Thanks to its geographical location, the city has been a strategically important place throughout history. Therefore, it’s not surprising that it’s a multi-ethnic city.

Timișoara attractions

Union Square (Piața Unirii)

The square, formerly known as Losonczy Square, is mainly lined with baroque buildings constructed by Austrian authorities in the 18th century.

There are two dominant buildings here. On the eastern side of the square is the Roman Catholic Cathedral, while in the middle of the western side, you can see the apse of the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral.

In the center of the square rises the Holy Trinity Column. It was erected in 1740 after a devastating plague epidemic. There is also a mineral water fountain in the grassy area of the square.

Timișoara Cathedral

The St. George Cathedral, or simply the Dome, is the most prominent building in Union Square.

The church, built in the 18th century, was designed by court architect Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach. It is 55m long, 22m wide, and its towers are 35.5m tall. Its facade is divided by Ionic and Corinthian columns.

The interior is also worth seeing. Its 46-register organ is a copy of the organ in Paris’s St. Denis Church. The baroque altars are decorated with marble painting. The main altar with Ionic columns and the statues of saints were created by Viennese sculptor Josef Resler. The main altar depicts St. George slaying the dragon.

Liberty Square (Piața Libertății)

The former Prince Eugene Square is another 18th-century square in Timișoara.

The largest building here is the old city hall, occupying the entire northern side of the square. It was built between 1731 and 1734 for the Catholic magistrate, as at that time only Catholics were allowed to live in the Inner City.

In the middle of the square stands the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, erected in 1756 in baroque style.

Lloyd Row

This is a long promenade between the Timișoara National Theater and the Banat Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, surrounded by parks.

In its central part, you can see the Fish Fountain, which has become one of the city’s symbols. The promenades are lined with many restaurants and cafes, buzzing with life in good weather.

Its most significant building is the Lloyd Palace. This monumental three-story building was constructed between 1910 and 1912 in an eclectic style with Art Nouveau influences. Next to the palace stands the four-story Neuhausz Palace.

Hunyadi Castle

Considered one of Romania’s oldest buildings, it is closely intertwined with the Hunyadi family and the history of Timișoara.

Built by John Hunyadi in the 15th century, it served as the family’s residence. The castle is an impressive Gothic-style building with massive walls and towers. Its external appearance has changed over time but still maintains its medieval character, especially in the decorations visible on the walls and gates.

The castle houses the National Museum of Banat, which contains extensive collections including archaeological, historical, natural science, and artistic objects. The collections showcase the region’s rich history and culture from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages to the modern era.

Maria Theresa Bastion

Built as part of the city’s fortification system in the 18th century during the reign of Maria Theresa.

Its purpose was to protect Timișoara from external attacks, particularly against Turkish advances. During construction, Timișoara was an important military and strategic point of the Habsburg Empire, making the fortification system vital for the empire’s security.

The multi-level bastion is a massive, circular structure surrounded by thick walls and deep moats. The outer walls were designed to withstand artillery attacks.

Today it functions as a cultural and tourist center, hosting various exhibitions and cultural events. Its collections include historical objects showcasing Timișoara’s and the region’s past, including exhibitions on military history and the fortification system.

Banat Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral

The church closing the southern part of Lloyd Row is one of the city’s symbols.

Built during World War II, the cathedral is an impressive structure with high towers and Byzantine-style domes visible from afar. The exterior frescoes and mosaics depict religious stories and saints. Its architecture combines Byzantine and Romanian style elements.

Inside, the cathedral space is characterized by high vaults and colored glass windows. The main altar is particularly notable for its rich detail. Additionally, numerous historical artworks and artifacts are on display.

Millennium Church

The spiritual center of the Hungarian Reformed community, built for the 1896 millennium celebrations commemorating Hungary’s thousand years of existence.

The church was designed by Imre Steindl, who is also known as the architect of the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest. The elements appearing in its architecture and decoration reflect many aspects of Hungarian history and culture.

Built in Neo-Romanesque style, it features characteristic twin towers that make it recognizable from afar. The rose window decorating the main facade and the reliefs above the entrance combine elements of Hungarian history and Christian symbolism. The interior decoration emphasizes wall paintings and stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes and Hungarian historical figures.

Timișoara Art Museum

Located in the Baroque Palace on the southern part of Unirii Square, it is one of the outstanding examples of 18th-century baroque architecture.

The museum is the center of the region’s artistic life, showcasing various periods and styles of Romanian and international art through its extensive collection.

Its collection is extremely diverse, spanning several centuries and numerous artistic movements. It includes Romanian art classics as well as significant international artistic works. The exhibitions include paintings, sculptures, graphics, and ceramics.

All information can be found here!

Rose Garden

Located on the banks of the Bega River, this garden is the city’s most beautiful park.

As its name suggests, the main plants are roses of various colors and types. At certain times of the year, the garden hosts special flower exhibitions and gardening events.

During the summer months, the garden transforms into an outdoor stage where concerts, theatrical performances, and other cultural programs are held.

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Four of us traveled by car, departing on Friday and returning home the following Friday. Since we had to travel a lot, we spent the last evening in Szeged, which allowed for a short city visit as well. We were able to spend six full days in Transylvania.

Day 1: travel and Sebeș

Since we started from Pápa, we had a long journey ahead of us both ways. Because of this, we booked accommodation in Sebeș for the first night. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much available in Sibiu, as there was a big Saxon gathering that weekend.

In Romania, not only are highways toll roads, but everyone needs to buy a so-called „Rovienata”. It cost €3.30 for 10 days, valid for all roads. You can buy it in person after the border control or through the TPark mobile app (you need to enable the SIM card in the settings to receive the confirmation SMS). You can also pay for parking with TPark, so it’s worth downloading in advance.

