Romania's capital, the nation's centre of cultural and economic life, was founded more than 500 years ago and is a natural starting point for visits to the country. You will be intrigued by the city's eclectic mixture of architecture, from Curtea Veche, the remains of Prince Vlad Tepes 15th century palace - he was the city's founder as well as the inspiration for "Dracula", - to Orthodox Churches, Second Empire mansions, the stolid Stalinist architecture of the communist years and the colossal 6,000 room Parliament House, the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon.

The city located on the Black Sea coast, and it is Romania's largest seaport. Its 2,500 year history, ancient monuments well developed transports facilities, hotels, and shops make Constanta the real cosmopolitan place.

Known as "the city of parks and gardens" and Romania's third biggest city, Timisoara became the symbol of freedom during the 1989 revolution. Local inhabitants are immensely proud of belonging to "Primul Oras Liber" (the first free city). This distinction adds to a history that has brought it ancient ramparts and a castle, a baroque town architecture, and famous University.

Transylvania is one of the most romantic and inspiring Romania's provinces. Its very name brings to mind visions of mountain peaks rising up to the sky above wooded valleys and sparkling streams, visions of high-roofed wooden churches, legendary castles and a troubled history.  

Bucovina - the north-eastern province of Romania - is renowned for the beautiful exterior frescoes on the walls of its monasteries. These triumphs of Byzantine-influenced art reflect a development of Moldavian civilization in the 15th and 16th centuries, under the patronage of Stephen the Great (1457-1504).

Sucevita

The Sucevita Monastery complex, set in a beautiful green valley, is fortified like a citadel with watch towers at its four corners.

Voronet

This "Sixtine Chapel of the East" was built by Stephen the Great in 1488 and the vivid colors of its frescoes added later.

Humor

Humor, founded in 1530, is quite small. Its paintings include illustration of a poem on the "The Siege of Constantinople", which shows the feelings of the Romanians towards the Turks.

Moldovita

Striking shades of red, blue, yellow and brown characterize the monumental scene of the "Siege of Constantinopole" on the walls of the Moldovita church.

Arbore

Quite small, and without the high cupola that distinguishes most monastery churches, Arbore is predominantly decorated in shades of green.

Brasov

This medieval city, picturesquely situated nearby the Postavaru Mountain, is both fascinating in it self and is close to Transylvania's major mountain resort area. Look for its Old Saxon architecture around the 14th century Black Church, the ruins of the citadel, and the 18th century Old Town Hall.

Sighisoara

Originally a Roman town, Sighisoara is one of the greatest medieval cities left in the world.

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.