Romania Map / Geography of Romania / Map of Romania - Worldatlas.com Print this map Inside the so-called "Cave of Bones" in Romania, the oldest human remains on the continent of Europe were discovered; archeologists dated the some 42,000 years old. In an attempt to expand its territory further north, the Roman Empire reached the Danube River in southeastern Europe in 100 AD, and established the new province of Roman Dacia. As the Roman Empire began its decline in the late 2nd century, Dacia was invaded by the Goths, an East Germanic tribe of Scandinavian origin. Over the next five centuries a wide variety of migrating people crossed through. In the 8th century, the Avars, a highly organized nomadic confederacy of mixed origins conquered the land, and ruled the remaining Slavic serfs in the Transylvania region until the 8th century. In the High to Late Middle Ages, from the Black Sea coastal areas through the mountainous central, and to the western borders of what is now modern-day Hungary and Serbia , Romania was occupied by an assortment of nomadic peoples.

By the middle of the 16th century, Hungary , and most of the Balkan Peninsula including Romania's historical regions of Moldavia (northeast), Transylvania (central) and Wallachia (in the south) were under varied levels of Ottoman (Turkish) control. Near the end of the 17th century, a league of factions (including the Hapsburg) organized by Pope Innocent XI, was sent to free Hungary from Ottoman rule and reinstate the Catholic Church. That effort stretched into Romania, and in 1699, Transylvania became a territory of the Habsburgs' Austrian empire. The Habsburgs were one of the most important aristocratic royal houses of Europe , best known for being the origin of all of the formally elected Holy Roman Emperors between 1438 and 1740. Within a few short years the Hapsburg's occupied other small parts of Moldavia and Wallachia. The European Revolutions of 1848 were a series of political upheavals throughout the continent. They were caused by widespread dissatisfaction with leadership; the demands of the working classes and a growing upsurge of nationalism in individual countries and regions.

It was the first (and only) Europe -wide collapse of traditional authority. During the revolutions tens of thousands of people were killed and many more forced into exile, and within one year, the powerful reactionary forces (of royalty) had won out and the revolutions collapsed. After the failed 1848 Revolution, Romanians wanted to form a single state, but that struggle was squelched by the Austria - Hungary empire, as it kept the Romanians firmly in control, even in parts of Transylvania where Romanians constituted a local majority. During the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 between the Ottoman Empire and the Eastern Orthodox coalition led by the Russian Empire and numerous Balkan countries, Romania fought on the Russian side, and that was a good decision. Within the 1878 Treaty of Berlin between the two warring parties, Romania was recognized as an independent state (principality) by Russia and some other European powers of the day. To make the deal Romania ceded some land along its eastern border to Russia. Prev Page 1/2 Next Page See Also Transylvania travel guide - Wikitravel 14 Get out Discussion on defining regions for Transylvania is in progress.

If you know the area pretty well, please share your opinion on the talk page . Transylvania is the largest region of Romania and probably the best known one. When you visit Transylvania you dive into a mix of cultures, nature and history. Transylvania is a diverse region: it is worth trying to observe the differences that exist within the region, both culturally and naturally. This region is a place with abundant history and multicultural convergence. All over Transylvania the cohabitation of Romanians, Hungarians, Saxons and Roma is the leading theme. Transylvania is rich in myth and misty medieval sites: there about 100 castles and fortresses and about 70 fortified churches. Romania's greatest and best preserved castles and fortresses are to be found here. But for the more curious traveler, there are many small villages with old houses and fortified churches. As Transylvania is circled by the Carpathian mountains there are a lot of mountain forests and hiking or climbing possibilities. All over the Carpathians there are great national parks. In the center of Transylvania there are green hills and rivers. Most big cities are very western Europe like, and the infrastructure is generally good, making it easy for travelers.

South-east ( Sibiu County , Brasov County ) This region, with Sibiu and Brasov , has a more pronounced Saxon background. It is one of the most popular places for travelers due to its richness in fortresses ( Rasnov , Bran ), old towns, fortified churches in picturesque villages ( Biertan , Valea Vilor, Prejmir) and mountain forests ( Piatra Craiului ). It is also home to some of the most important ski resorts( Poiana Brasov ). East The region around Sfantu Gheorghe , Miercurea Ciuc and Targu Mures has strong Hungarian cultural influences. The counties Harghita (Miercurea Ciuc) and Covasna (Sfantu Gheorghe) are also known as the Szeklerland . Here you can buy fresh bread and Kürtőskalács from locals or see the Sfanta Ana lake . South-west Hunedoara ( Deva ) and Alba ( Alba Iulia ) are important historical sites for Romanian culture. Alba Iulia was the place where the unification of the Romanian regions took place.