Although there’s almost a continuous highway from Nădlac, there’s a small section where it’s not yet complete. A huge traffic jam forms here: plan for at least half an hour of crawling.

Sebeș is a small town next to the A1 highway, an important transport hub. The downtown area is around a beautiful Lutheran church, it’s a pleasant town. If you want to eat well, I recommend the restaurant of Hotel Leul de Aur Sebes (almost opposite the church).

Day 2: Alba Iulia, Sibiu, Făgăraș

For the next two nights, we had accommodation booked in a village near Sfântu Gheorghe, in Arcuș, at the Vasalóház. If you like staying in a real Székely place, it’s a perfect choice!

Alba Iulia

It’s about 15 minutes from Sebeș, which was the center of the Principality of Transylvania during Turkish rule. In the downtown area is the fortress, within which we can see many beautiful, renovated buildings. The St. Michael’s Cathedral is especially noteworthy, where the graves of several of our notable historical figures are located. Entry is free, so we can see, for example, János Hunyadi’s sarcophagus.

Sibiu

We went on the A1 highway, where there was a big Saxon gathering. There were lots of people, music was playing in several places already at noon. It’s no coincidence that the city was the center of the Saxons. It really feels like you’re in a German city.

The Main Square (Piata Mare) was completely set up with a stage and vendors, so unfortunately we couldn’t see it in its full glory. However, the already charming downtown was even more enjoyable this way.

Făgăraș

In the center of the town stands a beautiful castle. Fortunately, it’s in very good condition and its surroundings are well-maintained. We walked around the castle along the moat, you can take very good photos. The Orthodox church next to the castle makes this area even more beautiful.

Day 3: St. Ana Lake, Târgu Secuiesc, Sfântu Gheorghe

We planned to meet bears on Sunday. 🙂 You can see them at St. Ana Lake and along the road leading from there to Târgu Secuiesc. At the latter, there are the begging bears.

(We also planned Brașov for this day, but it rained there in the afternoon, so we skipped it.)

St. Ana Lake

Unfortunately, they predicted cloudy weather with small showers for this day, which is quite a broad concept around here. On the way to the lake, there’s a large parking lot with a barrier: it issues a ticket when you enter, which you can pay at the machine before leaving (or at the counter if it’s not working). 50 lei for 3 hours, which is plenty.

It’s about a 15-minute walk to the lake, bears can already be here. Unfortunately, it started raining, which seems to have kept them away, because we didn’t see any. The lake itself is in a very beautiful environment. There’s a buffet down there where you can also buy chimney cake. We waited until the rain eased a bit and went back to the car.

We hoped there would be bears in the Bálványos area, but we didn’t see any even in the distance. They must have taken a day off because of Sunday. :/

Târgu Secuiesc

In this small town, inhabited mostly by Hungarians, we felt almost at home. The downtown area is around a large, flowery square, don’t expect much else. However, it’s a really charming small town with beautiful buildings.

Sfântu Gheorghe

We missed exploring this, so it was the program for the afternoon. We visited the Székely National Museum, which was recently renovated. It’s set up on three floors, with a couple of interactive games, and a large Székely gate in the courtyard. However, you can go through it quite quickly, there could be more to see.

Since we used to be active in football, we went out to see the new stadium of Sepsi OSK as well. The restaurant we looked at for dinner was a few hundred meters away, so we ended the day with these two. By the way, I can highly recommend the Hunyadi Restaurant here!

Day 4: Miercurea Ciuc, Odorheiu Secuiesc, Transylvanian Model Park, Corund

We spent the next three nights in Praid, so there was plenty to see on the way.

Miercurea Ciuc

It’s an important hub, four major roads converge here. We took a tour of the downtown area, here too we heard Hungarian speech almost everywhere. The most famous building in the city is the Mikó Castle, which houses the Csíki Székely Museum.

Odorheiu Secuiesc

Our next stop was the center of Székely Land. The downtown is located around a large square, and a few streets away is the Székely Támadt Castle. We couldn’t take a good picture of the latter because fortunately, renovation work was in progress. However, we can see many beautiful Székely gates in the streets. It was a joy to see that almost every building had been renovated, so it’s very nice to walk in the Székely center.

But the erratic weather showed itself here too. We sat down for lunch and in a few minutes, the sunshine turned into heavy rain. After 10-15 minutes, it was bright sunshine again. So it’s worth preparing for such changes.

Transylvanian Model Park

A few km after Odorheiu Secuiesc towards Lupeni is the Mini Transilvania Park. We can see miniature models of many Transylvanian buildings and parts of settlements. You can easily spend an hour here with a slow walk. There’s also a playground for younger ones.

Corund

The village is actually a big fair. There are many vendors along the road, we can buy beautiful painted ceramic objects. If you want to bring home gifts, this is a great place for shopping.

Day 5: Praid Salt Mine, Sovata

Our accommodation was a few minutes from the entrance of the salt mine, so after breakfast, we walked there.

Salt Mine

Tickets can be bought at the information building in the center, you can’t miss it. After buying the ticket, we have to get on the bus, which leaves when it’s full.

In the salt mine, after getting off, you have to validate your ticket at a turnstile and after a few minutes of stairs, we arrive at the mine. Well, the complex is not small. There’s a café, gift shops, and even an adventure park down there. We spent nearly two hours down there, of course with good deep breaths. 🙂 We have to go up another staircase, there’s a restaurant on the way with delicious food.

