About Sibiu

Sibiu - General InformationLocation: Central Romania (County: Sibiu)
Size: 46.7 sq. miles (121 sq. kilometers)
Elevation: 1,410 ft. (430 meters)
Population: 154,000
Inhabited since: 300 BC
First documented: 1191 AD

Sibiu on Map

City Highlights

Sibiu (Hermannstadt in German) was the largest and wealthiest of the seven walled citadels* built in the 12th century by German settlers known as Transylvanian Saxons. The riches amassed by its guilds paid for the construction of both impressive buildings and the fortifications required to protect them.

Sibiu’s Old Town retains the grandeur of its earlier days when rich and powerful guilds dominated regional trade. Like Sighisoara and Brasov, it has a distinctly Germanic feeling. Sections of the medieval wall still guard the historic area, where narrow streets pass steep-roofed 17th century buildings with gable overhangs before opening into vast, church-dominated squares such as Great Square and Little Square.

Sibiu is a pedestrian-friendly city with two easily accessible levels: the Upper town, home to most of Sibiu's historic sights, and the Lower town, lined with colorful houses on cobblestone streets and bounded by imposing city walls and defense towers overlooking the river Cibin.

In 1797, Samuel von Hahnemann opened in Sibiu the world's first homeopathic laboratory

Sibiu is home to the first hospital in Romania (1292), the first pharmacy (1494) and the oldest museum in Romania, the Brukenthal Museum, opened in 1817

The first book in the Romanian language was printed in Sibiu in 1544

Traditionally, the Upper town was the wealthier part and commercial outlet, while the Lower town served as the manufacturing area. The historical centre includes the Great Square, Huet Square, the beautiful Passage of Steps connecting the upper town to the lower town, the well-known Bridge of Lies, Goldsmiths’ Square and the Small Square.

* The seven walled citadels populated by the Saxons of Transylvania were known in German as the Siebenburgen.

The other Siebenburgen citadels are located in the towns of:
Bistrita (Bistritz), Brasov (Kronstadt), Cluj (Klausenburg), Medias (Mediasch),Sebes(Mühlbach) , Sighisoara (Schässburg)

City Landmarks

Sibiu’s Towers

(Turnurile Sibiului)

For hundreds of years, this walled town in the heart of Transylvania was one of the most powerful and prosperous strongholds in Europe. Surrounded by imposing walls, Sibiu’s original fortifications included 39 defensive towers, five bulwarks, four gates and five artillery batteries.
Although the entire network is remarkably well-preserved, the best-maintained section is the southeastern side which has been reinforced several times throughout the centuries since attacks most often came from that direction.
Three 15th century towers have withstood the test of time: Harquebusiers’ Tower (Turnul Archebuzierilor), Carpenters’ Tower (Turnul Dulgherilor) andPotters’ Tower (Turnul Olarilor). The 16-th century Great Tower (Turnul Gros)was the site of Sibiu’s first theatrical performance, staged in 1778.

The Upper Town

(Orasul de Sus)
At the centre of the upper town are three beautiful squares. The Great Square is the site of the Roman-Catholic church and the Brukenthal Palace, where you will find one of Romania's most important art collections. The square is linked to theLittle Square by a passage beneath the Council Tower, which is worth visiting for the excellent views over the town. The third square, Huet Square, is dominated by the Evangelical Cathedral.

The Great Square

(Piata Mare)
First mentioned in 1411 as a grain market, the Great Square – the largest square in the city, has been throughout the centuries a quiet witness to the town’s lively merchant activity, assemblies and even public executions. Located in the heart of the old walled city, the square was designated an architectural monument by UNESCO and features some of the most impressive buildings in Sibiu.

Roman-Catholic Church

(Biserica Romano-Catolica)
Address: Piata Mare
The north side of the Great Square is dominated by the Roman-Catholic Church(Biserica Romano-Catolica). This beautiful baroque structure with classical decorations was built between 1726 and 1738. The tower was attached to the nave in 1738 and one year later, a cross was seated on the top. The completely renovated interior is magnificent with gold-laced walls and colorful ceiling frescoes.
Intricate stone carvings cover much of the nave while the side altars and colonnades glisten with pink marble. The fresco behind the altar was painted in 1777 by Anton Steinwald. Inside the church is the stone grave of Otto Ferdinand de Abensberg, commander of Transylvania between 1744-1747. Organ recitals are usually held once a week.

Council Tower

(Turnul Sfatului)
Address: Piata Mare
At the corner with Avram Iancu Street stand the old mayor’s residence and the imposingCouncil Tower (Turnul Sfatului). Built in the 13-th century, this tower was used as entrance gate to the second row of fortified walls built around Sibiu. Throughout the centuries, the Council Tower served as a grain storehouse, a fire watchtower, a temporary prison and even as a museum of botany. The roof, originally built in pyramid form, has undergone various changes, culminating in the addition of four corner turrets in 1826. On the top floor, an observation deck allows a bird’s-eye view of the historic town and the Fagaras Mountains beyond.