In this region you can see a the great Corvinesti Castle , lakes, caves and other beautiful natural sites. The main acces points to Retezat National Park are to be found here. North-west Cluj and Bistrita Nasaud are harder to define in terms of a predominant culture. Cluj Napoca is a very important university and research city. It also has important historical and cultural landmarks. Around it there are picturesque villages (Romanian, Hungarian and German). Near Turda you can visit the imposing Turda Canyon. Bistrita Nasaud is famous for its lakes, caves, health resorts, but also historical sites. Giurtelecu Şimleului is also in this region. Counties of Transylvania[ edit ] Understand[ edit ] Rasnov fortress emerging over the misty hill. Although some people may only associate the name with tales of bloodthirsty vampires (it is the setting of Bram Stoker's novel Dracula), Transylvania is one of the most beautiful natural regions in Europe dotted with picturesque, medieval fortress towns and monasteries. Lively cities with stunning baroque architecture offer modern tourism services at a price far below that of, say, Germany or France .

Here you can find some of the most developed cities in Romania, but also old villages where people live as they did a hundred years ago. Transylvania is surrounded by the misty Carpathian mountains and is home to rare fauna (bears, wolves) and flora (orchids and other plants). Transylvania has all the history and multi-ethnic culture you could want. The history of Transylvania is much disputed: once it was an integral part of the Kingdom of Hungary (950-1526), then an independent Principality (1526-1690) before being reabsorbed by the Habsburg Empire. It was united with Wallachian and Moldovia to form Romania after the Austro-Hungarian Empire was dissolved in the Treaty of Triannon, which saw the conclusion of the Great War between Hungary and the Allies. This complex history explains the many cultural differences between Transylvania and the rest of Romania. For much of this history the Romanian majority had, few rights, and were ruled by minorities such as the Hungarians and Saxons. Other minorities included Roma, Jews and Armenians. After World War I, Transylvania became part of Greater Romania.

The Communist era was a harsh time for ethnic minorities, especially for those of whom many had been small business owners (Hungarians, Jews) before the totalitarian regime came to power. After the revolution in 1989, most Saxons moved to Germany (having settled in Transylvania, at that time part of the Kingdom of Hungary, in large numbers during the 13th century), and many ethnic Hungarians also left. The relations between the ethnic minorities and majority have have known tense times, but there has never been a serious conflict. Although attitudes of individuals can still be closed towards other groups, Transylvania is an example of different ethnic groups living together in relative peace. However, as with Europe in general, the Roma ethnicity is still seriously discriminated against and their culture is little understood. Today Transylvania is the most developed region in Romania, partly because of tourism and partly because of a stronger capitalist tradition prior to World War II. The presence of the German and Hungarian minorities has been a catalyst for Western influences in Transylvania since 1989.

It is interesting to observe the differences within this small region: the South and South East are dominated by Saxon culture, the East and North East are more influenced by Hungarian culture, the North is more Slavic, and the South West different again. Try to visit a few older villages, where the people are generally very friendly. Talk[ edit ] Nowadays, almost everyone in Transylvania speaks Romanian , though for many of the ethnic Hungarians -- about 20% of the population, but far more in certain areas -- Hungarian is actually their first language. Few native German -speakers remain, but in any sizable town you should easily be able to find people who speak at least moderately good English, French, or German. Get in[ edit ] Transylvania is relatively easy to access, due to its relative economic prosperity, tourism industry and proximity to Central Europe . By plane[ edit ] There are three main airports in the region. Cluj-Napoca International Airport [1] is located in north-western Transylvania. It's the largest airport in Transylvania and an emerging regional hub. Carpatair [4] flies to/from Budapest and Timişoara ; Sibiu International Airport [5] is located in the southern part of Transylvania.

BlueAir [6] flies to/from London, Madrid and Stuttgart ; Austrian Airlines [7] flies to/from Vienna; Lufthansa [8] flies to/from Munich ; TAROM flies to/from Bucharest and Munich; Carpatair flies to/from Timisoara; Transilvania International Airport [9] is located in central Transylvania, near Târgu-Mureş . It has daily flights to/from Budapest with Wizzair, MALEV [10] and from Bucharest with TAROM.