Sovata

In the afternoon, we popped over to Sovata, but we didn’t plan to swim. The weather was just right for walking, the water – as we heard from the screams of the bathers – must have been quite cold.

We walked around the lake and the sights around it. There are a few smaller lakes and a salt mountain too. The salt layer formed on a rock section, which can be seen in a beautiful shape.

We also walked up to the Turnul Belvedere lookout, which starts from the promenade around the lake. There’s a great panorama from here, it’s worth the approximately 15-minute uphill hike.

Day 6: Lacul Roșu (Red Lake), Bicaz Gorge, Gheorgheni

The last full day was left for the wild lake and gorge, which can be considered the eastern edge of Transylvania.

Lacul Roșu (Red Lake)

It really lies in a beautiful environment, with a large rocky mountain behind the lake. You can walk around it, although at the lookout point you have to cross either in the stream or on a fallen tree for a few meters. But this makes the already exciting hike even more interesting.

There are several restaurants and gift shops, you can buy souvenirs here too. There’s a paid parking lot (15 lei), where parking attendants direct the drivers, but many people also parked along the road.

Bicaz Gorge

A few minutes east from here and we reach the gorge. It’s truly a monumental gorge, you can move between huge rock walls. Of course, we also parked and walked along the road and the powerful stream. You shouldn’t miss this experience either!

Gheorgheni

We drove back to Praid, but stopped for half an hour in the town. Here you can see that it’s further from a big city, most of the buildings and roads are in very poor condition. But you must rest on the bear bench and take a photo. 🙂

Day 7: Târgu Mureș, Hunedoara Castle

Originally this day would have been about the journey home, but we decided to spend the night in Szeged, so we could easily fit in two more sights.

Târgu Mureș

We chose this direction for our way home, so it was obvious to stop and explore the downtown. The castle and the Rose Square (and its surroundings) are indeed very beautiful.

You can enter the castle for free, it’s worth taking a walk. Around the square, the Palace of Culture and the building of the Mureș County Council stand out.

Hunedoara Castle

From here, a longer highway journey led to Deva, from where Hunedoara is about a quarter of an hour away. You shouldn’t miss the castle here! Tickets can be bought in the booth next to the entrance bridge.

The exterior is already impressive, and the interior has been renovated, so it’s become a wonderful complex. We can visit many rooms and can also climb up the towers. There’s a lot of stairs to climb, but believe me, it’s worth it!

From here we went non-stop to Szeged, with an eventful week behind us.

Summary

I think we made the most of what we could from this tour. Of course, there were many places we didn’t visit (e.g., Ghimeș), that would have required more days. Next year we plan to visit the northern and western parts (Rimetea, Cluj-Napoca, Maramureș), which would make our exploration of Transylvania almost complete.

Financially, Transylvania is cheaper than here at home. We ate fantastic food every day, everywhere we paid at least 20% less than at home. The situation is similar in the shops, but it’s not surprising, we’ve already caught up quite a bit with the West in terms of price levels…

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Romania’s second-largest city is located in the northwestern part of the country, in the valley of the Little Someș River.

It is the birthplace of notable figures such as King Matthias Corvinus and Prince István Bocskai. It served twice as the official capital of the Principality of Transylvania.

Cluj-Napoca attractions

St. Michael’s Church

This Catholic church in the main square is a symbol of Cluj-Napoca.

Built in the 14th-15th century in Gothic style, it is Transylvania’s earliest hall church and the second-largest church in terms of floor area. It has been used by Reformed, Lutheran, and Unitarian communities. Its 76-meter-high (80 meters including the cross) neo-Gothic tower, built in 1858, is the tallest church tower in historic Transylvania.

Its art reflects the influence of the North Hungarian style, but many details showcase local Transylvanian characteristics.

Matthias Statue

The monument of King Matthias Corvinus was designed by the famous sculptor János Fadrusz and won a gold medal at the 1900 Paris World Exhibition.

At the apex of the triangular group of statues stands the laurel-wreathed head of the king, with the side lines formed by the raised flags of the side figures. The four subsidiary statues depict Pál Kinizsi, István Szapolyai, István Báthory, and Balázs Magyar.

Together with the St. Michael’s Church behind it, it forms an iconic image of Cluj-Napoca and Transylvania. The monumental size of the statue is most appreciated from the front.

Birthplace of King Matthias Corvinus

The oldest multi-story house in Cluj-Napoca, located in the city center. It is currently owned by the University of Arts and Design.

Matthias Corvinus, one of our most famous kings, was born here on February 23, 1443 (according to the inscription on the memorial plaque, March 27).

Tailors’ Bastion

Of the 24 bastions of the old Cluj-Napoca fortress, sadly, only this one remains.

It stood on the southeastern side of the castle, and its defense was provided by the tailors and cloth-shearers’ guilds, hence the name. The building suffered severe damage on several occasions but was renovated twice in the 20th century.

Currently, it houses a city cultural center with a seventy-seat venue, an exhibition hall, a library, and a café.

Bánffy Palace

This Baroque building in the main square was constructed at the end of the 18th century by György Bánffy, the governor of Transylvania. It currently houses the Museum of Fine Arts.

Its most beautiful part is the Bánffy suite: original lunette window inserts, door frames with supraportas, and door and window panels can be seen.

Citadel

The former fortress rises on a hill along the banks of the Little Someș. It was built as an imperial military fortress in the early 18th century, of which today only the armory, the gunpowder store, three gate buildings, and the ramparts can be seen. The Belvedere hotel was built on its top.

A 26-meter-high metal cross is erected on the hilltop, on the side facing the city.

Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral

The Orthodox church stands in the middle of Bocskai Square and was inaugurated in 1933.