Brukenthal Palace

(Palatul Brukental)
Address: Piata Mare

Even though the museum officially opened in 1817, its art galleries welcomed visitors 27 years earlier (1790), three years prior to the opening of the Louvre

Facing west of the square is the stunning Brukenthal Palace (Palatul Brukental), built between 1778-1785 by a Viennese architect in a refined late-baroque style. It is now the home of the Brukenthal Museum (Muzeul Brukenthal), the oldest and one of the finest art museums in the country. The palace was built by Baron Samuel von Brukenthal to serve as his official residence and house his collections of Romanian and Western art, 16th – 18th century religious sculptures and icons, stamps and coins, as well as an impressive library. Over the years, the collections have been enriched through acquisitions and donations. (See museum details)
Completing the picture is the fairy-tale Blue House, an 18-th century baroque house bearing the old coat of arms of Sibiu on its facade.

The Little Square

(Piata Mica)
From the Great Square, walk through one of two tunnels under the arches of the Council Tower to arrive at the Little Square. This second fortified square was home to the town’s most prestigious master craftsmen, who lived in rows of arcaded houses along the north and east sides. Today, small shops, cafes and businesses line the square.

Huet Square

(Piata Huet)
Huet Square is home to a mix of gothic buildings dominated by the Evangelical Cathedral (Biserica Evangelica). This impressive structure, featuring five pointed towers, was built in 1520 on the site of an old Roman basilica. The simple, stark interior is in total contrast to that of the Catholic Church. A gigantic fresco, painted by Johannes of Rosenau in 1445, covers much of the chancel's north wall. The mural shows the Crucifixion and marks a transition in painting from late-gothic style to renaissance style. On the south side, the choir loft boasts a beautiful fan-vaulted ceiling, home to a baroque organ designed by a German master in 1671. Six thousand pipes were installed in 1914, making it the largest organ in Romania.
Here, you can also find the city's only fully German school, the Samuel von Brukenthal Gymnasium, which exemplifies the city's proud German heritage.

The Lower Town

(Orasul de Jos)
The Lower Town comprises the area between the river and the hill, and it developed around the earliest fortifications. The streets are long and quite wide for medieval city standards, with small city squares at places. The architecture is rather rustic: typically two-storey houses with tall roofs and gates opening passages to inner courts.

The Bridge of Lies

(Podul Minciunilor)

Legend has it that the name derived from the merchants' fiery disputes which flared up around it and the passionate but transitory vows of young lovers who often met here.

Several steep streets and stairways lead from the upper
to the lower town. One of them passes beneath the iron Bridge of Lies. Built in 1859 by Fredericus Hutte, this was the first wrought iron bridge in Romania.

The Stairs Passage

(Pasajul Scarilor)

The 13th century Passage of Steps, an architectural masterpiece with twin
staircases and archways, connects the
Upper Town to the Lower Town.
Built in the 13th century, it is one of the
most picturesque places in Sibiu.
At one end of the passage stands the
city’s oldest building which now hosts
the oldest restaurant in Romania,
The Golden Barrel (Butoiul de Aur).

Goldsmiths’ Square

(Piata Aurarilor)
The Goldsmiths’ Square, a peaceful and intimate square, is surrounded by charming old houses with medieval windows, doorways and turrets. For many years, it was the main point of passage between the Little Square and the Lower Town, the two connected by a 15th century stairway.

Haller Bastion

Address: Str. Spitalelor
Located at the north end of Onofreiu Square (Piata Onofreiu), the bastion is named after Sibiu’s 16-th century mayor, Petrus Haller, who had the red-brick tower built in 1551.

Historic Churches

Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral

(Catedrala Ortodoxa Mitropolitana Sf. Treime)
Address: Str. Mitropoliei 35
Constructed between 1902–1906 on the site of a former Greek church, it shares a similar style with Saint Sofia Cathedral in Istanbul, Turkey. The interior is dominated by a massive gold chandelier and features neo-Byzantine decorations. This is the second largest Orthodox cathedral in Romania (the biggest one is located in Iasi).

Ursuline Monastery

(Manastirea Ursulinelor)
Address: Str. General Gh. Magheru 38
Built in 1474, the site was home to a Dominican Monastery until 1543 when the Lutherans took over. Known under the German name of Klosterkirche, it became a Ursuline Monastery in 1755. The Ursulines changed the gothic interior to baroque style. Outside, the building still features many of its former gothic details, including the portal and the piles. Inside, the church has three altars and beautiful paintings representing various saints and protectors of the church.