By train[ edit ] There are several daily international trains: Dacia Express -links Vienna with Bucharest (via Budapest); it passes through various cities in the southern part of Transylvania ( Deva , Alba Iulia , Mediaş , Sighisoara , Brasov ); Ister Express -a faster night train that links Budapest with Bucharest and has the same route as above; Pannonia Express -links Prague with Bucharest (passing through Bratislava and Budapest) and reaches the same cities in southern Transylvania as the above trains; Corona Express -a night train that links Budapest with Brasov going through Cluj and the eastern parts of Transylvania; Ady Endre Express -links Budapest with Cluj (leaves from Cluj early in the morning, gets to Budapest around noon and then gets back to Cluj, arriving in the evening); Maros/Mureş Express -links Budapest with Targu-Mureş; Very frequent trains link cities in Transylvania with Bucharest and major cities in all other regions of Romania. Check timetables on infofer.ro [11] . Transylvania Triangle Train Tour Transylvania is a must see destination for people travelling in this part of Europe.

Trains are usually the best way to travel between major Transylvanian cities and touristic destinations. However, many of the region's landmarks lie hidden from major transportation routes, so it is recommended you either rent a car or take buses to those places. Here you can find information about trains: [12] and [13] You can find great and detailed road maps in any gas station throughout the country, in train stations and in most newsstands. These detailed road maps can lead you anywhere, without much guidance needed. Be careful though for secondary and tertiary roads are not clearly marked, so sometimes you have to ask for directions. People are usually very friendly and will help you get to the destination of your choice. Buses are becoming a popular means of transportation in Transylvania. Usually, they leave from train stations in major cities, and stop in the central area of smaller ones. As in all eastern Europe, hitchhiking is common and even a preferred way of transport for some locals. It is polite to leave the one who drives you some money, about 1-2 lei / 30min. However, people won't get mad if you don't leave anything and they might turn your money down anyway.

Choosing the right spot for hitching increases your chances drastically- try to ask people on the street where to stand. Bicycles are a very convenient and eco-friendly way of getting around in Transylvania and this way you can observe the natural beauty and even visit the smallest and remotest of villages. Beware though that most circuits include large elevations, so you should be used to climbing hills. In remote villages you can always find locals who will sell you very cheaply some fresh produce: fruits, vegetable, dairy products, or even invite you for lunch. Racing bikes with narrow tires are not recommended though, even major roads have many defects and in the more remote areas you will travel on dirt roads, so a robust mountain bike is preferred. Rent A Car[ edit ] Stay safe[ edit ] Transylvania is not a land of dangers lurking around each darkened corner. It has a relatively large number of police stations, so if anything goes amiss on your journey, help will be close by. You should beware of pickpocketing around busy tourist attractions and in heavily touristed towns, like Sinaia , there will be some con men out to prey on tourists. Beware of the " maradona ".

Police corruption has been reduced significantly and you would be better off being nice and friendly to police officers, rather than offering them money. If you feel like you are being mistreated by a police officer, ask for his superior. Get out[ edit ] Maramures in the north, Banat in the south west and Crisana in the west are historically tied to Transylvania and can be a good extension of your trip to Transylvania. Moldova is popular for its monasteries and small villages. Dobrogea is where you can go to the Black sea coast. Bucharest is the capital of Romania and about 3 hours away from Brasov . In the south of Romania you can see the green Oltenia and the fieldy region of Muntenia . Where Exactly is Transylvania The answer is: it lies in the central part of the country, surrounded by the Carpathians which cross Romania. One of the main cities, Cluj-Napoca, stands on the plateau, while Brasov and Sibiu are at the foothills of the southern Carpathians. The shepherd is honoured as a guardian of an ancestral rural heritage.

Brasov and Romania's Mountain Resorts This medieval city, picturesquely situated nearby the Postavaru Mountain, is both fascinating in itself and is close to Transylvania's major mountain resort area, with first class hotels (see the page on the Mountains). Look for its old Saxon architecture around the 14th century Black Church, the ruins of the citadel, and the 18th century Old Town Hall. The Bran Castle and the Royal Resort of Sinaia A trip to take from Brasov is to the castle of Bran, supposed to have been the home of Prince Vlad Tepes, who inspired Dracula's legend. Beginning with the stark contours of the Bran Castle, where Prince Vlad Tepes, the legendary Dracula, is said to have lived Also, don't miss the castle of Peles, fancifully built in 1883 at the foot of a mountain side for King Carol I, in Sinaia. This resort was first made popular by the King and it is worth a stay either in summer for its glorious mountain scenery, hiking and riding, or in winter for skiing, not to mention health cures.