The cathedral is made of reinforced concrete, which is built with bricks, and then the exterior is decorated with Kisbács stones. The church, designed for two thousand people, is 64 meters tall, of which 40 meters is the dome. The dome has a diameter of 12 meters. The dome was modeled after the Hagia Sophia.

„Cock Church”

Its official name is the Upper Town Reformed Church, which was built in Art Nouveau style in 1914.

It’s a beautiful church externally, but its interior is truly magnificent: its ceiling is painted with cassette and Kalotaszeg motifs.

Its common name comes from the rooster on top of the tower on the southern side.

Transylvanian Ethnographic Museum

The museum is located in the Redut Palace, which was previously an important venue for political and cultural events.

The museum was moved here in 1958. Its permanent exhibition, „Traditional Culture of Transylvania in the 18th-20th Century” presents old peasant life through local artifacts. These include handicraft items, folk instruments, and local folk costumes. Among these, we can see costumes from the regions of Făgăraș and Sibiu, Székely Land, Avas and Maramureș, the Saxon area of Bistrița, Kalotaszeg, and Beiuș.

All information here!

Promenade

The park along the Little Someș River is one of the locals’ favorite meeting places. The entire area was renovated in 2012, creating a very pleasant environment for those who want to relax.

The park has two beautiful buildings. One is the skating pavilion and kiosk designed by Lajos Pákey, and the other is the casino. Both are located along a beautiful lake.

Botanical Garden

The garden, near the city center, is named after its first Romanian director, Alexandru Borza.

The original botanical garden was in another location, in Mikó Garden. It was moved to its current location in the 1920s.

The garden, covering 14 hectares, contains tens of thousands of plants from all over the world. Its sections include ornamental, geobotanical, systematic, economic, and medical. The Botanical Institute and the Botanical Museum are also located in the botanical garden, as well as the university’s Botanical Collection.

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Once a major center of the Transylvanian Saxons, it is the capital of Brasov County. Located in the southeast part of Transylvania, in the Carpathian bend.

Brasov was surrounded by a protective wall, parts of which still remain intact today. These define the city’s image. The city wall originally had thirty-two towers and bastions, most of which still stand today.

Brasov attractions

Black Church

Romania’s largest church, it is also a significant creation of Eastern European Gothic architecture. Located in Honterus Courtyard, southwest of the Main Square.

Built between 1383 and 1477 on the site of the Saint Catherine Church, destroyed during the Tatar invasion, it became the parish church of Brasov. It acquired its current form in the 18th century.

The three-nave Gothic hall church is 89 meters long, 38 meters wide, the nave is 42 meters high, and the tower is 65 meters high. The name ‘Black’ refers to its color, which turned black due to environmental effects.

The church houses Europe’s largest collection of Anatolian carpets outside Turkey. The 119 carpets, made between the 16th and 18th centuries, were purchased and donated by Transylvanian Saxon traders traveling to Turkey. Today, they adorn the interior of the church.

A statue of the great reformer, Johannes Honterus, stands beside the church. His tomb is located inside the church.

Council House

Another well-known attraction in the city, located in the Main Square. It is the oldest town hall in historical Hungary that is still intact.

Built in the 15th century on the site of a watchtower, it gained its current form during the reconstruction between 1776-1778. Since 1949, the Brasov State Museum has been operating in the building, which showcases the history of the city and the Barcaság region.

The height of its tower is 49 meters, and its bell still rings every hour. From its balcony, three trumpeters play Romanian, Hungarian, and Saxon tunes at 12 and 18 o’clock on weekends.

Catherine’s Gate

It was one of Brasov’s and for a long time the only southwestern city gate. For nearly three centuries, it was the only passage through the double city wall separating the city fortress from Bolgárszeg.

The tower is the only remnant of Brasov’s original city gates. Between 1971 and 1973, it was beautifully restored under the direction of Günter Schuller, and a park was created in front of it. According to the architect, it is the only Renaissance gate tower in Transylvania.

Șchei Gate

Also known as the Orphanage Street Gate, it is an open gate that remains from the old fortifications.

Neoclassical in style, its form resembles a triumphal arch, resting on four strong pillars. It consists of three arches: two smaller ones for pedestrians and a large one for vehicles.

Citadel

Located north of the historical center, atop a wooded area, the fort was built to prevent the shelling of the Brasov city fortress from the surrounding heights.

The complex’s floor area is approximately 80 x 100 meters, its layout is a slightly irregular quadrangle, with four bastions pointing towards the four cardinal directions. Its central core, and oldest part, is a horseshoe-shaped tower.

Due to legal disputes, it is uncertain when it will be open for visiting, but there is a beautiful view of Brasov from the front of the fort.

Black Tower

It owes its name to a lightning strike in 1559, after which it remained black in color for several hundred years due to soot.

Currently, it can be approached by a footpath from Várkert Promenade or the White Tower, and its balcony offers an excellent view of the historical center.

Graft Bastion

Considered the most beautiful part of the medieval fortification system.

It served a dual purpose: one, to oversee the road along the northwestern city wall, and the other, to establish a connection between the castle and the White Tower. Today, a museum exhibition can be viewed inside.

White Tower

Located above the Graft Bastion, this former watchtower got its name from the color of its walls.

The tower is visible from almost every point in the downtown area, and from its balcony, the entire city fortress, Bolonya, Bolgárszeg, Cenk, and even parts of the new city districts can be seen.

Weavers’ Bastion

The southern corner bastion of the Brasov city fortification.

Built by the weavers’ guild at the beginning of the 15th century, it acquired its current form in the 16th century. It is one of the best-preserved bastions of the city fortress, still maintaining its 16th-century form. Concerts are also held in the courtyard of the bastion due to its excellent acoustics.

