Transylvania is home to some of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, most notably Brasov, featuring Old Saxon architecture, Sibiu, with its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses, and Sighisoara, adorned with a hilltop citadel, secret passageways and a 14th century clock tower. Tiny shops that offer antiques and handicrafts made by local artisans line the narrow streets of the historic sections of most towns in Transylvania
Visitors to Transylvania will also encounter stunning castles such as Bran and Corvin.
Bran castle, near Brasov, is a Gothic fairy-tale structure, often associated with 15th century Walachian Prince Vlad Tepes, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula. While the connection with Vlad is tenuous, the deep bond of local villagers with the legend is not.
The 15th-century Corvin Castle, with its towers and buttresses reminiscent of the medieval times, is considered by many the most beautiful in Transylvania. Its sumptuous Knights Hall – that can be used for functions or parties.
In close proximity to Brasov are several Saxon fortified churches. The largest and most spectacular are Harman, protected by massive walls and, still strong, 13th defending towers, and Prejmer, the largest fortified church in Southeastern Europe.
Transylvania is the birthplace of the Unitarian Church that merged with the Universalist Church in America, in 1961, to form the present Unitarian Universalist Association.
Transylvania’s multi-ethnic heritage, including Romanian, German, Hungarian and Szekely, is delightfully apparent in the folk costumes, architecture, cuisine, music and traditions.
Colorful centuries-old traditions are alive and well in the small villages of Transylvania.
People in rural areas still make a living at such time-honored occupations as shepherds, weavers, blacksmiths and carpenters.
The Apuseni Mountains range, in the western Carpathians, are home to landscapes of exquisite beauty and rare species of wildlife. More than 4,000 caves and the second largest underground glacier in Europe: Scarisoara Glacier await to be explored.
Transylvania is Romania’s best-known region and home to numerous historic sites and natural areas that delight visitors from all over the world.