Sibiu Sibiu, also Saxon in origin, is a very pretty town, with cobbled streets and pastel colored houses. The open air Museum of Folk Technology in woodland by a lake is a "must" to visit, just as the Brukenthal Art Museum. The town is well placed for excursions to mountain villages, such as Sibiel, where there is a fascinating museum of icons. Further away near Deva stands the Corvin Castle, rebuilt in the 15th century in Gothic style by Prince Iancu Corvin, who gave it a sumptuous Knights Hall and towers and buttresses that remind one of the Chateaux de la Loire. Banat This south-western corner of the country has a drier, more Mediterranean climate than most of Romania and is also slightly different from the cultural point of view. Habsburg rule until 1918 gave it an Art Nouveau architecture, while almost 1,900 years earlier the Romans had established a spa at Baile Herculane that is still one of Romania's most fashionable ones.

Nearby Mount Domogled is a 60,000 ha protected area, while the Semenic Mountains have a few small ski resorts. Finally, the capital of Banat, Timisoara, is the city where the 1989 Revolution started. Originally a Roman town, Sighisoara is one of the greatest medieval cities left in the world. Sighisoara, one of the great medieval cities of Europe The city has a walled citadel on the hilltop, secret gateways and passages, a 14th century Clock Tower and the house where Prince Vlad Tepes lived. Festivals and Folklore Wherever you go in Transylvania, you will discover rural traditions that are a real part of everyday life. Shepherds produce large round cheese which you will see for sale by the roadside. The house doors are intricately carved. Colourful traditional costumes are worn on Sundays and for weddings and festivals because they have special meaning. As to festivals, you will find them in full swing from Easter on.

An Ideal Place to Get Away To sum it up, both in summer and winter, the valleys and mountains of Transylvania are refreshingly unspoilt and welcoming, an area where you can genuinely get away. Timisoara a city famous throughout the world since the dramatic days of the December 89 revolution Ten things you need to know before visiting Transylvania - Lonely Planet Ten things you need to know before visiting Transylvania Tips & articles Lara Brunt Lonely Planet Writer Transylvania is best known as the mysterious land of bloodthirsty vampires and howling wolves. Some may think it’s fictional, but this central Romanian region is a real place. And it’s pretty special, too. Bordered to the east by the Carpathian Mountains, ‘the land beyond the forest’ still feels undiscovered. So, pack your garlic – here’s the lowdown on one of Eastern Europe’s most captivating regions. The famous Bran Castle near Braşov is Transylvania’s top tourist attraction. Image by Glen Pearson / Lonely Planet Dracula is real (sort of) Bram Stoker’s 1897 vampire novel was inspired by centuries-old superstition and the real-life exploits of Vlad Dracula.

Known by his murderous moniker, Vlad Ţepeş (the Impaler), the 15th-century Wallachian nobleman was said to have skewered up to 80,000 enemies on long spikes. Despite his wicked ways, he’s considered a hero in Transylvania , so not everyone’s thrilled with the region’s bloodsucking reputation. After years of opposition from locals, the Romanian tourism board announced plans to develop ‘vampire tourism’ using European funds. It’s like stepping back in time While it’s hard to avoid the creepy count, you’ll also find hardwood forests, lush pastures and wildflower meadows. Travelling around Transylvania, described as ‘the last truly medieval landscape in Europe’, feels like you’ve gone back 100 years. Horse-drawn carts rumble along dirt roads, while shepherds tend their flocks and villagers make hay in the sunshine. Keep your romantic notions in check, though. This also means poor infrastructure, such as potholed roads and slow trains, so you’ll need a bit of patience.

Trains are slow, so buses are your best bet between towns and cities (check timetables at autogari.ro ), but you’ll need to hire a car to explore the countryside (try autonom.com ). Driving conditions aren’t as bad as some make out. Crater-sized potholes and the odd stray dog are your biggest challenges. Dracula tourism in Sighișoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Image by Glen Pearson / Lonely Planet A Hungarian phrasebook comes in handy Tongue-twisting Hungarian is the default language in eastern Transylvania. It’s also widely spoken in cities such as Miercurea-Ciuc , Târgu Mureş and Cluj-Napoca and the counties of Covasna and Harghita. That’s because the region had been associated with Hungary for over a thousand years, up until the end of WWI when it was united with Romania. Today, ethnic Hungarians make up around 19% of the population of Transylvania. Around half of these are Székely people, thought by some to be descended from Attila’s Huns.