Biserica din Groapa

Address: Str. Justitiei 5
This Orthodox Church, whose name translates Church on the Gorge,
was built between 1788 - 1789 and renovated between 1802-1803.
The interior of this small church with a tower in three levels was
beautifully painted by Nicolae Brana in 1960.

Jewish Sibiu

Although documents attest the existence of Jews in Sibiu since the 12th century, the Jewish community of Sibiu was never among the biggest in Romania. In 1940 the town had some 1,300 Jews, three synagogues, three rabbis, two cemeteries and two ritual baths managed by the Sephardic and Orthodox communities. Today, the handful of Jews who remain in Sibiu hold weekly and holiday services at the Great Synagogue.

The Great Synagogue

Address: Str. Constitutiei 19
Built by architect Szalay Ferenc in 1899, with funds collected by Sibiu’s small Jewish community, this synagogue boasts a neo-gothic façade. Inside, it has a basilica aspect with three naves mounted by lofts.

Buchares as we know

Cismigiu Gardens in Bucharest

No visit to Bucharest is complete without spending at least an hour walking around Cismigiu Gardens, a park located smack dab in the center of the city.Popular year-round, this park is where Bucharest locals spend their free time on a regular basis meeting with friends, taking a coffee or beer, or even just for a leisurely stroll during pleasant weather. Immaculately maintained, Cismigiu Gardens may appear to be a better fit in a city like Vienna or Paris, but the fact that it is found in the sometimes dirty capital of Bucharest makes it all the more enchanting.

The History of the Park

Developed in the year 1847, Cismigiu Gardens has been a popular point in Bucharest for well over a century and a half. Originally, the space was a fishing pond and was also used as a vineyard that produced local wine.

Cismigiu Gardens

When the decision was made to turn the land over to public ownership and create a central park, a team of urban planners and horticulture experts were brought in to lead the design. Since this initial beginning, the park has always been a source of pride for both Bucharest natives and the administrators that have continued to make sure it is accessible, clean, and enjoyable to present day.

What to Do in Cismigiu

The biggest draw to Cismigiu is its central location and the many activities that happen within the borders of the park. There are a few cafes and bars that have outdoor seating, making it a frequent place to simply take a break from the hustle and bustle of Bucharest’s teeming urban life.

Rowboat rentals in Cismigiu

During the summer months, inexpensive pedalos and rowboat rentals are available to drift on the shallow lake that makes up the centerpiece of the park. For a person that enjoys a good game of chess (sah in Romanian) or backgammon (table), there is a small area in the southwest corner of the park where retirees and up and coming players gather everyday to test their skills against the local masters.

The Statues

A person wandering through Cismigiu Gardens will quickly notice that there are several statues located in random places throughout the park, culminating in the Writers’ Rotunda (Rotunda Scriitorilor) which features busts of many of Romania’s famous writers, such as Mihai Eminescu, Ion Luca Caragiale, and George Cosbuc.

Statue of Mihai Eminescu

Other statues are dedicated to Maica Smara, a women’s rights leader, and the French soldiers that lost their life on Romanian ground during the first World War.

Bucharest General Information

Location:
Elevation:
Size:

Inhabited since:
First documented:
Population:  

Southern Romania
190-295 ft (55-90 m)
City of Bucharest - 88 sq.miles (228 sq.km);
Metropolitan area - 587 sq.miles (1,521 sq.km)
500 BC
1459 AD
1.921 milion (2014)

Landmarks

Known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings and a reputation for the high life (which in the
1900s earned its nickname of "Little Paris"), Bucharest, Romania's largest city and capital,
is today a bustling metropolis.

Romanian legend has it that the city of Bucharest was founded on the banks of
the Dambovita River by a shepherd named Bucur, whose name literarily means "joy."
His flute playing reportedly dazzled the people and his hearty wine from nearby vineyards endeared him to the local traders, who gave his name to the place.

House of the Free Press

(Casa Presei Libere)
Address: Piata Presei Libere 1 

An impressive edifice standing in the northern part of the city, since 1956,
Casa Scanteii (as it is still universally known) was designed by architect
Horia Maicu. There is no doubt that the building is a smaller replica of the Lomonosov University in Moskow - Russia (inaugurated in 1953).
Between 1956 and 1989, the House of the Free Press housed almost all of Romania's capital printing presses and headquarters of print media companies.
Today, it carries out much the same function but the southern wing is
now the home of the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

The Arch of Triumph

(Arcul de Triumf)
Address: Piata Arcul de Triumf 

Initially built of wood in 1922 to honor the bravery of Romanian soldiers who fought in World War I, Bucharest's very own Arc de Triomphe was finished in Deva granite in 1936. Designed by the architect, Petre Antonescu, the Arc stands 85 feet high. An interior staircase allows visitors to climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city. The sculptures decorating the structure were created by leading Romanian artists, including Ion Jalea, Constantin Medrea and Constantin Baraschi.

