions many brave heroes arisen defending their lands. Notable is Vlad The Impeller’s (The legendary Dracula) rein in Transylvania and Walachia against the Ottoman Turks and the Hungarians, and Stephen the Great in Northern Romania

As the centuries past and the World Wars raved havoc through the land the country had to deal with another ordeal, the communist rule of Nicolae Ceausescu. His dictatorship literally destroyed the country’s economy and resources with his absurd giant building projects. Under his rule the people were forced to live a rather low standard of life. Despite this a revolt arised in 1989 in Timisoara soon spreading all over the country. The dictatorship was overthrown and democracy political system was re-established. This victory by the people allowed Romania’s economy to return the European market and rejuvenate their cultural status.

Now a days Romania is rapidly integrating with western Europe and becoming a popular spot for travellers. Its entry into the European Union is slated for 2007. Meanwhile, its entry into NATO was confirmed in 2004.

The first most important thing about Romanian food is: Romanians eat a lot of pork. Most of the traditional dishes are variations on how to best cook pork.

The second most important thing is: portion size varies from big to huge. Do not order a 3 course meal in advance because it’s an obscene quantity of food. You might not be able to finish it, consider yourself warned! However, it’s culturally acceptable to leave food on the plate.

 

PARADISE FOR MEAT LOVERS

Dishes you will want to try: ‘sarmale’ – minced pork meet (although duck or vegetarian options are available in some restaurants). The meat is rolled in cabbage leaves, baked in the oven and served with polenta. Pork steak, pork ribs and pork scruff are also some of the highlights of Romanian traditional food. If you are feeling extremely hungry, go for the pork knuckle.

Chicken is widely available and some restaurants now offer duck dishes too. Beef is the one you need to be careful with. Most restaurants struggle with their beefsteaks. If you order a ‘medium-rare’ there is a big chance for you either get it well done or very rare.

Fish is not yet a constant in the diet of many Romanians. Grilled or baked trout with polenta and garlic sauce is most common and quite a favorite with the locals. At the Black Sea there’s a lot more variety in salt water fish and the Black Sea mussels are delicious.

 

VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN IN ROMANIA

For vegans and vegetarians, traditional food in Romania might be challenging. If you plan to stick to Bucharest and the big towns, then you don’t have a problem. Many restaurants have introduced vegetarian and vegan options in the menus. Cities like Bucharest, Cluj, Brasov and Sibiu have vegan/vegetarian restaurants.

The countryside might need more effort in making sure your meal is vegan. Many Romanians do not care for the concept of a self imposed meat free diet. If you visit Romania during the fasting period for the Orthodox church, then you are lucky! Many restaurants have dedicated menus with plant based dishes.

Drinks in Romania

There are 3 main drinks that one must try in Romania: wine, beer and the strong 40% alcohol tuica.

 

ROMANIAN WINE

Romanian wine is of very good quality and the country has a multitude of wine regions. Lesser known fact but Romania is the 10th largest producer of wine in the world.

Feteasca Neagra is the local red wine and the best region for it, is Dealu Mare, about 100kms away from Bucharest. You will find it in all the restaurants and bars of Bucharest and most of the places in other towns.

For white wine try the Feteasca Regala grape. Transylvania is the best region for white wine, between the towns of Medias and Bistrita. The Medias white wine is even mentioned in the famous Dracula novel by Bram Stoker.

 

ROMANIAN BEER

For the beer lovers, you need to know that Romanian beer is unpretentious and of good quality. Ursus is the largest brand, Silva and Ciuc coming in after that. Craft beer has become fashionable in the last couple of years and you will be able to sport craft beer pubs in the larger towns, like Bucharest, Brasov and Cluj.

 

ROMANIAN PLUM BRANDY ‘TUICA’

Tuica (read tzuika) is a 40% alcohol made out of plums, apricots or pears. Locals can make it out of grapes or other fruit but it is unanimously accepted that plum is the best quality one.

How do you recognize good tuica? You shouldn’t get a burning feeling when you drink it. It is a strong drink but you should feel the aroma and perfume of the fruit, not burning alcohol.