The Saxons made their mark German merchants arrived in the 12th century to help defend the region against the Tatars and Turks. Over the next few centuries, they built seven fortress towns, known as the Siebenbürgen, and hundreds of fortified churches. Must-see spots include the pastel-hued city of Sighișoara and the churches of Biertan and Viscri , all Unesco World Heritage Sites. While the medieval Saxon architecture has survived, the population has dwindled. Following the collapse of communism at the end of 1989, around 90% fled to West Germany. The Saxon village of Biertan, seen from within the walls of its fortified church. Image by Glen Pearson / Lonely Planet You can wallow in thermal springs Transylvania has a number of resort towns, famed for their therapeutic waters. The mineral mud and warm salty waters of Bear Lake in Sovata are rumoured to cure infertility. The buoyant, balmy waters of Ocna Sibiului near Sibiu – right up there with the Dead Sea when it comes to salinity – are good for arthritis. Feeling brave?

Head to Covasna for a mofette, a ‘sauna’ of post-volcanic gases, mainly carbon dioxide and a dash of eggy sulphur, thought to benefit cardiovascular conditions. Patients stand for up to 20 minutes while the heavier carbon dioxide gas swirls around their knees and is absorbed by the skin. Inhaling the gas can be fatal, so it’s strictly under medical supervision. It’s great for bear-spotting The Carpathian Mountains are home to wolves, lynx and Europe’s largest population of brown bears. Around 5000 bears roam the oak and beech forests. Strangely, the population flourished during the communist period, as dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu was the only person allowed to hunt. The Forestry Commission owns a number of hides where you can observe bears in the wild with a ranger, including the popular Stramba Valley hide north of Zărnesti . The best way to visit a hide is through a tour company, such as Transylvanian Wolf ( transylvanianwolf.ro ). Not so keen to meet one in the wild?

The Libearty Bear Sanctuary ( bearsanctuary.com ) near Brașov cares for more than 70 bears rescued from cages and circuses. A wild brown bear, observed from a hide in the Stramba Valley. Image by Glen Pearson / Lonely Planet Prince Charles is a big fan The heir to the British throne first visited Transylvania in 1998 and has been a regular visitor ever since. The Prince of Wales is involved in conservation of rural villages and has bought and restored a handful of farmhouses that visitors can rent ( transylvaniancastle.com ). The guesthouses, in the remote villages of Viscri and Zalánpatak, are decorated with handmade wooden furniture and rugs. Prince Charles can even claim kinship with the region’s most infamous son; according to genealogists he’s a great grandson 16 times removed of Vlad the Impaler. It has the world’s most amazing road While most Transylvanian roads are heavily potholed or unpaved, the Transfăgărășan Road bucks the trend. Built as a military route in the 1970s on Ceauşescu’s order, it winds up and over the towering Făgărăș Mountains .

The road zigzags up a barren valley to Lake Bâlea and through a 900m-long tunnel, before continuing down through the forests of Wallachia region. Heavy snow means the road is open only a few months a year, usually from late June until early October, when it’s packed with petrol-heads. The Transfăgărășan Road, named the world's best road by Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson. Image by Glen Pearson / Lonely Planet Palincă is the local tipple Transylvanians like to start a meal with a slug of palincă, a fiery brandy traditionally made from plums. At around 45% proof (or more if it’s the homemade variety), the double-distilled drop certainly packs a punch. It’s served at room temperature and downed in one with a hearty Noroc! (‘cheers’ in Romanian) or Egészségére! (in Hungarian). And it’s not just for pre-dinner drinks. Locals like to welcome guests and toast most happy occasions with a shot.

You’ll see roadside stalls selling homemade firewater, or pop along to Teo’s Distillery ( delateo.ro) in Sighișoara to taste brandies made from different fruits. Different types of brandy at Teo’s Distillery in Sighișoara. Image by Glen Pearson / Lonely Planet Bran is just one of many incredible castles Perched on a peak with turrets and towers, Bran Castle looks straight off the pages of your favourite vampire novel. The 14th-century pile near Braşov pulls in the crowds accordingly, but Vlad the Impaler’s real digs were at Poienari Citadel in Wallachia. Now a ruin, it’s difficult to visit by public transport so it’s one for Vlad’s hardcore fans.