Calea Victoriei (Victory Avenue)

Calea Victoriei is Bucharest's oldest and arguably, most charming street. Built in 1692 to link the Old Princely Court to Mogosoaia Palace, it was initially paved with oak beams. The street became Calea Victoriei in 1878, after the Romanian War of Independence victory. Between the two world wars, Calea Victoriei developed into one of the most fashionable streets in the city.Stroll along this street from Piata Victoriei to Piata Natiunilor Unite to discover some of the most stunning buildings in the city, including the Cantacuzino Palace, the historical Revolution Square, the Military Club, the CEC Headquarters and the National History Museum.

Cantacuzino Palace

(Palatul Cantacuzino)
Address: Calea Victoriei 141
Admission charge 
Grigore Cantacuzino was thought to be one of Romania's wealthiest citizens in 1899. As Prime Minister, it was his wish to have the most elegant residence in Bucharest. Using the designs of architect Ion Berindei, the Cantacuzino Palace was built between 1898 and 1900 in eclectic French style. Combining a neoclassical architectural style with art nouveau elements, it features wrought iron balconies, tall arched windows and a porte-cochere (an elegant wrought-iron doorway) flanked by two lions. Today, the palace houses the George Enescu Museum .

Revolution Square

(Piata Revolutiei)
The square gained worldwide notoriety when TV stations around the globe broadcasted Nicolae Ceausescu's final moments in power on December 21, 1989. It was here, at the balcony of the former Communist Party Headquarters, that Ceausescu stared in disbelief as the people gathered in the square below turned on him. He fled the angry crowd in his white helicopter, only to be captured outside of the city a few hours later.
The square's importance stretches back long before the dramatic events of the 1989 Revolution. On the far side of the square stands the former Royal Palace, now home to the National Art Museum, the stunning Romanian Athenaeum and the historic Athenee Palace Hotel. At the south end of the square, you can visit the small, but beautiful, Kretzulescu Church.

The Royal Palace

(Palatul Regal)
Address: Calea Victoriei 49-53 

Erected between 1927 and 1937 in neoclassical style, the palace was home to King Carol II and to his son, King Mihai I, until 1947, when the monarchy was abolished in Romania. It was inside the halls of this palace that King Mihai, aged 18, led a coup that displaced the pro-Nazi government during the World War II and put Romania on the Allies' side. Today, the former Royal palace houses theRomanian National Art Museum.

The Romanian Athenaeum

(Ateneul Roman)
Address: Str. Benjamin Franklin 1
Tel: 021  315.00.26 or 315.25.67

The work of French architect Albert Galleron, who also designed the National Bank of Romania, the Athenaeum was completed in 1888, financed almost entirely with money donated by the general public. One of the preeminent public fundraising campaigns ever in Romania, the "Give a penny for the Athenaeum" campaign saved the project after the original patrons ran out of funds. With its high dome and Doric columns, the Athenaeum resembles an ancient temple.The lobby has a beautifully painted ceiling decorated in gold leaf, while curved balconies cascade in ringlets off a spiral staircase.A ring of pink marble columns
is linked by flowing arches where elaborate brass lanterns hang like gems from a necklace. Inside the concert hall, voluptuous frescoes cover the ceiling and walls. Renowned worldwide for its outstanding acoustics, it is Bucharest's most prestigious concert hall and home of the Romanian George Enescu Philharmonic.

Athenee Palace Hotel

Address: Str. Episcopiei 1-3 
Built in 1914 by French architect Teophile Bradeau, the Athenee Palace (currently a posh Hilton hotel) was made famous in Olivia Manning's novel, Balkan Trilogy, as a centre of intrigue and espionage during World War II. British and German diplomats plotted, schemed and spied on each other in the epoch atmosphere of the hotel's English Bar, while a host of rich and famous gathered and intrigued as their society collapsed around them. The hotel suffered heavy bombing during the war and consequently, was rebuilt in 1945.

Kretzulescu Church

Address: Calea Victoriei 47 
Nestled amid the other historical buildings in Piata Revolutiei, this small red-brick Orthodox church was built in 1722 by the great chancellor Iordache Kretzulescu and his wife, Safta (a daughter of Constantin Brancoveanu) in the Brancovenesti architectural style. The interior frescoes were executed around 1860 by the famous Romanian painter Gheorghe Tattarescu.

