Things to see and do
Gap year in Romania Medieval towns, fortified churches, painted monasteries, wooden masterpieces and ancient Dacian ruins are just some of the attractions that make up Romania?s exceptional cultural heritage. 25 of its beautifully preserved architectural gems have been included by UNESCO in the World Cultural Heritage in acknowledgement of their natural, scenic and monumental appeal. A tour of these sites is a good way to discover Romania?s history, artistic wealth and popular traditions. Each and every stop on this route will reveal a unique and stunning location.
The western half of Walachia (Southern Romania) and Transylvania, where the majority of the projects are based are endowed with spectacular monasteries, thermal-spring spas, and charming villages set at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Continue your trip along the Olt River Valley and discover Transylvania?s forest-covered slopes, unspoiled landscapes, quaint villages, and fortified churches. In northeastern Romania, make time for Bucovina?s painted monasteries, with their magnificent 15th-century frescoes, which are unique in the world. Cross the Prislop Pass into Maramures, famous for its hand-hewn wooden architecture and its unique tall-spire churches with double roofs.
Romania?s UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Monastery of Horezu
- Medieval fortified churches of Transylvania
- Historic centre of Sighisoara
- Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
- Wooden Churches of Maramures
- Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains
Among the most picturesque treasures of Romania are the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina (in northeastern Romania). Their painted exterior walls are decorated with elaborate 15th and 16th century frescoes featuring portraits of saints and prophets, scenes from the life of Jesus, images of angels and demons, and heaven and hell.
Whether you are interested in religion, history, art or architecture, you will be intrigued by the construction and decor ? exterior and interior ? of these edifices.
Romania is home to more than one third of Europe's mineral and thermal springs. Today Romania's 70 natural spas provide relief for many medical disorders and illnesses.
Romania?s national and natural parks, displaying a unique variety of landscapes, vegetation and wildlife, protect some of the largest remaining areas of pristine forest in Europe. Grasslands, gorges, subterranean caves, volcanic lakes, and extensive river network add to the richness of the park system that also includes the Danube Delta, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Europe?s largest wetland.
Central Romania encompasses what is popularly known as Transylvania ? a place that immediately brings to mind the legend of Count Dracula. While the legend is certainly intriguing and a genuine tourist attraction, the region has much more to offer. Some of Europe?s best-preserved medieval towns, most notably Sighisoara, Brasov and Sibiu, are located here.