Its irregular, 36-40 meter side length hexagonal shape encloses a courtyard of 1616 m². Its height is 12-17 meters, built from stone and brick.

The building in the courtyard houses the permanent exhibition of the Brasov County Historical Museum.

City wall bastions

As part of the long city wall on Aleea Tiberiu Brediceanu, additional bastions can be admired.

Heading northeast from the Weavers’ Bastion, the following named bastions stand: Potters’ Tower, Rope Makers’ Bastion, Hunters’ Tower, Carpenters’ Tower, Cloth Makers’ Tower.

Saint Nicholas Church

This distinctive church is located in the Bolgárszeg area of Brasov.

Its current exterior is defined by 18th-century Baroque transformations. Thus, its overall image is determined by the multitude of towers and high, pointed tower helmets.

„The First Romanian School” Museum

The building in the courtyard of the Saint Nicholas Church was the first Romanian educational institution in the territory of today’s Romania, where teaching was conducted in Romanian.

Founded no later than the end of the 15th century, the building acquired its present form in 1761. It is currently a museum, exhibiting old Romanian books and text relics.

Folk Art Museum

Brasov’s and the surrounding area’s most significant museum is located in the former headquarters of the Saxon Industrial Association.

The museum presents the 17th-20th century life of four ethnographic regions of Brasov county (Barcaság, Fogaras Basin, Kőhalom region, Törcsvár region). Its aim is to research and preserve the traditions and values of southeastern Transylvania.

Permanent exhibitions showcasing traditional textiles and Romanian rural traditions, as well as temporary exhibitions, are on display here. In the textile industry room, various raw materials, work processes, methods of fabric decoration, the structure of the loom, folk weavings, Barcaság costumes, the history of the Wilhelm Scherg woolen mill, the Daniel Jasch tailor’s workshop in Alcina are displayed. The room showcasing Romanian traditions displays folk costumes, decorated eggs, instruments, and video recordings.

All information can be found here!

Tâmpa

This 960-meter-high mountain massif rises in the southern part of Brasov’s downtown. Be sure to go up to the top for a great panorama.

If you’re up for a hike, you can go up the red triangle trail. A serpentine hiking trail with 25 bends leads near the summit.

You can also go up by cable car from the foot of the mountain: it takes 2 minutes and 20 seconds to complete the journey. Information on the schedule and ticket prices can be found here!

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Transylvania is located in Central Europe, in the eastern part of the Carpathian Basin, within the territory of present-day Romania. Today, it can be considered distinct only because of its historical traditions, unique culture, and regional identity.

Transylvania is one of Romania’s most visited regions by tourists, thanks to its numerous medieval buildings, churches, monuments, and natural beauties.

During a week-long tour of Transylvania, I visited most places. You can read a photo travelogue here!

Attractions in Transylvania

Cluj-Napoca

The historical center of Transylvania and its most significant city. It is Romania’s 2nd largest settlement, one of the seven fortified cities from which Transylvania gets its German name (Siebenbürgen).

A prominent city in Hungarian history, where King Matthias Corvinus and István Bocskai were born. The statue of King Matthias in the main square is one of the most beautiful Hungarian equestrian statues.

Another iconic attraction in the main square is St. Michael’s Church. With its 76-meter tower, it is Transylvania’s second-largest church in terms of area, a magnificent building.

Cluj-Napoca attractions

Brașov

The center of southeastern Transylvania was the most important city for the Saxons.

Its most famous landmark is the Black Church. Romania’s largest church, it is also the most significant eastern piece of European Gothic architecture. It was also the largest church in former Hungary.

In the southwestern part of the city, remnants of old fortifications can be seen. The most beautiful of these is the Weavers’ Bastion, which has remained almost in its original form.

It’s also worth stopping in front of the St. Paraskeva Church. The Orthodox church, with its silver towers and dome, is a very beautiful building in Brașov.

Brasov attractions

Sfântu Gheorghe

Contrary to its name, which means „Four Villages”, it is quite a large city southeast of Brașov. It became the center of the Barcaság Székelys through the merging of four villages (Bácsfalu, Türkös, Csernátfalu, Hosszúfalu).

Its uniqueness lies in the city’s terrain, which includes plains, hills, and mountains.

They have rich folk art traditions. Their woven textiles and patterned Easter eggs, of which they preserve about 150 patterns, are famous.

Sibiu

The city on the banks of the Sibiu River was once the cultural and commercial center of the Transylvanian Saxons. The small town has numerous attractions, a defining settlement in the southern part of Transylvania.

Founded in the 12th century, the city was the site of many historical battles. For 16 years in the 19th century, it was also the capital of Transylvania!

Don’t just look at the Orthodox cathedral in the city center from the outside! The interior of the church, built in imitation of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, is incredibly beautiful!

Another famous attraction in the downtown is the Brukenthal Museum and Art Gallery. This was once the castle of Baron Samuel von Brukenthal, the governor of Transylvania. Its collection is among the richest in all of Romania. The palace itself is a very beautiful Baroque building.

The Evangelical Cathedral was built in the 15th century in Gothic style. Its tower also operates as a lookout, offering a wonderful view of the city.

The city also has a zoo. While it doesn’t have many animals, it can be a pleasant program for children at an affordable entrance fee.

Although Transylvania is not famous for viticulture, the Sibiu wine region’s Sibiu-igabor wine is quite well-known.

Sibiu attractions, museums

Corvin Castle

Transylvania’s most beautiful castle, which Kálmán Mikszáth called the king of castles.

