Showing posts with label Romania Tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romania Tour. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Perfect Souvenirs of Romania

Romania, a country of natural beauty, rich diversity and cultural heritage is very popular among globe trotters. Scenic landscapes, mountains, archaic rural areas, historical cities, vibrant culture, serene atmosphere, etc. make it beautiful to such an extent that number of visitors are increasing day by day. Several small cities mix together to make a unique country known as Romania. Each city of the country has its own significance. To remember the trip to Romania, shopping can be done from various markets or grocery stores of the different cities. It can be challenging but surely full of fun and amazement. Some of the finest souvenirs that one can shop and take home are discussed below that surely help you while shopping. 

Floreasca Sky Tower, Bucharest in  Romania
 
Bistrita, A Town of Romania (Image by Ramona R on Flickr)

Romanian Folk Costumes & Handicrafts

Romanian folk costumes are popular all around. All the handicraft shops sell different kind of folk costumes. Textile and handicraft items are very common in this place as most of the people have animals like sheep, goat, etc. from which they easily make out the raw material for their product. So, it is the main occupation of the place.  Silk beads and trumpery are used mainly for decorative purposes.

Romanian Handicraft (Image by Gratziella Vlaicu on Flickr)

Romanian Wine

Romanian wine is an excellent souvenir. There are a wide variety of fine and reliable labels that can be chosen.  Almost two per cent of Romania’s agricultural land is given over to vineyards that make Romania one of the world’s top 10 wine producers. Best known wines making regions are Dobrogea (reds), Murfatlar, Dealul Mare, Tarnava, Cotnari, Recas, etc. Different kinds of wines are produced there.


Religious Icons

In Romania, the Christian religion is very popular as most of the people belongs to this community. Many churches are there that have beautiful architecture, elegantly decorated and boast superb interior. Some deeply religious people of Romania placed a couple of icons on their walls. Bucharest is the place where you can find the religious icons easily and of varying quality. Colorfully framed icons are the best ones. Many shops also sell bibles, religious books, etc.

Putna Church and Monastery, Romania (UNESCO World Heritage) Image by Frans Sellies on Flickr

Entrance to the church at Putna monastery (Image by Frans Sellies on Flickr)
Interior of Putna Monastery (image by Wayne W G on Flickr)

 
Interior of Putna Monastery (Image by Liviu lonescu on Flickr)
Traditional Clothing

Each region has its own culture and clothing, similarly Romania has its own way of clothing. Most of the people purchase that as a most rememberable souvenir. Shirts, blouses, trousers and skirts with accessories like waistcoats, aprons, scarves, hats and fabric belts are usually worn there. Again, Bucharest is the best place to find traditional clothing and most probably at the Peasant Museum. In Peasant Museum, prices are high but quality is good and genuine. 

Romania Souvenirs (Image by camelia TWU on Flickr)


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Steaua Bucharest Shirts

The name of this shirt is named after the best European football team Steaua Bucharest as it is the most successful team. These shirts can be found in any Nike store in Bucharest, Romania. Nike stores are available in different places like Bucharest Mall, AFI Palace, Unirea Shopping Center, etc.


Local Designers Material

One can also purchase a pair of handmade shoes from Romania’s designer either of the famous one or the local one. Both provide the perfectly finished item. It may not be the cheapest souvenirs but surely be unique one. They are customized basically, so you can make it according to your choice of design and color. For clothes, many local designers are available that make the dress according to your wish as they have a wide range of designs. So, you just have to choose the design and they will make it within some hours. 


All the above said souvenirs are just the suggestions as there are number of souvenirs that can be bought from Romania’s popular cities Bucharest, Sighriasoara, etc.  So, you can also add other souvenirs in the list of the above.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Top 5 Destination Places in Transylvania

Transylvania, a place having several reasons to visit. Both geographically and historically, it is an interesting place. The history of it lies behind the Vlad III Tepes or commonly called as “Dracula” and the geography lies in its natural scenery. Many medieval forts, castles, fortified churches, fortified citadels, tall mountains and ski resorts are available here. Some of the destinations listed below are worth to visit.

5. Saxon Fortified Churches

Hamruden/Homorod, Saxon Fortified Church by Tudor Seulean on flickr.com
Bonnesdorf/Boian saxon fortified church by Tudor Seulean on flickr.com
Rothbach/Rotbav Fortified Saxon church by Tudor Seulean on flickr.com
Zeiden/Codlea Fortified Saxon church by Tudor Seulean on flickr.com
The countryside of Transylvania is sprinkled with Fortified Saxon Churches. They are fortified as the country was often invaded from both the East and the West and to protect themselves, people built huge walls around their churches. Many invaders like the Mongols ruthlessly invade over the country. After the construction of fortified churches, it was difficult to invade the country so the invaders moved away without hurting them. However, in case the invaders still got inside then, the churches had a safe place behind its thick metallic doors where the villagers of the country could assemble if needed. It is quite interesting to see these fortified churches which have a great past behind them.

