There are countless reasons to visit Transilvania including its dramatic landscape of rugged mountains, dense forests, dark caves and lowland valleys. Maramures , an ancient province northwest of Transilvania, provides a look at another side of Romania. Here the inhabitants have preserved to an amazing extent the rural culture and crafts of their Dacian ancestors. Elaborate wooden churches with tall spires and shingled roofs distinguish Maramures villages. Woodcarvings decorate the eaves, doorways and windows of houses.
People still attach benches and boxes to their gates, to hold bread and water for passing strangers.
East of Maramures, Bucovina is renowned for its painted monasteries, acclaimed as masterpieces of art and architecture. Their exteriors are covered with Byzantine-influenced frescoes of biblical scenes. Spring, summer and fall abound with events and festivals. In early May Bucharest is the host of a one-week carnival. In late July Sighisoara's streets are the stage for the annual Medieval Arts Festival.