TRANSYLVANIA, Romania - Travel and Tourism Information About the name: Transylvania or Transilvania (from Latin – "the land beyond the forest") Location: Central Romania - surrounded by the arc of the Carpathian mountain chain Area: 34,177 sq miles Population: Approximately 5 million Main cities: Alba Iulia, Bistrita, Brasov, Cluj Napoca, Medias , Miercurea Ciuc, Sebes, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Targu Mures Transylvania Highlights Transylvania is home to some of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns, most notably Brasov, featuring Old Saxon architecture and citadel ruins; Sibiu with its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses, and Sighisoara, adorned with a hilltop citadel, secret passageways and a 14th century clock tower. Tiny shops offer antiques and fine hand-made products by local artisans and artists.

Visitors to Transylvania will also encounter stunning castles such Bran, near Brasov, - a Gothic fairy-tale structure, often associated with 15th century Walachian Prince Vlad Tepes, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. While the connection with Vlad is tenuous, the deep bond of local villagers with the legend is not. In close proximity to Brasov and Bran are the fortified churches at Harman, with its massive 13th Saxon towers, and Prejmer, the largest fortified church in Southeastern Europe. The 15th-century Corvinilor Castle, the most beautiful in Transylvania, located nearby Hunedoara, has a sumptuous Knights Hall – that can be used for functions or parties, as well as towers and buttresses reminiscent of the medieval times. Transylvania is the birthplace of the Unitarian Church that merged with the Universalist Church here in America in 1961 to form the present Unitarian Universalist Association. Transylvania's multi-ethnic heritage (including German and Hungarian ) is delightfully apparent in the folk costumes, architecture, cuisine, music and festivals. Colorful centuries-old traditions are alive and well in the small villages of Transylvania.

People here still make a living at such time-honored occupations as shepherds, weavers, blacksmiths and carpenters. The Apuseni Mountain range, in the western Carpathians, is a landscape of exquisite beauty and mystery. Here, you'll find ancient legends of mountain spirits and rare species of wildlife, along with 4,000 caves, many of which can be explored. Scarisoara Glacier, a national monument, shelters the second largest underground glacier on the continent.

Places to explore in Transylvania Some of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns : Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara Bran Castle (also known as Dracula's Castle), built in 1377 Rasnov Fortress – built in the 1300s by the Teutonic Knights to protect Transylvania against the Tartars and the Turks The Saxon fortified churches at Biertan , Calnic, Harman, Darjiu, Prejmer , Saschiz, Valea Viilor, and Viscri - all designated by UNESCO as World Heritage sites Transylvania's finest art museum – the Bruckenthal Palace in Sibiu Marginimea Sibiului, an area northwest of Sibiu home to more than 18 traditional villages The Museum of Glass-Painted Icons in Sibiel, the largest of its kind in Europe The city of Hunedoara with its 14th-century Gothic Corvinilor Castle The Dacian Fortresses at Sarmisegetuza (UNESCO World Heritage List) The Moti Land (Tara Motilor) on the Ariesi Valley - moţi is the name given to the inhabitants of this region.

They live in scattered villages at altitudes up to about 4,265 feet and have preserved their century-old traditions and lifestyle. The Apuseni Mountains with Scarisoara and Focul Viu glaciers, Chiscau Bears' Cave and Vartop Cave as well as other 400 caves. Main Museums in Transylvania Unification Museum in Alba Iulia Ethnographic Museum in Brasov Gradistea Muncelului-Cioclovina Nature Park - site of the Sarmisegetuza archaeological ruins Piatra Craiului National Park – spectacular rocky steep walls, virgin forests, and one of the world's deepest underground abysses (Coltii Grindului shaft, - 1771 feet) Activities Biking, Camping, Caving, Climbing, Fishing, Hiking, Nature walks, Rafting, Skiing, Wildlife and Bird Watching Food & Wines of Transylvania Traditional food Transylvania's cuisine displays a variety of flavors with dishes spiced with thyme, red pepper or tarragon. Meats, such as pork, mutton, veal, are among the most popular ingredient in Transylvania's cuisine.

The soups, to which sour cream and egg yolk are ofted added, also include flour dumplings or homemade pasta. Romania is one the world's leading producers of cabbage (varza). Make sure you don't leave the region without trying the delicious "Varza a la Cluj" – the Romanian version of lasagna - prepared from several layers of finely shredded cabbage (fresh or sour) and minced pork or veal mixed with rice and bacon and baked in the oven. Vineyards "Transylvanians" are not only artisans in producing fragrant, pleasant and light wines, but also sophisticated double-distilled liquors: palinca, horinca and rachie (varieties of brandy). These are made of fruit, particularly plums, apples, and pears, and aged in mulberry tree or oak barrels. The vineyards in Tarnave area: Blaj, Jidvei, Medias, Tarnaveni, Zagar and Valea Nirajului are known for their excellent white wines. With its cool climate and sloped terrain that stretch from the Tarnava Mare to the Tarnava Mica rivers, Tarnave is ideal for fruity white grapes with mild acidity.