The castle, built in the 15th century, was owned by the Hunyadi family. John Hunyadi and his wife, Elizabeth Szilágyi, lived here, and it was during their time that it was transformed into a knight’s castle.

The castle suffered from two fires in the 19th century. Thanks to the reconstruction in the 1870s, Gothic elements can be found in the otherwise Renaissance castle.

An important site in Hungarian history, indicated by the fact that a replica of the castle was also built in Budapest’s City Park.

Deva Castle

The former fortress stands on a hill above the city of Deva, on a 250-meter-high rock along the Lower Mureș River.

Due to its location, the view is very beautiful, making it well worth the climb alone.

The castle might be known to everyone. A Hungarian folk ballad, „Kelemen the Stonemason”, which is taught in elementary school, is about the Deva castle.

Its military significance was minimal. During the 1848-49 revolution, the Hungarian army fought successfully here, and the surrender of arms by General Bem took place here.

The castle has been renovated a few years ago, thus once again becoming one of Transylvania’s most beautiful sights. You can go up to the castle by cable car, but there is also a staircase leading up for those who prefer a more strenuous climb.

Alba Iulia

Transylvania’s ancient historical capital, the seat of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Transylvania. It was also called Karlsburg after King Charles III of Hungary.

The city’s historical center has been on the World Heritage tentative list since 1991.

The medieval old town is surrounded by walls built between 1714-1735. Here you can find the cathedral, the old episcopal palace, which became a princely palace in the 16th century, the current episcopal palace, the Apor Palace, the Batthyaneum, and the Orthodox cathedral built in 1922.

Its most famous sight is the 13th-century cathedral, which was the burial place of the princes of Transylvania.

The cathedral houses the tombs of the Hunyadis, as well as the richly decorated stone sarcophagi of Queen Isabella and Prince John Sigismund. A whole row of Transylvanian princes and bishops rest in its crypt.

Timișoara

This large city in the southwestern part of Transylvania is also called Little Vienna because of its architectural richness.

The Lloyd Row promenade is a perfect example of this. Numerous magnificent buildings can be seen here, with the Orthodox cathedral at the end. The eponymous Lloyd Palace is a three-story eclectic Art Nouveau building.

Union Square is the city’s main square, dominated by the cathedral and the Baroque palace of the Timișoara Art Museum.

Timișoara attractions

Lake Bicaz (Red Lake)

The most famous lake in Transylvania was created by a rockfall in 1837, which blocked several streams.

A true natural rarity, it offers an unmatched view with the stumps of tree trunks sticking out from the rusty red water surface and the massive rock formation of Little Ceahlău behind the lake.

Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)

Transylvania’s most famous castle is located 30 km southwest of Brașov, next to the village of Bran, before the Bran Pass. The castle now functions as a museum.

It is called Dracula’s Castle, but it has nothing to do with vampires. A Wallachian voivode, Vlad Tepes, named his son after the Order of the Dragon, Vlad Draculea. Tepes allegedly spent a few nights here. This is where the castle’s world-famous name comes from.

The castle was built by King Louis I for the protection of the trade route. Its location made it difficult to capture over the years, as the castle stands on a 100-meter-high mountain.

It’s located in a very beautiful environment, but be prepared for crowds in the summer, thanks to the „Dracula cult”.

Praid Salt Mine

The town of Praid is the center of the Salt region, one of the most important salt mining locations in the Carpathian Basin.

The huge quantity of salt in the area suggests that mining can continue for several hundred years.

Visitors are transported by bus into the huge chamber 120 meters underground, where there’s an adventure park, playhouse, ping-pong tables, and a chapel built of salt.

It’s proven to have beneficial effects on the body, especially the respiratory system benefits from the high salt content in the air.

Gheorgheni

Located between Praid and Lake Bicaz is the center of the former Gheorgheni District, also called the „Arcadia of Szeklerland”.

The heart of Gheorgheni, the former Market Square now called Liberty Square, is one of the most beautifully landscaped small town squares in Transylvania.

It’s also famous for several traditional folk crafts: wood carving, wool spinning, pottery, straw plaiting, beekeeping, pottery, and egg painting should be mentioned.

Rimetea

The settlement is the westernmost Szekler frontier fortress and perhaps the most beautiful village in Transylvania.

Rimetea is dominated from above by the iconic rock formation of Székelykő. As they say here, the sun seemingly rises and sets twice, as from the village, it dips behind the rocks of Székelykő, only to reappear shortly after.

A more strenuous hike can take you up to Székelykő, where on a clear day, a fantastic view unfolds.

In Rimetea stands the oldest wooden house in historical Hungary, with the year 1668 carved above a window on a timber beam.

The Ethnographic Museum on the main square exhibits the old lifestyle and traditions: hand-painted furniture, beautiful old folk costumes, other creations of Rimetea folk art, objects used in iron production, and old photographs.

Turda Salt Mine

The salt mine is located on the outskirts of the town of Turda, fitting into a smaller amusement park. Next to Praid, this is the other famous salt mine open to visitors.

The mine has two entrances: one entrance is via a steep staircase, and the other entrance is through a long corridor, then by elevator. The long corridor is much more spectacular and worth taking.

Inside the mine, there is a lake where you can go boating, as well as a Ferris wheel, amphitheater, mini-golf. The average temperature is around 10-15 degrees Celsius.

Lake Saint Anne

Near Băile Tușnad, this crater lake is one of Transylvania’s most beautiful natural attractions.

The elliptical lake was once the crater of a volcano. Its beauty comes from being surrounded on all sides by forest-covered high mountain peaks.

Bears are frequent visitors to the area around the lake, so be cautious and attentive while hiking around the lake!

