Transylvania
Transylvania derives from the Latin word “transilvana” which means over the forest
and indeed it is a land of mountains, many of which are resort areas with high quality
hotels.
Transylvania, which is divided in 10 counties, is located in the central part of
Romania and is surrounded by the Carpathians.
This Romanian province is composed of many architectural styles (Byzantine,
Romanian, Gothic, Neo-Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque), but is mainly known for its
middle Age landmarks such as murals, towers, bridges, narrow streets, strongholds
and fortified churches.
Some of the most famous touristic points are Brasov ( a medieval town with an old
Saxon architecture); the castle of Bran (supposed to have belonged to Prince Vlad
Tepes from whom comes Dracula’s legend); the town of Sibiu, where you can find the
Museum of Folk Technology, the Brukenthal Art
Museum or the Corvin Castle (built in Gothic style); Sighisoara, a medieval town know
for its secret passages; a 14th century Clock Tower and the house where Prince Vlad
Tepes lived; among other landmarks that are waiting to be discovered by travellers.
Besides the medieval towns and art museums, there is much more to see and do in
Transylvania: you can ski, hike, ride, go to health spas or simply enjoy the local
traditions that are part of everyday life: traditional costumes, festivals and traditional
food.
It is up to the traveller to decide how to spend his/her time in the land over the
forests.
Arad
Located in the western part of Romania, occupying 7.754 square km of the
country’s territory and with the population of 480.000 inhabitants, Arad is the capital of
the county and has a moderate continental climate (not very cold winters and warm
summers).
Beautiful landscapes can be found in Arad such as the Codru-Moma Mountains
(with vertical walls of hundreds of metres of height); Dendrological parks (Peris,
Savarsin and Macea) with trees over 600 years; preserved natural areas as Bezdin and
its white water lily; or underground treasures as the Bat’s Cave (with stalactites and
stalagmites of all sizes), the Crystal Cave (in black limestone rock) and the Fountain of
the Bears’ Ravine.
Other touristic sights can also be explored. Travellers seeking mineral water
treatment can bath in the spas of Lipova or Moneasa. Tourists can also walk through
History while visiting fortresses and castles: from the Stone Fortress of Soimus in
Lipova (1208), passing through the Sira-Galsa Castle built in Baroque style to the
Bohut castle built in Neoclassical style in the 19th century.
The picturesque wooden churches in Buceava, Grosii Noi, Halmagiu and Savarsin
as well as other religious monuments can not be forgotten too.
From natural beauties to historical monuments, much there is to learn and see in
Arad. Let each one choose the sights that better fit one’s interest.
Vânia Silva
P1
Sílvia Silva
P1