The area has a long tradition of producing excellent dry, and medium-dry flavored wines such as Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Regala, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Ottonel, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Traminer. Even if traditional tools have been replaced by modern wine-presses and state of the art technology, grape picking, the control of fermentation, clarity, stability, the storage and maturation of wine are all carried out according to a rules handed down from generation to generation. Many small farms are still producing their own wines. Winetasting / Wineries in Transylvania Romania: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide & Travel/Holidays/Cities Ponta Resigns after Nightclub Fire Protests Geography Romania is in southeast Europe and is slightly smaller than Oregon. The Carpathian Mountains divide Romania's upper half from north to south and connect near the center of the country with the Transylvanian Alps, running east and west. North and west of these ranges lies the Transylvanian plateau, and to the south and east are the plains of Moldavia and Walachia.

In its last 190 mi (306 km), the Danube River flows through Romania only. It enters the Black Sea in northern Dobruja, just south of the border with Ukraine. Government Republic. History Most of Romania was the Roman province of Dacia from about A.D. 100 to 271. From the 3rd to the 12th century, wave after wave of barbarian conquerors overran the native Daco-Roman population. Subjection to the first Bulgarian Empire (8th–10th century) brought Eastern Orthodox Christianity to the Romanians. In the 11th century, Transylvania was absorbed into the Hungarian empire. By the 16th century, the main Romanian principalities of Moldavia and Walachia had become satellites within the Ottoman Empire, although they retained much independence. After the Russo-Turkish War of 1828–1829, they became Russian protectorates. The nation became a kingdom in 1881 after the Congress of Berlin. At the start of World War I, Romania proclaimed its neutrality, but it later joined the Allied side and in 1916 declared war on the Central Powers.

The armistice of Nov. 11, 1918, gave Romania vast territories from Russia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, doubling its size. The areas acquired included Bessarabia, Transylvania, and Bukovina. The Banat, a Hungarian area, was divided with Yugoslavia. King Carol II was crowned in 1930 and transformed the throne into a royal dictatorship. In 1938, he abolished the democratic constitution of 1923. In 1940, the country was reorganized along Fascist lines, and the Fascist Iron Guard became the nucleus of the new totalitarian party. On June 27, the Soviet Union occupied Bessarabia and northern Bukovina. King Carol II dissolved parliament, granted the new prime minister, Ion Antonescu, full power, abdicated his throne, and went into exile. Romania subsequently signed the Axis Pact on Nov. 23, 1940, and the following June joined in Germany's attack on the Soviet Union, reoccupying Bessarabia. About 270,000 Jews were massacred in Fascist Romania.

Following the invasion of Romania by the Red Army in Aug. 1944, King Michael led a coup that ousted the Antonescu government. An armistice with the Soviet Union was signed in Moscow on Sept. 12, 1944. A Communist-dominated government bloc won elections in 1946, Michael abdicated on Dec. 30, 1947, and in 1955 Romania joined the Warsaw Treaty Organization and the United Nations. Running a neo-Stalinist police state from 1967–1989, Nicolae Ceausescu wound the iron curtain tightly around Romania, turning a moderately prosperous country into one at the brink of starvation. To repay his $10 billion foreign debt in 1982, he ransacked the Romanian economy of everything that could be exported, leaving the country with desperate shortages of food, fuel, and other essentials. An army-assisted rebellion in Dec. 1989 led to Ceausescu's overthrow, trial, and execution. ROMANIA - Location and Maps.

Romania Travel and Tourism Information - Harta Romaniei between latitudes 43°37’07" and 48°15’06" North and longitudes 20°15’44" and 29°41’24" East. Romania extends approximately 300 miles North to South and 400 miles East to West. Bucharest — the capital city of Romania — is located at the same latitude with the cities of Portland - Oregon; Montreal - Canada; Venice - Italy; and Bordeaux - France. Romania's territory features splendid mountains, beautiful rolling hills, fertile plains and numerous rivers and lakes. The Carpathian Mountains traverse the centre of the country bordered on both sides by foothills and finally the great plains of the outer rim. Forests cover over one quarter of the country and the fauna is one of the richest in Europe including bears, deer, lynx, chamois and wolves. The legendary Danube River ends its eight-country journey at the Black Sea, after forming one of the largest and most biodiverse wetlands in the world, the Danube Delta .

