From its literary tradition of vampire hunting to the modern scars of communism and the Cold War, Romania is a destination that prefers to wear its heritage on its sleeve. Here’s a look at some of the must-see attractions for anyone considering a Romanian adventure.

1. Biertan Fortified Church

The village of Biertan is home to one of the largest medieval strongholds in all of Transylvania. Venture through the picturesque vineyards and the quaint cobbled streets to discover the dramatic 15th century fortified church at the village centre.

It was considered an impressive stronghold in medieval times and it’s easy to see why, with towers, gates and three tiers of 35-foot-high defensive walls. Today it’s an awe-inspiring destination for history lovers, architecture connoisseurs and sightseers alike.

Biertan Fortified Church, Romania by Otto Schemmel

2. Bran Castle

Few people can think of Romania’s heritage without mentioning Bram Stocker’s iconic legend, Dracula. Much of this story comes from the iconic architectural creation known as Bran Castle; formerly a Teutonic Knights stronghold with the edifice constructed atop a rock some 200ft high.

Interestingly the famed Irish author never visited Romania, yet for lovers of his iconic text, Bran Castle remains central to the plot. From 1920 to 1957 Bran served as a royal residence but today is a fascinating museum displaying art, furniture and weapons within 60 timbered rooms.

Bran Castle, Romania by Florin73m

3. “Cetatea de Balta”

This fascinating mix of traditions and cultures makes it a must see location on any Transylvanian getaway. It’s also located a stone’s throw away from the beautiful village community of Cetatea de Balta, with stunning surrounding landscapes and a distinctive old-world charm.

Cetatea de Balta, Romania by Alina Musat

4. Corvinesti / Hunyad Castle

With imposing towers, spires and walls, the great Corvinesti Castle is a true showcase of gothic architecture and style. Built by the Anjou family on the site of a former Roman camp, the castle acted as a working fortress well in the mid-4th century before being transformed into the residence of Iancu de Hunedoara, a Transylvanian ruler.

Visitors should leave plenty of time to visit the fascinating Knights’ Hall, marvel at the drawbridge and explore the 50 rooms filled with authentic medieval art.

Corvinesti Castle, Romania by Todor Bozhinov

5. Rasnov Fortress

Situated in the scenic Carpathian Mountains, the Rasnov Fortress is a must-see attraction on any Romanian getaway. First built to ward off the invading Tartars, the Fortress has served for centuries as a place of refuge and relief for extended periods of time. It was also home to schools, chapels and outbuildings, making it a fascinating snapshot of Romanian village life.

Visitors can also learn more about the fortress’ fascinating military history, including its single surrender in 1612. In the last decade the old fortress has undergone a makeover and today functions as a museum with plenty of interesting artefacts.

Rasnov Fortress, Romania by L.Kenzel

Written by: Sheryl Lovenkrandz – a freelance blogger who loves to write about travel and accommodation.

The post 5 Historic Wonders of Romania appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Hotelsireland

Vikings deliberately chose this location for the founding of the city, they were looking for good berth and found it here. They called this city as Vadrafjord, which can be translated as “The weather port.” Waterford was once protected by defensive walls, which consisted of a total of 17 towers, but only six of them remained until now. The best preserved section leads from the Watchtower, where the Castle Street meets with Parnell Street. The best known and most interesting is Reginald’s Tower (originally Ranguald’s Tower). This cylindrical Norman tower was built by Ranguald Viking in the year 1003. You can find it at the end of the Mall street. For a long time served as a mint, prison and military store. It is the oldest public building throughout Ireland. In 1170 had to be rebuilt after the attack of enemies. Today it houses a small museum.

Besides Reginald’s Tower stands an equestrian statue of General Meagher, a local native, a fighter for the rights of Irish and later General of “Irish Brigade” in the American Civil War. If you want to know the Vikings history of the town then you should visit Waterford Museum of Treasures, which houses the Viking jewelry, daggers, leather shoes, eating bowls and other items. The museum is not only about the Vikings, but also about the turbulent history of this city.

Another interesting sight in Waterford is Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Trinity lit by chandeliers from Waterford crystal. The cathedral is situated in Barronstrand Street and is the only neo – classical Georgian Cathedral in Ireland. Eastward of it, in the Bailey’s New Street, you can then see the Protestant cathedral. It boasts a richly decorated stucco ceiling and also one of very seductive sculpture. It is interesting that both cathedrals were designed by the same architect which cannot boast any other city in Europe.