Miercurea Ciuc

Its fame comes from the annual Pentecost pilgrimage at the nearby Șumuleu Ciuc and the Ciuc Beer.

It’s one of the most significant settlements of the Szekler group, as evidenced by the Mikó Castle. The late Renaissance fortress with a regular floor plan and old-Italian bastions is the most beautiful sight in Miercurea Ciuc.

The Mikó Castle hosts the Szekler Museum of Ciuc, which presents the castle’s history and the life of the people of Ciuc in a permanent exhibition. Its collection consists of archaeological and ethnographic objects, archival materials, and many artifacts.

The famous Ciuc Brewery is located in the nearby village of Sânsimion. A guided tour introduces the beer-making process, and of course, at the end, you can taste the beer.

Rupea Fortress

The fortress has a very nice view of the town and the surrounding hills.

The castle has been standing since the 14th century and served as a significant defense function for a long time. Its walls, reinforced with towers, were presumably built in the 15th-16th centuries. Over time, it lost its significance and started to deteriorate. Fortunately, it was beautifully restored in the 2010s, allowing us to admire it almost in its former glory.

Mediaș

The small town between Sighișoara and Sibiu is one of Transylvania’s oldest cities and an important industrial center.

Its main attraction is the Lutheran church, which is a significant work of Transylvanian Gothic architecture. Its leaning tower is the symbol of the city. The church is surrounded by a fortified wall with five towers.

The city wall, which is 1485 meters long, has also been preserved. Among its several towers, the most interesting are the southern Forkesch gate tower and the northern Steingässer tower.

Sighișoara

The city’s historical center has been part of the World Heritage since 1999, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Transylvania.

The city has always been characterized by its famous craftsmanship: stone carving, ceramics, glass industry, bronze and tin smiths.

Its main attraction is the Clock Tower. Its famous musical clock had silver statues of 12 apostles walking around, which were stolen in 1601 and replaced in 1648.

Out of its former 14 towers, 9 are still standing today, connected by a 930-meter-long fortress wall. Each tower bears the name of the guild responsible for its defense.

You can also reach the Citadel Hill via the Scholar’s Stairs. Built in the 17th century, these nearly 170 steps were made so that students could reach the school above even in rainy weather. Definitely undertake the climb, as you will find a church and a mountain cemetery at the top.

Lupeni and the Heart of Jesus Lookout

Lupeni and the Heart of Jesus lookout on the nearby Gordon Hill are located between Sighișoara and Miercurea Ciuc.

Lupeni is famous for one person: it is the birthplace of Áron Tamási, the Kossuth Prize-winning Szekler Hungarian writer, author of the Ábel trilogy.

His birth house is now a memorial museum. His grave stands between two juniper trees behind the church, marked by a quartzite relief.

The Heart of Jesus lookout on the hill above the village is worth the climb not only for the view but also for the lookout itself. It features Europe’s largest metal representation of Christ.

Făgăraș Castle

The settlement located between Brașov and Sibiu, on the banks of the Olt River, is famous for its castle.

Surrounded by a moat, the castle has experienced numerous historical changes since its construction in the 14th century. The castle was besieged several times but was never taken by armed force. It was owned by many famous individuals, including John Hunyadi, Gabriel Bethlen, Stephen Báthory, and John Zápolya.

The Valer Literat Museum of Făgăraș Land operates within the castle. The museum consists of historical, ethnographic, and sculptural sections.

Gherla

The settlement on the banks of the Little Someș River, 45 km from Cluj-Napoca, is the center of the Transylvanian Armenians.

Its symbol is the Armenian Catholic Cathedral in the main square, built in a distinctive Austrian-Baroque style. Another famous building is the Martinuzzi Castle.

The town is perhaps the only one in Central Europe with a Baroque structure and architectural spirit: parallel streets, diagonal side streets, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the central market. Along these streets, one can find characteristic, richly carved window lintels, high-roofed Baroque houses, and more modestly decorated, charming Classical buildings.

Sovata, Bear Lake

The town of Sovata became a popular resort due to the therapeutic waters sourced from its vast salt deposits.

The largest of these lakes is Bear Lake, named after its shape resembling a spread bear skin. It is the world’s largest heliothermal lake.

Due to its high salt content, bathers float more easily on the water’s surface. It is recommended for the treatment of inflammatory and rheumatic diseases.

Corund

The village between Praid and Székelyudvarhely is one of Transylvania’s centers of folk pottery.

The existence of pottery is based on the gray shale (clay) found on the left bank of the Szakadát Stream at the village’s western boundary.

Passing through the village, one can see sales stands everywhere, offering beautiful pottery creations for purchase.

The village is famous for its borvíz (fermented mineral water) springs. Borvíz is a carbonated mineral water with a slightly sour taste but is a very healthy beverage. You can also taste it at the eastern end of the village along the main road.

Mini Transylvania Park

Just a few kilometers north of Székelyudvarhely, Transylvania’s only thematic venue of this kind was created.

Visitors can see models of more than ninety Transylvanian historical buildings and medieval castles. In the adventure park, children can ride the Mini Szekler steam train, which travels among the models, making the visit enjoyable for the little ones as well.

Wooden Churches of Maramureș

The northern part of Transylvania cannot be left out of the list!

Nearly a hundred Orthodox and occasionally Greek Catholic churches can be found in Northern Transylvania, in the Maramureș region. These churches were built using various architectural solutions but are wooden structures, typically with high, slender bell towers. The churches were built from the 17th century to the 19th century.