About a third of the country consists of the Carpathian Mountains (also known as the Transylvanian Alps). Another third is hills and plateaus, rich with orchards and vineyards. The final third is a fertile plain, largely devoted to agriculture. Physical features Mountains: 31% of Romania's territory Hills and orchards: 36% Romania Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Fact Sheet October 20, 2016 More information about Romania is available on the Romania Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet. U.S.-ROMANIA RELATIONS The United States established diplomatic relations with Romania in 1880, following Romania’s independence. The two countries severed diplomatic ties after Romania declared war on the United States in 1941, but reestablished them in 1947. Relations remained strained during the Cold War era while Romania was under communist leadership. After the 1989 revolution ended communist rule, however, Romania's policies became unequivocally pro-Western.

In the decades that followed, the United States and Romania deepened relations by increasing cooperation on shared goals including economic and political development, defense reform, and non-traditional threats such as transnational crime and non-proliferation. In 2011, the United States and Romania issued the “Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership for the 21st Century Between the United States of America and Romania.” The two countries identified key areas for enhanced cooperation, focusing on our political-military relationship, law-enforcement cooperation, trade and investment opportunities, and energy security. In 2016, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to this cooperation in a joint declaration marking the five-year anniversary of the 2011 agreement. The United States and Romania are mutually committed to supporting human rights, the rule of law, and peace and freedom for everyone. The two countries are bound together through myriad people-to-people ties in business, the arts, scholarship, and a host of other exchanges. Romania’s promotion of greater cooperation among its Black Sea neighbors in the areas of defense, law enforcement, energy, economic development, and the environment complement the U.S. goal of enhancing stability in this sensitive and important region.

Romania joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2004 and has established itself as a steadfast ally of both the United States and NATO. The country continues to improve its capabilities for NATO and multinational operations and has repeatedly deployed forces and assets in support of shared national security interests, including significant contributions of troops, equipment, and other assistance in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Kosovo. In September 2015, Romania stood up a NATO Force Integration Unit with the primary responsibility to facilitate the rapid deployment of NATO troops, if necessary. The following year it established the Alliance’s Multinational Division-Southeast headquarters in Bucharest, NATO’s command and control node for the region. Finally in July 2016 at the Warsaw Summit, Romania committed to host a NATO multinational brigade, which is under development. Romania hosts elements of the U.S. European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) to missile defense that is now operational and was adopted as part of NATO’s ballistic missile defense at the Warsaw NATO Summit in July 2016. The two countries signed a ballistic missile defense agreement in 2011, and in October 2014, the U.S.

Navy formally established Naval Support Facility-Deveselu, the first new Navy base since 1987, where the EPAA Aegis Ashore missile defense interceptor site was constructed. The base houses several hundred U.S. sailors and navy contractors on a persistent, rotational basis. In 2005, the United States and Romania signed the Defense Cooperation Agreement, which is the framework for our military engagements. The agreement established several (currently six with more being contemplated) joint use facilities. Mihael Kogalniceanu airbase near Constanta is an important multi-modal transportation hub for U.S. forces and currently houses several hundred U.S. marines and army soldiers. The other joint use facilities are Babadag training area and rail head, Campia Turzi air base, Cincu training range, Targu Mares military base, and Smardan training range. U.S. Assistance to Romania U.S. security assistance supports Romania in completing its military modernization, improving its interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces, and increasing its expeditionary deployment capabilities in support of NATO’s collective defense and coalition operations with the United States.

Bilateral Economic Relations Following the 1989 revolution, Romania's economy began a transition from state control to capitalism. The country worked to create a legal framework consistent with a market economy and investment promotion. Romania became a member of the European Union (EU) in 2007. In 1992, the United States and Romania signed a bilateral investment treaty (BIT), which came into force in 1994. In 2003, prior to Romania’s accession to the EU, the United States and Romania amended the BIT, which remains in effect. Romania attracts U.S. investors interested in accessing the European market, with relatively low costs and a well-educated, tech-savvy population being major draws. In Romania, major U.S. firms operate in the energy, manufacturing, information technology and telecommunications, services, and consumer products sectors. Top Romanian exports to the United States include machinery, vehicle parts, steel and metallic items, and fertilizers.

Romania's Membership in International Organizations Romania and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, NATO, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization, among others. Bilateral Representation The U.S. Ambassador to Romania is Hans G. Klemm ; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List . Romania maintains an embassy in the United States at 1607 23rd St., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-332-4846). More information about Romania is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Question: In which country is Transylvania?
Answer: Romania