In the city you should not miss the tour of Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the production process of the famous local crystal. This building is probably the most visited attraction and is regularly overcrowded. If you want to see a beautiful hand-carved crystal, you have to arrive early in the morning.

View Waterford – the oldest city in Ireland called the City of Crystal Ireland in a larger map

The post Waterford – the oldest city in Ireland called the City of Crystal | Ireland appeared first on Europe Explored.

Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, Tindari, Sicily, Italy / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

Later, the city was restored by Romans who built new buildings, schools, spas, theatre, markets and restored and remodelled the old building. The theatre, built by the Greeks, was remodelled and equipped at the request of its new audience. But then followed the period of decline, during which the part of the city was destroyed by the Arab raids in the 9th century.

Today there is still a Greek theatre, Roman houses, public spa and the remains of the fortifications. The museum shows statues of Hellenic and Greek and Roman ceramics.

Near the town there is the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna (Santuario della Madonna Nera). Black Madonna has been venerated since Byzantine times, and in the 60′s of 20th century her statue was placed here, which can be found in this sanctuary.

Beach in Oliveri with Tindari on the hill, Sicily, Italy / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

The archaeological site – the remains of ancient town

The route that leads to the top of Capo Tindari, passing along the defensive walls built during the reign of Dionysus, which later was redesigned and replaced with double walls of stone blocks. In the southern part of the town there is a spa area, restaurants and stores, including the great aristocratic house with well-preserved mosaic. There are also some remains of buildings from which you can see the perfect elegance of the original site. The remains were identified as remnants of the basilica or the place where people meet for religious purposes, but its real function is unknown. In addition to this area is the theatre, built by the Greeks in the 4th century and was also a place of gladiatorial contests.

The tongue of sand (linguetta di Sabbia)

Under the archaeological site and the Sanctuary you can see a strip of sand, stretching 1.5 km into the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is in the shape of the tongue, the highest point is about 4 m above sea level. The plot creates a kind of lagoon and several small lakes, thus providing the ideal home for large numbers of plants and animals (now it is a nature reserve). The location is ideal for swimming or walking, but also an ideal place for watching the sunset. Here you can get from a village of Oliveri.

If you are driving a car, you can also visit the remains of Roman villas in Patti.

Linguetta di Sabbia, near Oliveri, Sicily, Italy / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

The post Tindari – the Greek-Roman archaeological site | Sicily, Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

What to see in Delf

• Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) – built in the late 14th century. The tower is about 109 meters high and from the top you can enjoy beautiful views of the city
• Delft’s Oude Kerk (Old Church) – built in 1246. The tower is 75 metres high.
• The Prinsenhof (Princes’ Court), now a museum
• City Hall
• The Oostpoort (Eastern gate), the only remaining gate of the old city walls, built around 1400
• The Gemeenlandshuis or Huyterhuis, houses the regional water authority Delfland since 1645 and was built in 1505
• Windmill (Molen de roos) – the last remaining windmill within the old defensive walls of Delft (originally there were 15 windmills)

View Delft – Delightful town in Netherlands in a larger map

The post Delft – Delightful town in Netherlands appeared first on Europe Explored.

The town has two centres: “Città alta” (upper city), a hilltop medieval town, surrounded by 17th century cyclopic defensive walls, and the “Città bassa” (lower city). There are funicular/cable car, roads, and foot-paths between the two parts of the town. Parking spaces are very limited in the upper city.

Città Alta, surrounded by Venetian walls built in the 17th century, forms the historic centre of Bergamo. It is an extremely expensive place to live in, with properties being sold for a minimum of 2,000,000 euro.

Città Alta has numerous places of interest including:

• Cittadella, built by the Visconti in the mid 14th century
• Piazza Vecchia (old square)
• Palazzo della Ragione
• Palazzo Nuovo (Biblioteca Angelo Mai)
• Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (Saint Mary Major)
• Cappella Colleoni
• The Battistero – an elegant octagonal building dating from 1340
• Duomo or Cathedral of Bergamo
• Rocca (Castle)
• San Michele al Pozzo Bianco
• Museo Civico Archeologico
• Museo di Scienze Naturali Enrico Caffi
• Orto Botanico di Bergamo “Lorenzo Rota” (botanical garden)

View Bergamo – historical city with modern life, Italy in a larger map

The post Bergamo – historical city with modern life, Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.