Just mention the name of Transylvania and a selection of words come to mind: inhospitable places, thick fog, medieval castles … But beyond these terms, the figure of the legendary myth of Count Dracula, who lived in these lands according to legend. However, Transylvania not only offers the promise of a mysterious place, but the traveler is in this mythical city many more reasons to be in another world.
The province of Transylvania in Romania is located in the center of the country. The region appears surrounded by the Carpathian mountains, which occupy one third of the Romanian territory. These mountains form a dramatic background, accompanied by a landscape full of forests and crystal clear rivers. In this sense, the beauty of the extensive National Park Retezat. The natural characteristics of Transylvania makes it also an ideal place for winter sports and adventure.

The region appears full of towns and villages full of Romanians, Hungarians, Germans and Gypsies. A curious fact is the dominance of the figure of the pastor, serving as a guardian of authentic folk traditions. Fortunately for the romantic spirit, Transylvania presents a nearly exact to the image was shown on television and film, with the mythical figure of Dracula created by Bram Stoker. In this part of Romania does not lack gloomy landscapes, spectacular storms, wolves howl in the mountains and forests and gothic and mysterious cities.

The capital of the province of Transylvania is Cluj – Napoca. Appears on a plateau and its main characteristic is the influence of Hungarian Baroque style and the streets, buildings and domes. We can visit the History Museum and stroll along the Danube, Black Sea, or close to its many springs. Sibiu is another beautiful city, with its houses painted in pastel colors and cobblestone streets. There will Bruckenthal Art Museum and the Museum of Popular Technical outdoors. Near this town is Hunyadi Castle, a Gothic reconstruction of the fifteenth century belongs to the prince Iancu of Hunedoara. There are several notable buildings in the city, like the tower of Aldermen or the huge evangelical cathedral. Also in Sibiu must cross the Bridge of liars, named for the legend that says if someone tells a lie on the bridge, it will plummet.

The castle of Vlad «The impale»
A city is a must to visit Brasov. It is a population that is fascinating, with its picturesque medieval houses and old churches and fortresses. An example is the Black church from the fourteenth century, or the ruins of the fort and the Old Town Hall, the eighteenth century. Very near the town of Brasov, in Bran is the medieval castle that supposedly belonged to Prince Vlad Tepes, a fearsome and bloodthirsty character who inspired the legend of Count Dracula. The traveler will be impressed to see the dark silhouette of the castle, consisting of rows of towers and walls from a background of lush forests and mountains. Inside the fortress is a maze of staircases, dark corners and secret chambers. Faced with such grim and stays decorated Gothic, the visitor will have no choice but to head back every time you think you hear a whisper in the rest of the rooms.

Nearby is another formidable castle, the Peles Castle, built in 1883 by King Carol I. Its building is famous for employing a sophisticated architecture.

Another town worth visiting is to Sighisoara, one of the most beautiful medieval towns that currently exist in the world. We must not lose strength in the top of a hill, a fortress with secret passages. Another monument that stands out is the Orthodox Cathedral, with its shiny facade contrasts with its dark interior. We must also go to the clock tower, whose age is from seven centuries and which contained a bell goes for the wooden twelve o’clock. In the shadow of the tower does not go unnoticed that a large house, they say, was one of the houses where he lived Prince Vlad. There may be an exhibition on the character of Dracula and include the patriotic deeds of Vlad Tepes.

A very elaborate cuisine:
Romanian cuisine can be described as very delicate and elaborate. The result is the production of exquisite dishes that travelers can not forget. Typical regional dishes and wines are vegetable soups made with nettles, dandelion, wild mushrooms, onions and garlic. As for meat, predominantly pork, which is highly appreciated, especially if it comes from a ritual dinner called the Pig. It is an ancient ritual that involves killing the animal and its preparation. It also highlights the popular cabbage to cluj, made with cream, tasty and cooked to haiduc.

Festivals:
As for the holidays, it is surprising to find that in Transylvania, as in all Romania, preserving the customs and ancestral traditions. During the holidays the Hungarians, Gypsies and Germans are dressed in traditional costumes and dance the same dances in previous centuries. Examples include Christmas, New Year, Easter and the Night of San Juan.

Anyway, visit Transylvania supposed to know a world that seems out of the Middle Ages and remains wrapped in an aura of mystery and legend.