4. Poiana Brasov Ski-Resort

Poiana Brasov Ski Resort by Matt Bigwood on flickr.com
Kanzel, Poiana Brasov by Stefan Tanase on flickr.com
view from ski resort Poiana Brasov by Travis Ferland on flickr.com
This ski resort is located 12 km from Brasov. It is an exotic place as surrounded from all sides by four mountains Bucegi, Piatra Craiului, Postavaru, and Piatra Mare. It is the most popular Ski Resort among children. Atlas Mountain can also be seen from there. Hotels of this place look like medieval castle having a torture chamber and decorated in a Gothic style. It is a perfect place for Ski enthusiasts as it provides great opportunities.

3. Transylvanian Alps and Balea Lac

Transylvanian Alps by ktLaurel on flickr.com
Balea Lac by Ioana Bancos on flickr.com
Transylvanian alps by ange & ivan on flickr.com
The Transylvanian Alps or the Transfagarasan Mountains as they are sometimes called are quite imposing. They are tall enough and it is difficult to pass through them. However, the Transfagarasan highway is there to go across the mountains. Balea Lac is one of the stops along the highway, which is a lodge located high up the mountains. This place is exceedingly beautiful and is used for extreme skiing in winter. Sometimes in winter, they built an ice hotel over there to give the picturesque view of the lodge. Mountains with lodge mesmerize anyone to live there for the whole life.

2. Bran Castle or Dracula Castle

Bran Castle (Dracula castle) by Hugo Pelinski on flickr.com
Bran Castle by Josh Thielen o flickr.com
Bran Castle by Piero Damiani on flickr.com
Bran castle made out of the Dracula’s Castle is very popular among the citizens of Europe. Hearing the name of Dracula only make anyone exciting but until now there is no proof that Dracula ever stayed there. Many stories related to the past of Dracula is there. It is a fun place for all to visit. The theme of the castle is the Vlad Tepes Dracula. Inscriptions and paintings of Dracula make it a horrible site among kids. Outside the castle, there is a beautiful village museum and a market area from where one can purchase various Dracula themed items like Vampire mask, blood, etc.

1. Sighisoara

Sighisoara Citadel Square by alezhi on flickr.com
Sighisoara by dorombach on flickr.com
Sighisoara Citadel by RayMorris1 on flickr.com
Sighisoara is considered the birthplace of Prince “Vlad Tepes” or “Vlad Tepes Dracula”. He was born here in 1431 in a three storey house. This town is well preserved in the world and on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is the most beautiful and well-preserved citadel in Europe. It contains authentic medieval architecture and is one of the fortified towns, which is still inhabited. The buildings of this town are just imagination. Gothic ambiance spread all around the town. As we know that it is the birthplace of Dracula, so it is often considered the Vampire Capital of the World. The main sites visited by most of the people are Sighisoara Citadel, Weapon Museum, Covered Staircase, Church on the Hill and Bust of Vlad Tepes.

Checkout this Transylvania tour itinerary at MastHoliday covering the top cities with interesting spots.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Amazing Gothic Story of Dracula Castle in Romania

Hearing the word Dracula, makes anyone rouse. You have also heard many stories, myths about the Dracula-the devil. Still many people believe in it. Many researchers even now trying to find out the truth about Dracula. Is there any Dracula in Transylvania? Not have answers yet.


Actually, a very well known Bran Castle is commonly known as the Dracula Castle. It is an interesting place to explore in Romania. Romania itself has a lot to offer to their visitors, from mountains, to slow and mellow grassy and forestry hills, to the shores of the Black sea, provides an enticing experience to any seasoned traveler.


There are many stories and myths behind this castle, but no one knows the actual truth. It has a historical past involving the Vlad Tepes, a ruler idol by Romanians for standing up to the Ottoman Empire. Cognize  as one of the most horrific enemies of the Turks, Vlad started organizing the state and implement the law by applying death penalty and spike all those he considered enemies: robbers, cunning priests, treacherous noblemen, beggars, usurper Saxons.


He had clashed against everybody who tried to reinstate him either by his brother Vlas the Monk or by his cousin Dan the young. The historians called him Vlad Tepes while people say he was Dracula as he used the sign with his father’s name, Dracula “The Devil”.


Dracula word is evolved from the Romanian word for devil or dragon. This word alone carries with its witch and enigma. His castle is supposed to be Bran’s castle since its narrow corridors constitute a mysterious intricacy of ghostly cubbyholes and secret chambers easy to hide a “vampire”. The Dracula’s castle was built on the contour of the Bran Pass and nowadays induce quests worldwide who wish to savor in the saga of the Count Dracula.