Royal Palace Great Concert Hall

(Sala Palatului)
Located next to the Royal Palace, the concave-roof structure was built in 1960 to accommodate the 3,000 Communist party members who every five years attended the communist party congress. It was on this stage that Nicolae Ceausescu would deliver his vision of a multilaterally developed socialist society. Today, the massive auditorium plays host to various conferences and events, including some of the George Enescu International Festival concerts.

The Military Club

(Cercul Militar National)
Address: Blvd. Regina Elisabeta 21
Tel: 021  313.86.80
Standing guard imposingly, this neoclassical masterpiece, designed by Romanian architect Dimitrie Maimaroiu, was built in 1912 to serve the social, cultural and educational needs of the Romanian army. Banquets and official events are still hosted in the ballrooms, while the upstairs area is reserved for the army's library, as well as offices and classrooms for officer instruction. The main part of the building is off-limits to civilians, but the sumptuous restaurant and summer terrace is open to the public.

The Palace of the Savings Bank

(Casa de Economii si Consemnatiuni / CEC)
Address: Calea Victoriei 11-13 
Boasting one of the most impressive neoclassical facades in the city, this structure was built in the 19th century to the design of French architect Paul Gottereanu (who between 1875 and 1900 designed more than 50 buildings in the city, to house the first Romanian Savings Bank. The square-shaped palace has a large central dome with metallic ribs separated by glass, which allows natural light to come in; there are also four smaller domes. The arch at the entrance, with its Corinthian columns, is a highlight of any architectural tour of the city.

Old Historical Center of Bucharest (Centrul Vechi al Orasului)

Lipscani District

Perhaps the city's unique charm can be best observed in the area known as Lipscani, which consists of a jumble of streets between Calea Victoriei, Blvd. Bratianu, Blvd. Regina Elisabeta and the Dambovita River. A once-glamorous residential area, the old city centre is now slowly being refashioned into an upscale neighborhood.
At the beginning of 1400s, most merchants and craftsmen - Romanian, Austrian, Greek, Bulgarian, Serbian, Armenian and Jewish - established their stores and shops in this section of the city. Soon, the area became known as Lipscani, named for the many German traders from Lipsca or Leiptzig. Other streets took on the names of various old craft communities and guilds, such as Blanari (furriers), Covaci (blacksmiths), Gabroveni (knife makers) and Cavafii Vechii (shoe-makers). The mix of nationalities and cultures is reflected in the mishmash of architectural styles, from baroque to neoclassical to art nouveau.
Today, the area is home to many art galleries, antique shops and coffeehouses. On a beautiful day, you can stroll down the narrow cobblestone streets and imagine the shopkeepers outside near their stores, encouraging people to buy their merchandise and negotiating prices with them. Don't forget to stop by Hanul cu Tei, which is a rectangular courtyard between Strada Lipscani and Strada Blanari, home to an array of art and antiques shops.

Old Princely Court & Church

(Palatul si Biserica Curtea Veche)
Address: Strada Franceza 25-31
Tel: 021  314.03.75
Museum open: Mon. – Sun 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.;
Admission charge
At the centre of the historic area are the remains of the Old Princely Court (Curtea Veche), built in the 15th century by Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad Dracula. According to local lore, Vlad kept his prisoners in dungeons which commenced beneath the Princely Court and extended under the city. All that remains today are a few walls, arches, tombstones and a Corinthian column.
The Old Court Museum was established in 1972 when an archaeological dig revealed the remains of the fortress, along with Dacian pottery and Roman coins, evidence of Bucharest's earliest inhabitants. The oldest document attesting to the city's origin under the name of Bucuresti (Bucharest) was discovered here. It was issued on September 20, 1459 and signed by Prince Vlad Tepes.
Next to the palace stands the Old Court Church (Biserica Curtea Veche), dating from 1559 and considered the oldest in Bucharest. For two centuries, the church served as coronation ground for Romanian princes. Some of the original 16th century frescoes have been preserved.

Manuc's Inn

(Hanul lui Manuc)
Address: Str. Franceza 62-64 
Tel: 021  313.14.11
Built between 1804 and 1808 by the wealthy Armenian trader Emanuel Marzaian (called by the Turks, Manuc Bey), the inn was witness in 1812 to the preliminary talks of the Peace Treaty that put an end to the Russian -Turkish War (1806-1812). A favorite meeting and resting place for tradesmen in those times, Manuc's Inn has preserved to this day its old style and flavor. It now serves as a hotel with a restaurant, a wine cellar and a pastry shop.

