Discover charming destinations and fascinating history
1. Suceava
Suceava, the capital of Moldova in medieval times, boasts a rich cultural heritage and dozens of interesting sites. These include the UNESCO-listed St. George Church at St. John the New Monastery and Moldova’s never-conquered, princely fortress. Multimedia exhibits and medieval themed events add to their appeal.
2. Iasi
Iași, the capital of Moldova from 1564-1859, is also known as the “city on seven hills’, and “the city of 100 churches”. The Golden Plateau, anchored at opposite ends with the Palace of Culture at one end and the Union Square at the other, is the central area, around which the city developed over the centuries. Iasi’s literary culture, charm, and relaxed pace enchant visitors.
3. Alba Iulia
Alba Iulia (Union City) is also known as Romania’s other capital, this is where the unification of the Romanian provinces took place on December 1st, 1918 – now celebrated as the country’s National Day. Travel the Route of the Three Fortifications to go from the Roman castrum (106 A.D.), the capital of the Roman province of Dacia, to the Medieval Citadel (16th–17th centuries), to the Alba Carolina Citadel (18th century), the largest and most representative Vauban fortification not only in Romania but in Central and Southeastern Europe.
4. Timisoara
Timișoara was the primary city of the historical province of Banat; nowadays it is the cultural and economic center of western Romania. In 2023, as European Capital of Culture, numerous celebrations and cultural events took place under the motto “Shine your light! Light up your city!”. Why? Because in 1884 Timișoara was the first city on mainland Europe to have electric street lighting. Also known as a city of parks and flowers, it is an especially attractive destination in the spring.
The Saxon Triangle of Transylvania: Brașov, Sibiu, and Sighișoara
Brașov was founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 on an ancient Dacian site and settled by the Saxons as one of the seven walled citadels of Transylvania. Fortifications were erected around the city and continually expanded. Several towers were maintained by different craft guilds, according to medieval custom. Near the city are majestic mountains, rolling fields, thick forests and villages with fortified churches.
Sighișoara delights visitors with the medieval atmosphere created by its old houses and churches, hilly streets, and a magical mix of winding, cobbled alleys, steep stairways, secluded squares, towers, and turrets. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citadel was also the birthplace of Vlad Drăculea, nicknamed Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Tepes), ruler of Walachia from 1456 to 1462.
Sibiu was the largest and wealthiest of the seven walled citadels, built in the 12th century by German settlers. For hundreds of years, this walled town in the heart of Transylvania was one of the most powerful and prosperous strongholds in Europe. Surrounded by imposing walls, the original fortifications included 39 defensive towers, five bulwarks, four gates, and five artillery batteries. In 2007, Sibiu was the European Capital of Culture.
