A visit to Romania – the largest Balkan state, means enjoying every moment of your vacation in this country. Located along the shores of the Black Sea in the South-East Central Europe, Romania captivates many travelers from every corner of the world with its rich natural and cultural diversity sure to amaze. From cruising along the Danube Delta to exploring its stunning historical landmarks of Bucharest – its capital city, to enjoying a memorable spa experience, Romania offers at least something for everyone. Today’s post is devoted to the country’s top outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are truly unique masterpieces worth a visit!
The Historic Center of Sighişoara
Sighişoara is an awe-inspiring small, fortified medieval town, founded in the 12th century by German craftsmen and merchants known as the Saxons of Transylvania, which played an important role on the fringes of central Europe for centuries. Ideally nestled in the heart of Transylvania, the historic center of Sighişoara comprises a fortified site stretching over a steeply sloping plateau and dominated by City Hill and the Lower Town with its woody slopes lying below. The highlights of the town are its narrow cobblestone streets and massive brick houses, the majestic Citadel, the 500-year-old Clock Tower, the Weapon Museum, the Church on the hill and the Covered Staircase.
Sighişoara is also where Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula was born. And although the historical Vlad the Impaler has nothing to do with vampires, the popularity of vampires in popular culture has made this place a popular tourist destination, as well as place where vampire movies are usually shot. Dracula enthusiasts will surely want to set aside 30 minutes or so and enjoy a fine dining with a generous pour of the reddest wine, served at Casa Dracula — the restaurant that now occupies the home where little Vlad did his teething. Sighişoara is considered to be the most beautiful inhabited medieval citadel in Europe that never fails to amaze.
The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
Another world heritage site, the amazing and painted monasteries of Southern Bucovina are among the most picturesque treasures in Romania that are considered some of the greatest architectural wonders in Europe. The monasteries were built mostly by one of Romania’s greatest heroes, Stephan the Great, and were surrounded by fantastic fortified walls used to help ward off invading Ottoman forces. The five main monasteries not to be missed are Humor (characterized by its predominant red color), Moldovita, Voronet (with the predominant color of blue), Sucevita (the background color is emerald-green) and Arbore. 7 out of 48 monasteries are declared UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The exterior walls of the monasteries are richly decorated with vivid frescos and scripture that depict dramatic biblical scenes, including ‘The Last Judgment,’ and what is more interesting about this striking artwork is its survival for over 450 years, and the well-preserved intense colors.
Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve
Shared with Romania and Ukraine, the enticing Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR) is a labyrinth of water and land, composed of endless number of lakes, islands and channels at the end of a 2,860 km-long river, hosting more than three hundred species of birds, including cormorants and glossy ibises, as well as 45 freshwater fish species and a rich community of animals, from foxes to wolves to even the occasional boar or deer.
The mighty Danube River flows 1,788 miles from its springs in Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea, on its way forming a beautiful delta, stretching for a total area of 580,000 hectares, which is a wildlife enthusiast’s and especially bird watcher’s paradise.
Other important UNESCO sites in Romania include: Wooden Churches of Maramureş, Monastery of Horezu and Rasnov Citadel.