Tuica is an appetizer, drink it in small sips before your food so you get hungry enough to be able to finish that 3 course meal you’ve been warned about.

With a long history and a very rich culture, Romania is a country full of museums. Major cities boast of county or municipal museums, art and history museums and with specific areas of the country where they are located. On top of that, some of our country’s museums attract many tourists from home and abroad. After all, what better way to find out more about a country’s culture than by visiting its museums? Depending on your interests and the specific areas you’re visiting, we recommend you some of the most interesting Romanian museums.

 

The Village Museum

Near Herastrau lake, in the center of the capital, visitors form all over the world have the joy of seeing a real village, with monuments and artifacts dating from the 17th century until the 20th century and representative constructions from important ethnographical areas. The idyllic rural Romanian scenery comes to life at the Village Museum.

Now, this open air museum, tourists are able to visit traditional rural household recreated from various areas of the country, churches and triptychs, wooden objects, ceramics and traditional clothing items. The museum also has a rich archive, including numerous photographs and video cassettes.

 

The National Art Museum

This museum has three galleries and a royal history. The European Art Gallery, the Romanian Old Art Gallery and the Romanian Modern Art Gallery sum up works of art displayed in a modern and attractive manner, so that each visit is a pleasant and instructive way to spend time and find out more about Romanian culture. The Royal Palace is now the seat of the National Art Museum, as of 1948, after Romanian royalty was replaced by the communist regime. In 1950, the first gallery of the museum was opened for public. It was the Modern Art Gallery. During the revolution in 1989, the museum was severely damaged, as well as over 1.000 works of art. Over a period of 10 years, until 2000, the museum was reconditioned and in this period of time, only temporary exhibitions were held in the building or abroad. Permanent collections include drawings and engravings, decorative arts, and oriental art. The Art Collections Museum, the K.H. Zambaccian Museum and the Theodor Pallady Museum are all satellite museums of the National Art Museum.

 

The National History Museum

The museum was opened in 1970, as the first museum of archeology and history of the country; first – not in a chronological perspective, but in terms of representativeness.

Therefore, here were brought the most famous treasures, primarily those made out of precious metal, the only public place where safety and visibility could be provided to the same extent. Also, a lot of other pieces of valuable archeological and historical exhibitions have visited the National History Museum to illustrate millennia of history, or, for more accuracy, the history if the Romanian people and not only them.

The permanent exhibitions are the Column of Traian and Historical Thesaurus, but the museum hosts temporary exhibitions all the time, focused on various geographical areas of the country, or even foreign exhibitions.

 

The Archeology Museum in Constanta

During the expanding works made in 1877 in Constanta, numerous ceramic artifacts, statuary, epigraphic and numismatic artifacts were found. This made local authorities consider opening an archeology museum, which happened only one year later. In 1977, exactly a hundred years later, the regional museum became the National Archeology Museum, due to its rich collections of artifacts that reconstruct the ancient and medieval history of the Dobrogea area, objects from the modern era and various thematic exhibitions.

 

Brukenthal Museum in Sibiu

Governor of the Principality of Transylvania, a post he held between 1777 and 1787 in Sibiu, Samuel von Brukenthal builds in Sibiu a palace in the late Baroque style, modeled on the palaces of Vienna. The palace was also a place where he would store his impressive art collection. After his death, the palace has become a museum that continued to develop and expand its collections over the centuries.

Now, Brukenthal Museum incorporates the European Art Gallery, the Brukenthal Library, the Romanian Art Gallery, the Contemporary Art Gallery, the History Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Pharmacy History Museum and the Hunting Museum.

 

Peles Museum in Sinaia

Peles Castle was built at the initiative of King Carol I, to serve as a summer residence. After 1914, the Peles Castle became a museum, and until 1947 the auditorium space becomes the location for official visits or for hosting military ceremonies.

The most important halls visited at Peles are the Palace’s hall of honor, the royal library, the halls of weapons, the music hall, the Florentine hall, the Maura hall and the theater.