The Beer Cart Restaurant

(Carul cu Bere)
Address: Strada Stavropoleos 3-5 
Tel: 021  313.75.60
Opened in 1879, this famous restaurant and beer house soon became one of the most popular meeting places for Bucharest's literati who would gather to discuss matters of their time. Its neo-gothic architectural style is reflected both in the façades and the interior decorations: columns, arches, chandeliers, a wooden staircase, furniture and murals on the walls and ceiling.

National Bank of Romania

(Banca Nationala a Romaniei)
Address: Str. Lipscani 25 
The National Bank of Romania (BNR) stands on the site of one of the most famous buildings in Romania: the Hanul Serban Voda, which from 1678 until 1883 was the home of various institutions ranging from a pub to an inn to a girl's dormitory! After two fires gutted the building, however, the land was leveled and in 1883, work began on the BNR, completed to the designs of French architects Cassien Bernard and Albert Galleron in 1885. Built in neoclassical French style, the building boasts a facade with Corinthian columns and an enormous central banking hall. The passing of time has left its marks on the building, but it remains a classic worthy of admiration.

University Square

(Piata Universitatii)
Buzzing with crowds and traffic from early morning until late at night, this area is one of the most popular meeting places in Bucharest. The square brings together some remarkable architectural masterpieces on each of its four corners, starting with theUniversity of Bucharest's School of Architecture, the Bucharest National Theatre, the neoclassical Coltea Hospitaland its lovely church (1702-1794) and the Sutu Palace, now home to the Bucharest History Museum.
In the middle of the square, on a little island, 10 stone crosses pay respect to those killed during the 1989 revolution. Below the square is an underground passage with shops and eateries, allowing pedestrians to cross from one side of the square to another and to access the subway station.

University of Bucharest

(Universitatea Bucuresti)
Address: Blvd. Regina Elizabeta (near University Square)
Bucharest remains first and foremost a hub of higher education. The University of Bucharest was founded in 1864 by Alexandru Ioan Cuza, ruler of the newly united principalities of Walachia and Moldova. Work on the neoclassical building began in 1857 and finished in 1859.
Between the two World Wars, the libraries and corridors of the University hosted an impressive number of Romanian personalities, including Mircea Eliade, Emil Cioran, Eugène Ionesco, Sergiu Celibidache.
Year-round, you can find book merchants near the University building selling anything from antique books, records, discontinued newspapers and illustrated broadsheets from another age to secondhand books.

Parliament Palace

(Palatul Parlamentului)
Address: Calea 13 Septembrie 1, 
Tel: 021  311.36.11
Hours: Mon. - Sun.
10:00am - 4:00pm
Admission charge
(English guided tour available)
Built by Communist Party leader, Nicolae Ceausescu, the colossal Parliament Palace (formerly known as the People's Palace) is the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. It took 20,000 workers and 700 architects to build. The palace boasts 12 stories, 1,100 rooms, a 328-ft-long lobby and four underground levels, including an enormous nuclear bunker.

The Palace of Parliament it is the world's second-largest office building in surface
(after the Pentagon) and the third largest in volume (after Cape Canaveral in the U.S. and the Great Pyramid in Egypt)

The crystal chandelier in the Human Rights Hall (Sala Drepturilor Omului) weighs 2.5 tons

Some of the chandeliers have as many as
7,000 light bulbs.

When construction started in 1984, the dictator intended it to be the headquarters of his government. Today, it houses Romania's Parliament and serves as an international conference centre. Built and furnished exclusively with Romanian materials, the building reflects the work of the country's best artisans.
A guided tour takes visitors through a small section of dazzling rooms, huge halls and quarters used by the Senate (when not in session). The interior is a luxurious display of crystal chandeliers, mosaics, oak paneling, marble, gold leaf, stained-glass windows and floors covered in rich carpets.
Planing your visit:
Valid passport or national ID is required to gain access to the Palace.
Reservations are strongly recommended for large groups.
Please E-mail a reservation request containing the following information:
- number of participants,
- exact date & approximate time of arrival,
- coach license plate,
- guide (English or French language)
- type of tour desired
(standard,  standard + terrace or standard + terrace + the underground).
Group tours need to be reconfirmed, on the day prior to the visit,
please call 021 311.36.11
More information are available at www.CameraDeputatilor.ro

Few words about our amazing mountains

First of all i want to start with Bucegi, because i belive its the most amazing. I will tell you something about this site . Don`t miss this.

With spectacular peaks and gorgeous scenery, it’s no wonder that the Bucegi Mountains are the most visited range in Romania. In short, the mountains offer something for everyone, even those that are not so inclined to a long hike. The development of the Bucegi area has made it a constant draw, both for tourists as well as locals looking to get out of Bucharest or Brasov for the weekend. Even with a large number of visitors, there is plenty of room for everyone and a great mountain experience can still be found with relative ease.

