TRANSILVANIA is by far the most romantic and inspiring of Romania’s provinces. Its very name brings to mind visions of mountain peaks rising up to the sky above wooded valleys and sparkling streams, visions of high-roofed wooden churches, legendary castles and a troubled history. But there is much more to it: ski resorts and health spas, hiking trails and the Retezat National Park, fascinating medieval towns, art museums and good hotels.

TRANSILVANIA lies in the central part of the country, surrounded by the Carpathians which cross Romania. One of the main cities, Cluj-Napoca (population 300.000 in 2006), stands on the plateau, while Brasov (280.000) and Sibiu (155.000) are at the foothills of the southern Carpathians. Other important cities are Targu Mures (148.000),  Bistrita (82.000), Hunedoara (80.000), Deva (80.000), Alba Iulia (70.000)-(the town of the first union of all Romanian counties – Transylvania, Wallachia and Moldavia – in 1601 under the great king Mihai the Brave), Zalau (62.000), Medias (55.000), Fagaras (40.000), Dej (45.000), Miercurea Ciuc (43.000). Sighisoara (33.000) is the only medieval fortified city still inhabited in Europe, an amezing and unique touristic town.  Most of these cities have been founded by the Saxon colonists who settled in Transylvania between the 11th ans 13th centuries. Testimonies of the 15th-18th centuries are not only the architectural monuments which have been preserved here (cathedrals, churches), but sometimes whole streets and districts.

In TRANSILVANIA new vistas and leisure activities appear wherever you go, as well as you will discover rural traditions that are a real part of everyday life. Shepherds produce large round cheese which you will see for sale by the roadside. The house doors are intricately carved. Colourful traditional costumes are worn on Sundays and for weddings and festivals because they have special meaning.

Another tourist attraction of this region is the BRAN CASTLE, erected in the 14th century, one of the best preserved castles in Romania, to which the names of the Vlad the Impaler, well-known as "Dracula", and of Queen Maria, wife of King Ferdinand I, are linked.

To the west of southern TRANSILVANIA lay the nucleus of Decebal’s Dacian kingdom and his residence, Sarmizegetusa Regia, and nearby Colonia Ulpia Traiana, Augusta Dacica, the capital of the Roman province founded by Emperor Trajan. Here in Hateg land there are remarcable the famous Huniad Castle of the Corvinesti family in Hunedoara town, and the bizarre and elegant Densus Church.

For more photos click HERE!