As you can see, these are only the most important museums, hosting large collections and exhibitions, but many local museums have their own charm as well, making them worth a visit to understand better local history and culture. You have the opportunity to visit these museum through several Bucharest tours or other Romanian tours, but it’s also possible to book a custom tour designed to fit your itinerary as best as possible.

History fans interested in exploring the vestiges of ancient civilizations have several sites to visit in the country. The Romanian coast of the Black Sea hosts the ruins of the Greek colonies that were established here in beginning with the VII century BC, while the western part of the country is where Dacian and Roman landmarks were located.

 

Tomis

In today’s Constanța, the largest city at the Romanian seaside, visitors will find the ruins of ancient Tomis, a settlement established by Greek colonists, and an important commercial center at the time.

The Romans annexed the region, known as Scythia Minor, in the 1st century BC. In the 4th century AD Tomis was reconstructed by Constantine the Great and renamed Constantiana. Archaeologists found here traces of the old Tomis, such as residences, graves, and various other items. For instance, in the area of today’s Archbishopal Cathedral, the ruins of ancient homes were discovered, while the Roman-Byzantine wall is partially visible from the city’s Ferdinand boulevard. The city’s archaeological park preserves many of the ancient settlement’s items. Also to visit is the Edifice of Roman Mosaics, part of a complex which used to connect the upper part of the town to the harbor. It was built at the end of the 4th century AD. Tomis was also the place of exile of the Roman poet Ovid in 9–17 AD.

 

Histria

Located some 65 km away from Constanţa, close to the Sinoe lake, the Histria fortress was also established by Greek colonists, during the VII century BC. The town developed continuously for 1,300 years, until the Roman-Byzantine era. An important trade connection, it is considered the oldest urban settlement on the territory of today’s Romania. Archaeologists found many amphoras at Histria, both imported and locally-made, as well as Attic black-figure pottery, coins, and ornamental objects, evidence of the trade in the area. In addition, agriculture and fishing were also important occupations. After coming under Roman domination around the year 30 AD, Histria saw the addition of temples for Roman gods, a public bath and private residences for the upper classes. The fortress was almost entirely destroyed in the VII century AD, with the invasion of the Avars and the Slavs.

 

Callatis

In today’s Mangalia, on the Romanian Black Sea coast, the ruins of ancient Callatis stand testimony of a once flourishing colony, established more than 25 centuries ago by Greek tradesmen and seamen. The favorable military position, and fertile land, close to the sea and a sweet water lake attracted settlers. Unlike Tomis and Histria, which were Milesian colonies, Callatis was a Dorian one, where agriculture and sea trade fueled the place’s prosperity. The walls of the Callatis fortress and the ruins of a Roman edifice can still be seen close to the seafront in Mangalia, while the old port of the fortress has been covered by the sea.

 

Capidava

Located some 23 km north of Cernavodă, the ruins of the ancient fortification of Capidava (pictured above) sit on the bank of the Danube. It used to be part of the Roman fortification system erected during the reign of Emperor Trajan as part of the measures taken to organize the Danube side. The quadrilateral-shaped fortification had walls over 2 m thick and 5–6 m high. It had 7 towers of over 10 m. It also had a gate 2.50 m wide on the southeast side that was the link to the rest of the territory, and a strategic outlet on the southwest side of the tower towards the Danube, where the port used to be. The History and Archaeology Museum in Constanța is a good place to visit to find out more about the history of the city and of Dobrogea.

 

Sarmizegetusa Regia

Sarmizegetusa Regia was the capital of Dacia prior to the wars with the Roman Empire. Sitting on top of a mountain, the site was the center of a strategic defensive system in the Orăştie Mountains. It is considered to have been the military, religious and political center of the Dacians.  The site includes the fortress, covering an area of almost 30,000 sqm and sacred area, where the remains of seven temples have been identified, alongside a monumental shrine, and water distribution systems. On the terraces surrounding the site, several areas inhabited by civilians were identified. Here, several circular or polygonal residences were found, as well as workshops, especially those manufacturing iron items, from tools for ironsmiths, carpenters, jewelers or farmers to household items, arms and decorative pieces.

