Transilvania evokes tales, mysteries, legends, and even a little fear. It is one of the historical regions of Romania, inextricably linked to the story of Count Vlad Tepes, where history and literature have now merged into a fascinating and attractive intertwining. Today we will take you to discover the best things to see and when to go to Transylvania!
The Places of Vampires and Dracula
Sighisoara is the hometown of Vlad III of Wallachia, known as Vlad Tepes (The Impaler), the legendary Dracula. Within its fortifications, near the Clock Tower, is the birthplace of Dracula and a stone bust of Vlad Tepes, in this square, who witnessed numerous tortures and the burning of spells.
The Poenari Fortress is located in the municipality of Arefu. now in ruins, it was built by the Boers (subjects) who were then impaled by Vlad, accessed via a staircase of 1480 steps, and is the place where Dracula’s first wife committed suicide by throwing herself from the tower into the Arges river.
Bran Castle, near Brasov, on the ancient border between Wallachia and Transylvania, is the castle that inspired Bram Stoker to describe Dracula’s Castle (which is Poenari’s Castle).
Finally, the Snagov Monastery, founded in 1408 by Mircea the Elder of Wallachia, is located 35 km north of Bucharest, on an island in Lake Snagov. It became famous in 1933 when archaeological excavations led to the discovery of a crypt later identified as the tomb of Dracula. You can read more about this castle by going to https://transilvania.it/castello-di-dracula/
Turda salt mines
Not only are the Turda salt mines the oldest in the world, but they offer a one-of-a-kind amusement park where visitors can go down to 80 meters underground and learn how the salt was mined. The best way to visit them is to take a day trip from Cluj.
The largest room in this underground saline is called Rudolf, it is located 40 meters underground and is divided into 13 levels.
Transfăgărăşan
It is one of the most beautiful streets in the world, and certainly the highest and most characteristic in Romania. It was built in the 1970s at the behest of Ceausescu, to allow Romanian troops to quickly cross the Carpathians in the event of a Soviet invasion.
The road is 112 km long, starts in Pitesti, and, crossing the wonderful landscapes between mountains, green valleys, tunnels, viaducts and numerous serpentines, reaches the Balea Lake, of glacial origin. Due to the climatic conditions, Transfogarasan is only open for 4 summer months.
Corvino Castle
Corvin Castle is located in Hunedoara and is the most important monument of Gothic architecture in Romania. The best way to visit it is with a guided tour from Cluj.
It stands on the site of an ancient Roman castrum, has an imposing appearance and dominates the valley. In the past it served as a fortress and housed the Voivodes of Transylvania. Today you can also visit prisons and torture chambers, a large courtyard, several interior rooms with period furniture and a drawbridge.
There are several legends related to this castle, it is said that Count Dracula was imprisoned here for seven years, and a well in the courtyard was built by some Turkish prisoners who were promised their freedom if they found this place. After 15 years and reaching a depth of over 30 meters, the promise was not kept.
When to go?
Climate: moderately continental with temperatures in January down to -6 ° and in summer below 26 °
Best Time: Spring and summer are the perfect seasons for the best observation of climate and wildlife in rural areas, although it can get cold at night
Period to avoid: winter is very cold and snowfalls are frequent and abundant, some roads and passes may even be closed due to bad weather and causing inconvenience to visitors to the region
Tip: The most suitable garment if you are going to Transylvania during the recommended period is layered, mid-season clothing. The temperatures are never too high and it is always better to have at least a warm sweatshirt with you.