Romania Travel Guide

INTRODUCTION

Between Hungary and Serbia, amid the Carpathian Mountains in south eastern and central Europe, rests Romania, a nation of about 22 million. Romania offers travelers a unique experience; there are world-famous painted monasteries, medieval towns, and fairy-tale castles, not to mention The Cave with Bones--the site of the oldest discovered human remains in Europe.

Some important places of interest include the capital, Bucharest, with its millennium of history, as well as the ancient cities of Brasov and Hunedoara. There are also many other quaint and secluded villages and castles throughout Carpathia.

HISTORY

The discovery of the oldest human remains in Europe was made in south-western Romania. During B.C. times the then-Dacian Kingdom fell into the hands of the Romans, who introduced Latin and a system of writing, thus providing the groundwork upon which the present-day Romanian language was built. By the Middle Ages Romania was an area comprising three principalities: Wallachia, Moldavia, and Transylvania (fans of Bram Stoker's Dracula will be familiar with this place). Hard times were felt by many early Romanians during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, where--despite being the majority of the population--people were generally considered less than citizens.

The three principalities fell frequently under the sovereignty of other nations until World War I when, in exchange for joining the Allies, they were offered the chance to unite as one country. The cost of the exchange was great. In only four months, the nation's army was ruined and two-thirds of the country had been invaded. Yet the end of the war saw the union of Romania.

During World War II Romania was pressured into joining the Axis Powers and only in the end did they switch sides after having served as the primary oil supply for the Nazis and suffering consequent heavy bombing by the Allies. The difficulties did not end with the end of the war however, for Communism had taken seat. It is estimated that nearly two million people suffered directly from the communist repression during the years following the war before the Romanian Revolution of 1989.

REGIONS

Transylvania
Banat & Crisana
Bucovina & Moldova
Dobrogea
Maramures
Walachia

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Capital: Bucharest

Climate: Romania is a thundery country that has cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and wonderfully warm summers.

Currency: Leu - Currently 1 RON = 0.33 USD

Languages: Romanian

Power: 230 V, 50 Hz

Time Zone: UTC+2 and UC+3 during the summer daylight saving time

ATTRACTIONS

Narrow Gauge Train Trips in Maramures

Festivals