A popular European resort destination, Romania never ceases to attract tourists with its beautiful beaches, picturesque nature and wide choice of excursion programs. Bucharest remains the starting point of vast majority of excursion routes. This city is both administrative and culture capital of the country. When it comes to mentioning the most important landmarks of Bucharest, we should start with Palatul Cotroceni, an amazing example of architecture of the 17th century. The palace was built on a high hill that had been previously the site of an ancient monastery. A part of the palace has been transformed into the Museum of History, while the other part is used as the president's residence.
The Palace of the Parliament is no less beautiful place. The total area of the palace is 350 thousand sq. m. The palace is also known as the largest administrative building in the world. The height of the building is 92 metres (12 floors), and there are 1100 guestrooms in the palace, every of which is decorated with marble and crystal wares, giant mirrors and bronze statues, elegant furniture and fabrics. Curtea Veche is a famous landmark of the historic part of the city. The complex consists of three medieval buildings - Annunciation Church of Saint Anthony, the Curtea Veche Church and Hanu' lui Manuc.
The most unusual religious landmark was built in the city of Brasov and is called Biserica Neagră or Black Church. The construction of this grandiose gothic building was finished in 1358. The facade of the church is decorated with beautiful paintings, and the church's bell, which is installed in the bell tower, weights 6 tons. The sanctuary got such a name because of a fire that happened here in 1689. Despite the fact that the church was completely renovated after that disastrous event, its name has remained till our days.
There are several dozen fortresses and castles in the territory of modern Romania. Bran Castle is worth closest attention because numerous legends about Count Dracula are connected with this castle. In the beginning of the 15th century the castle was an important strategic facility. Bran Castle was built exclusively with the money got as donations from locals. To thank for the donations, the locals were exempt from taxes. Nowadays, halls of the castle are decorated with beautiful old furniture and other items that are considered precious museum artifacts. Several halls were dedicated for the exhibition of the Museum of History and Medieval Art. Here visitors are able to see collections of wonderful paintings, tapestries and sculptures. Several villages, which are located not far away from Bran, are also an interesting place worth visiting as travellers can buy traditional Romanian cheese and beautiful items made of wool there.
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Cities and sights of Romania