In 1999, eight wooden churches in Maramureș County became part of the World Heritage. These include: Bârsana, Church of the Presentation of the Virgin to the Temple; Budești, Church of Saint Nicholas; Desești, Church of Saint Parascheva; Ieud, Church of the Nativity of the Virgin; Poienile Izei, Church of Saint Michael and Gabriel; Șișești, Church of Saint Parascheva; Rogoz, Church of Saint Michael and Gabriel; Surdești, Church of the Holy Archangels.

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It once served as the cultural and commercial center for the Transylvanian Saxons. Nowadays, it is the capital of Sibiu County and was also the center of the Principality of Transylvania between 1692-1791 and 1849-65.

It is known for its culture, history, gastronomy, and varied architecture, which includes the large iconic-eyed houses that gave Sibiu its nickname. It is famous for its Christmas market as well.

An important transportation hub, the A1 motorway, connecting Bucharest and the southern-southwestern part of Transylvania, passes through here.

Sibiu attractions

Main Square

Since the Middle Ages, the square has been the center of urban life, boasting numerous significant historical buildings.

Its features include colorful, Baroque, and Renaissance-style buildings among which the Holy Trinity Church and the Brukenthal Palace are the most important.

Holy Trinity Church

A prominent building on the north side of the Main Square.

Designed in a simple Baroque style in the 18th century, it underwent several modifications and renovations over the years, during which it was expanded and decorated.

Its interior is richly decorated, showcasing Baroque style elements along with Neoclassical ones.

Sibiu Lutheran Cathedral

Just a corner away from the Main Square stands the city’s most beautiful church.

Initially constructed in the 12th century, it gained its present form during the Gothic era. The church is a massive, three-aisled basilica with a high, ornate, slender tower.Its interior is impressive: huge pillars support the vault, and it has stained glass windows.

On the side of the church stands the statue of Georg Daniel Teutsch. He was a significant scholarly bishop of the Transylvanian Saxon community in the 19th century. The 3.5-meter-tall bronze statue on a granite base features the portraits of four important local figures.

The tower also serves as a lookout, offering a great panorama of the city.

Council Tower

In the Middle Ages, the tower served as the city council’s headquarters, hence its name.

Built in the 13th century as part of the city’s defensive system, it has served various functions throughout history, including as a prison and a guard tower. The tower is primarily made of brick, with a distinctive, prominent clock on its top. Its interior consists of several floors, accessible via stairs.

The top offers a stunning view of the city.

Liars’ Bridge

Built in 1859, it was Romania’s first wrought iron bridge. Though quite short, its ornate railings with flowers make it one of the city’s landmarks.

The bridge got its name from local legends and anecdotes, suggesting it was a meeting place for lovers who often made less than truthful statements to each other. According to stories behind its naming, the bridge „punishes” liars, as it supposedly trembled when someone told a lie on it.

City wall

Located in the southern part of the downtown area is the approximately 600 meters long wall.

Built in the 12th century, it was continuously expanded and fortified over the following centuries. The wall system includes several gates and watchtowers that were crucial for the city’s defense. Some of these still stand today.

A notable part is the Thick Tower, named for its thick walls. It was the central part of the city wall, serving as a defensive and observation point.

Friedrich Schiller Statue

He was a defining figure in European literature, and his works had a significant impact on 19th-century literature and thought.

The statue stands near the city wall, at the base of a house. In this way, the city with German roots commemorates the famous poet.

Sibiu Orthodox Cathedral

The church, not far from the Main Square, was built due to the increasing number of Orthodox believers.

Its exterior showcases distinctive Byzantine style features, including ornate domes and golden crosses. The interior is adorned with impressive frescoes and icons, evoking Eastern Christianity.

Museums in Sibiu

Brukenthal Palace and Museum

A defining building on the Main Square, its collection is one of the largest in Romania.

Samuel von Brukenthal had the palace built between 1778-1788, after being elected Governor of Transylvania. Its main façade is decorated with urns, rosettes, garlands, and the oak doors are adorned with symbols of the arts and abundance, with Brukenthal’s gilded coat of arms above the gate.

The museum opened in 1817 and today has several departments. Its art gallery hosts works by famous artists such as Titian, Jan van Eyck, Pieter Bruegel. Its library contains a collection of more than 300,000 items: incunabula, manuscripts, journals, books. The foundation of the collection was the baron’s library of 15,972 volumes.

The palace also features Anatolian rugs, a sculpture exhibition, and a collection of engravings.

ASTRA Museum

Sibiu’s open-air museum, showcasing the diversity and richness of Romanian folk culture.

Founded in 1963, the museum’s goal is to present and preserve the richness and diversity of Romanian rural life and traditional craftsmanship. Spanning over 96 hectares, it includes more than 300 traditional buildings from various regions of Romania.

Thousands of objects here represent different aspects of Romanian folk culture and craftsmanship. The exhibited items include traditional clothing, furniture, household utensils, agricultural tools, and folk art creations.

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Sibiu History Museum

The museum aims to present the history, culture, and artistic traditions of Sibiu and its surroundings from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

The exhibitions include archaeological finds, historical documents, artistic creations, as well as ethnographic and ethnological objects. Highlights of the museum include medieval and Renaissance items, as well as special collections related to local history.

The museum is located in a historical building, the Altemberger House. Built in the 15th century, it was named after its former owner, Johann Altemberger, a city judge. Despite renovations, it has retained its original late Gothic style.

Pharmacy Museum

The museum is situated in a historical building that was once a functioning pharmacy.

The museum’s purpose is to preserve and present the history of pharmacies, the development of pharmaceutical practices, and the history of medicines and pharmaceutical tools. Particularly noteworthy are the old prescription books, laboratory equipment, and the medicines of the time.

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