 

Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa

Ulpia Traiana Augusta Dacica Sarmizegetusa  (in opening photo) was the capital of Roman Dacia, later named Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa after the former Dacian capital, located some 40 km away. From the very beginning it received the title of colonia and the status of ius Italicum, meaning that it was governed under Roman rather than local law. It was the political, administrative and religious center of Roman Dacia. The settlement was inhabited by veterans of Dacian wars, and had an estimated population of 20,000 – 25,000 residents. Its location benefited from natural defenses as the mountains to its south and north worked as natural barriers, while additional protection was provided by the castra in Tibiscum (Jupa), Micia (Veţel) and Bumbeşti. The city was destroyed by the Goths, and among the ruins that remain today visitors can find a partly preserved forum, an amphitheatre, and ruins of several temples.  There are several other Dacian fortifications in the area, in Costeşti Cetăţuia, Costeşti Blidaru, Luncani-Piatra Roşie, Băniţa, and Căpâlna, all part of a defensive system design to protect Sarmizegetusa Regia. The system was destroyed as Dacia become part of the Roman Empire.

 

Trajan’s Bridge

The now disappeared Trajan’s Bridge is considered one of the achievements of Roman engineering. It was a segmental arch bridge, the first one to be erected over the lower Danube. It was constructed around 105 AD by architect Apollodorus of Damascus, at the request of Emperor Trajan, as a route for the Roman troops on their way to invade Dacia. The two ends of the bridge, which measured 1 km in length, stood near today’s Drobeta-Turnu Severin in Romania and Kostol, near Kladovo in Serbia. Records show that Emperor Hadrian, Trajan’s successor, ordered its demolition to prevent attacks of the barbarians. By the 6th century Byzantine writer Procopius noted that the bridge was in ruins. The 20 pillars of the bridge made it all the way to the 19th century but in 1906 the pillars that obstructed the navigation were eliminated, and more followed. Drobeta also hosts the remains of a Roman castrum, a small fortification where military units were housed and which served to defend the bridge.

 

Alburnus Maior

A gold extraction center in Roman Dacia, Alburnus Maior is  found on the premises of today’s Roșia Montană, better known for a mining project that didn’t take off and a bid to be included on UNESCO’s heritage list that was deferred at Romania’s request. The ancient settlement was first document in 131 AD, according to a Roman tablet discovered in the underground galleries of the Roman period. It was inhabited by miners brought from various provinces of the Roman Empire, such as Dalmatia and Illyria. An estimated 500 kilograms of gold were extracted every year at Alburnus Maior, with the most efficient method being the digging of galleries (cuniculi), going underground, in the direction of the gold veins. The galleries were narrow and low, of some 0.60 – 0.70 meters wide and 1 meter in height. Sometimes they had access steps, dug in the rock. Alternatively, the National Museum of History of Romania in Bucharest hosts in its collection various items from the Greek – Roman and late Roman periods found on the country’s territory. For instance, it houses parts of the temple of Apollo in Histria, statues dedicated to Greek-Roman gods, or various pieces inscribed with the names of Roman emperors, as it is the case of a slab found in Tomis, engraved with the name of Emperor Trajan. Among the highlights of a visit to the museum are the copy of Trajan’s Column in Rome and the golden Dacian bracelets discovered at Sarmizegetusa Regia.

Romania is increasing in popularity as a trekking destination in Europe, and this is due tot the fact that tourists have plenty of things to see while climbing the Carpathian Mountains. The diversity of the plants, animals, birds and interesting natural sights is impressive, which should come as no surprise since Romania has no less than 14 national parks spread all over the country.

The list of natural parks also includes the Danube Delta, but now we’re focusing on national parks in mountain regions, as they are the majority and are less known by foreign tourists who travel to Romania. Therefore, if you love spending time in nature, here are some of the most beautiful national parks in Romania that you should definitely visit.