Starting a Bucegi Adventure

Even though there are several possible entry points to the Bucegi Mountains, most people choose to start their adventure at the small towns of either Busteni or Sinaia. From the former, there are two ways to get into the mountains. The first is to simply take the cable car located in the western part of the town that takes visitors directly from Busteni to Babele or even further to Pestera.

Horizontal panorama of Bucegi mountains in Romania

A person that prefers to hike up to the same points will find a trail that leads up the side of the mountain and has an easy to medium difficulty. Coming from Sinaia, the first stop will usually be the Miorita area, which can be reached by either cable car or an easy hike of 2-3 hours. A visitor should be aware that wait times for the cable car during the busy summer months can easily reach several hours.

Babel and the Sphinx

For most visitors, the first sight they will encounter after reaching the top ridge will be Babel, which basically translates to “the old women.” These natural rock formations look almost like mushrooms and have been shaped by countless centuries of winds and rain.

A similar formation is found at the Sphinx. Named because it has an eerie resemblance to the Sphinx in Egypt, the rock is massive and many visitors choose to have lunch in the shade of the gigantic formation. The first pictures of the Sphinx were taken around the turn of the twentieth century and it has since become a landmark of the Bucegi Mountain range.

Ialomita Cave

Located just an hour’s walk from Babel is the Ialomita Cave, home to a famous monastery and a spooky legend from many years ago. According to the story, a man named Bucur lived in the cave and charmed many women from local villages with his exceptional flute playing. These women never returned to the village and legend has it that one kiss from Bucur would turn any woman to stone. Whether this story is true or not, the place does have a mystical feel, due in no small part to the Ialomita Monastery, which is located just at the entrance of the cave and is an imposing presence.

Mount Omu

Cabana at Mount Omu

One of the key destinations in the Bucegi range is Mount Omu. Standing at a height of 2505 meters, the peak is the largest in Bucegi and makes a great day hike from Babel or Malaiesti in the northern limit of the range. At the top of Omu is a small cabana that uses no electricity but still manages to be extremely functional, with a restaurant as well as beds for rent. The panoramic view from Omu is definitely one of the highlights of any Bucegi adventure and should be included on every visitor’s itinerary.

Trail Markings

Unlike some other mountain ranges in Romania where trails are not so clearly marked, the trails in Bucegi have signs every few meters to keep visitors on course. It is a good idea for anyone going to Bucegi to pick up a map from one of the many kiosks in Busteni and Sinaia. These cheap maps (about 3 Euro) have a full listing of all the trails and are a great way to plan a longer trip around the mountain range. Signs on the trails are done with a system of color and symbol codes, with an example being a blue cross or red pyramid used to denote separate trails.

Accommodation in Bucegi Mountains

The options of accommodation in Bucegi will largely depend on what kind of trip a person is taking. The most basic and cheapest options are camping sites that are usually located close to one of the cabanas at Babel, Omu or other points in the range. For a person that doesn’t really want to carry all the food and equipment for camping, another cheap option is to actually stay at one of the cabanas (very similar to a hostel).

Landscape with Babele

Most will charge less than 10 Euros per night and have all the basic facilities as well as a small restaurant for eating. The luxury option is to stay at a hotel, with Hotel Pestera being the classic example, complete with a spa and upscale restaurant. Prices at Pestera differ by season and day of the week, but will rarely be higher than 70 Euros per night.

The Hidden Jewel of Bucegi

There is one section of the Bucegi Mountains that does not get as many international travelers, but brings locals in by the droves. Called Piatra Craiului, the mountains form a very steep and narrow ridge that are home to many amazing sights. One of the most remarkable are rock formations called La Zaplaz that form a natural stone canopy overhead at certain points of the path. Getting to Piatra Craiului is a bit more difficult than other parts of Bucegi, with the entry point being a small town called Zarnesti. Those who dare to adventure will be adequately rewarded.

La Zaplaz, in Piatra Craiului

The country of Romania is full of mountains, but the Bucegi range offers tourists the most accessible entry point into the country’s natural wonders. With plenty of sights to see and things to do, Bucegi has a wealth of beauty that must be experienced to be believed. Seasoned hikers who have conquered Bucegi may wish to check out other amazing mountain locations in Romania, such as the Fagaras range and the Retezat National Park.

Other few reasons to visit romania

After few turists traveled to Romania on vacation, they were absolutely inspired by this country. This often-overlooked tourist destination is a hidden gem filled with beautiful forests, regal castles and epic mountains.

Owing to its rich medieval history, Romania is positively saturated with beautiful castles in various states of repair. The country also has a huge amount of undisturbed forest (and the largest population of brown bears in Europe), making it a great destination for nature lovers. With the Carpathian mountains running through the center of the country, the combination makes for some unforgettably memorable views.

