Romania, with its diverse cultural and natural attractions, offers visitors a rich tapestry of experiences. From the legendary Bran Castle to the vibrant traditions of folkloric dances during holidays, Romania's heritage is deeply rooted in its history and folklore.
21 facts you didn’t know about Romania
1. Approximately one-third of the Carpathian Mountains are located in Romania, offering stunning landscapes and serving as a habitat for the largest population of brown bears in Europe.
2. Bram Stoker's famous vampire, Dracula, was inspired by the historical figure Vlad the Impaler, who was a prince of Wallachia, a region in Romania. Bran Castle is popularly known as "Dracula's Castle" and is a major tourist attraction.
3. Romania is the 12th largest country in Europe and the 7th most populous member state of the European Union.
4. Romanian is a Romance language, sharing roots with Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, reflecting the Roman heritage of the region.
5. The capital city, Bucharest, is known for its large administrative building, the Palace of the Parliament, which is the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon.
6. The Danube Delta, Europe’s second-largest and best-preserved delta, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a biosphere reserve, known for its rich biodiversity, including over 300 species of birds.
7. The painted monasteries of Bukovina, in northeastern Romania, are famous for their exterior frescoes. These UNESCO World Heritage sites depict biblical scenes and are a testament to Byzantine art.
8. Known as one of the most spectacular roads in the world, the Transfăgărășan highway was constructed as a strategic military route and offers breathtaking views and a thrilling driving experience.
9. Romania was the first country in the world to officially record its oil production in international statistics in 1857. It also opened the first oil refinery in 1856.
10. On the shores of the Black Sea, Constanta is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Romania and features ancient ruins and modern resorts.
11. The inventor of the modern jet engine, Henri Coanda, was Romanian. He built and flew the first jet-powered aircraft in 1910.
12. Romania is home to one-third of Europe’s mineral and thermal springs, and its spa towns have been known for their therapeutic treatments since Roman times.
13. Unique folkloric traditions, such as the 'Bear dance' and 'Capra (goat)', are performed during Christmas and New Year's celebrations, which are meant to purify and fertilize the soil for the upcoming year.
14. Formerly the center of the Transylvanian Saxons, Sibiu was named a European Capital of Culture in 2007 and is renowned for its Germanic architecture.
15. Romania has a rich religious heritage including Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Greek Catholic churches, reflecting the diverse cultures that have influenced the country.
16. Located in Sinaia, Peles Castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe and was the summer residence of Romanian kings.
17. The name 'Romania' comes from the Latin 'Romanus' which means 'citizen of the Roman Empire.' The region was conquered by the Romans in 106 AD.
18. The Merry Cemetery in Săpânța is famous for its colorful tombstones with naïve paintings describing the people who are buried there as well as scenes from their lives.
19. The traditional Romanian blouse, or 'ie', has inspired many fashion designers and is celebrated annually on the "Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse."
20. Romania has 13 national parks and three biosphere reserves, showcasing the country's commitment to conservation.
21. The Romanian film industry has gained international acclaim over the years, with movies like "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
(Source: The Travel Bible)