 

Retezat National Park

The park includes 20,000 hectares of nature reserve with over 1,000 plant species, of which about 100 are endemic, meaning they can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. The park also includes more than 20 peaks higher than 2,000 meters and about 100 lakes. The glacial lakes and the deepest lake in the country are all here. This whole landscape is characterized by a heavy silence covered by the chirping of over 180 species of humming birds and dozens of waterfalls. Retezat National Park is exceptional, with unique landscapes. The feeling of wilderness and unspoiled nature make this place seem unreal, like cut out of fairytale books. Animals such as bears, wolves and lynxes, chamois, deer, pigs or rabbits are just some of the creatures that romp in an ideal habitat, in valleys studded with caves and potholes.

 

Rodnei Mountains National Park

The park, which spans on 46,000 hectares, of which 3,000 are declared biosphere reserve, is home to the most impressive relief from Rodnei Mountains, with numerous peaks exceeding 2,000 meters high. Inside the park are dozens of glacial lakes and rich alpine and sub alpine flora specific areas with many rare species. A rich fauna is also represented, with specimens of brown bear, deer, lynx, mountain eagles, chamois or mountain grouse. Moreover, the park hosts rarities such as the bison or the yew tree. Area attractions include high peaks of over 2,000 meters, the daffodil meadow –  unique in the world, the Blue Spring of Iza, Horses waterfall, Aries Valley and the lakes: Lala, Iezer, Stiol and Buhaiescu.

 

Calimani National Park

The park covers 24,000 hecare and includes three natural reserves, the largest volcanic crater in Romania, a natural tree – mix of spruce and zambru unique in Romania and very rare in Europe – rare vegetation and fauna. The three reserves in this park are the Scientific Reserve with juniper trees and pinus cembra trees, unique in the country and very rare in Europe, Iezer Lake Reserve and the Geological Reserve 12 Apostles, all covered by a scrub of mountain ash, wild rose, hawthorn and hazel. The rich fauna includes bears, deer, lynx, badgers and wild cats.

Among the attractions to be visited there is Vatra Dornei.The resort is a starting point for those visiting the area. Other attractions are the Red Rocks, 12 Apostles Peak and the Tihu waterfall.

 

Nera Keys National Park

It covers 36,000 hectares and it’s home to six nature reserves. The landscape has heights between 600 and 1,000 meters and it’s covered by dense forests. Here inhabit bears, the Carpathian deer, wild boars, otters, badgers, rock martens and other creatures, in an environment untouched by man. The extremely rich flora is represented through over 100 species with their subspecies. The protected area preserves many species of fauna and historical cultural resources. Near the park, there were discovered traces of the Cro-Magnon man, with an estimated age of 42,000 years.

Nera National Park is characterized by karst lakes such as Ochiul Beiului and Iacul Dracului, the Beusnita, Bigar and Susara waterfalls, and caves such as Plopa, Ponor, Dubova and Boilor Cave.

Park visitors have the opportunity, in addition to the mentioned sightseeing, to practice ecotourism and hike on marked trails, rafting on the river Nera, climbing on especially designated routes, cycling on forest roads or practice spelunking in the caves in the area.

 

Bicazului Keys National Park

On an area of 6,500 hectares, the park hosts over 1,000 higher plants, some of which are unique in the world, natural monuments, “Lady Slipper”, the only mountain climatic resort and about 5 kilometers of keys. 95% of the area is covered by forests of spruce in which inhabit yellow-bellied toads, vipers and snakes, chamois, bears, wolves and the Carpathian deer, as well as birds such as the woodpecker. Among the attractions that you should visit are: Red Lake resort, the Munticelu cave, the Hasmasu Mare peak and the Lonely Rock. Hiking enthusiasts have the opportunity to choose one of the 18 hiking trails created in the park. There are the most popular national parks in Romania and some of the most beautiful in Europe, but it’s also possible to visit other natural reservations as well during exciting hiking tours. Find out more about the attractions included in our active tours, or book a tour in Romania to discover what else there is to see in our country.