If you're from Romania or if you've been there on vacation, we'd love to see your favorite  sights! 

 

Big waterfall

Romania has so many hidden wonderful places that are little known – even to Romanians. The news was about the Bigar waterfall located in the Caras-Severin County, which ranks first in a recent chart of unique waterfalls. This hidden place, somewhere on the road between the village of Oravita and the village of Bozovici, in the Anina mountains on the national road number 57 B, lies exactly on 45th parallel.

The Bigar waterfall is called  “the miracle from the Minis gorge” by the locals. The Bigar falls come from the Minis River and flow over an 8-meter wall of moss. The other name of the Bigar waterfall is Coronini, after the 19th century Banat region governor Johann Baptist Coronini-Cronberg. Many other attractions await the passionate traveler in the Bigar-Coronini waterfall area. The Minis gap is one of the most amazing locations in the Banat Mountains, as so are the pools in the Minis Valley, the Buhui Lake and the Buhui cave.

The Caras-Severin County is one of Romania’s richest areas for natural attractions and there are a lot of ways to spend healthy holidays there in the great outdoors. The Caras-Severin County is a historical area in the Banat region (one of the Romanian historical regions), located in the south western part of Romania at 453 kilometers from the capital Bucharest. It is the third largest county in our country and it is the entrance gate of the Danube to Romania. In this county, there are more than 52 protected natural areas, but the most famous are: Semenic National park, Cheile Nerei National park, Domogled national park and Portile de Fier National Park. Any of these marvelous natural places are great to visit in any season.

One of the most famous and oldest spa localities in Romania, called Baile Herculane, is also located in Caras-Severin County. Tourists can enjoy river rafting, canyoning, mountain climbing, waterfall descents, paintball, biking and motor biking, snowboarding, scientific tourism, spa tourism, hunting, fishing and railroad tourism on the oldest railroad in the country, the Anina-Oravita route. The climate in the area is the mildest of the entire country, temperate continental type with some sub Mediterranean characteristics as well as Adriatic climate. At the same time, the Caras-Severin County has an interesting population mixture where the Romanians, Serbians, Croatians, Hungarians, Germans, Roma and Ukrainians have been living in peace for centuries, everyone contributing to the history and the traditions of the region.

The Caras-Severin County is pretty much unknown to foreigners, so we’ll be discovering step by step the beauties of this hidden treasure of Romania

Romanian Tunnel Of Love

If you wonder where this is and what is it about this place that makes it so special, here are some information:

The railway that connects CaransebesshBoutzari-Subcetate is a secondary railway in Romania; it is simple and non electrified; the route between Caransebesh and Boutzari was inaugurated on the 11th of November 1908, while the one between Boutzari-Subcetate, on 1st of May 1909.

Due to the high slope declivities up to 50 mm/m on the route between Boutzari and Sarmizegetuza, the trains’ circulation was done on a rack-railway. Between 1908 and 1978 (year when the section Bouţari-Sarmizegetuza was closed to passenger trains) the train traction was made – for the entire distance- with steam engines.

In the year of 1995 the second railway section which connected Sarmisegetuza and Hatzeg was closed for passengers’ trains; following that, during the year of 2000, the railway between Boutari and Hateg was dismantled, and passed over under the SAAF administration.

 Nowadays  on the  railway  Caransebes-Boutzari are running passenger and  goods trains, and on the railway section  Hatzeg-Subcetate temporarily run only goods trains.

 The photographs you can see below have been made and published by the photographer Florin Avramescu, to demonstrate that this special place is located in Romania. On the internet are circulating photos with a similar location in Ukraine.

Transfaragasan,Transylvania

The Transfăgărășan  or DN7C, also known as Ceaușescu's Folly, is a paved mountain road crossing the southern section of the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. It has national-road ranking and is the second-highest paved road in the country after the Transalpina. It starts near the village of Bascov, near Pitești, and stretches 90 kilometres (56 mi) to the crossroad between the DN1 and Sibiu, between the highest peaks in the country, Moldoveanu and Negoiu. The road, built in the early 1970s as a strategic military route, connects the historic regions of Transylvania and Wallachia.

The Transfăgărășan was constructed between 1970 and 1974 during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu as a response to the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union.Ceaușescu wanted to ensure quick military access across the mountains in case of a Soviet invasion. At the time, Romania already had several strategic mountain passes through the Southern Carpathians, whether inherited from the pre-communist era (the DN1 and the high-pass DN67C) or built during the initial years of the Communist regime (the DN66). These passes, however, were mainly through river valleys, and would be easy for the Soviets to block and attack. Ceauşescu therefore ordered the construction of a road across the Făgăraş Mountains, which divide northwestern and southern Romania.