Transylvania Romania

Romania,  Bucharest to Transylvania

2nd largest building
 in the world in Bucharest

A reminder. Click on any photo for the enlarged version of it for clearer viewing.

Us at the 'other' Arch D' Triumph

Our arrival in Romania was a bit early and we actually took advantage of it by travelling through Bucharest on a Sunday afternoon and seeing the Palace of Parliament, which was Ceausescu’s Palace until he was strung up by the revolution. Then onto the Arc D’Triumph, a copy of the one in Paris. Actually before we arrived in either spot we crossed Bucharest and both of us saw a lot of similarities to Paris. Obviously Ceausescu’s ego left some nice stuff around town. In fact we are very impressed with Romania. It’s far exceeded our expectations.

Sinaia and Peles Castle

Peles Castle

We continued on to Sinaia where Peles Castle is, but a combination of the extra mileage I put on the bad road, the late start, and the traffic on the highway, left us missing a tour of the castle. We found a beautiful pension “Maria” located right in  the town of Sinaia. 

A very large room, like very large for $38 a night. It was super clean and we appreciated how much care they took to ensure the moto was safe.

We actually took it to their house for the night and he drove me back and forth to the B&B. The BCR bank looked after our exchange of Bulgarian currency to Romanian. 

The next morning we were able to walk the gardens of Peles Castle. By chance, I was attracted to a classical guitarist, 

Cătălin Comnoiu

Cătălin Comnoiu playing in the gardens. Having been trained classically myself I watched him play and was so struck by the talent on display. He had a small basket beside him with CD's for sale and without knowing the quality of the recording I bought it. It is called "Altitudine". I hope you are as amazed of the talent on display and to this day in '24, it takes me back to Peles castle in Romania.

Enjoy this sample on youtube.

https://youtu.be/wnHle-ZAI0I?si=poRHdDuQUV1qm-c1

Clock Tower

Peles Castle at Sinaia is such a beautiful place with its gardens and Palace that looks a lot like the Chateau at Lake Louise.

Artistry at Peles

Sinaia is the Banff of Romania, close to Brasov ,Rasnov and Bran. 

We then headed for Rasnov where we had selected a B&B to stay at that was excellent with a great cafe as well and breakfast.  Given that Bran is a very touristy destination,  Rasnov, which is only 11 kms north on DN73 is less busy. We visited the fortress at Rasnov on the recommendation of Mike and Ruby. It was impressive from it’s presence on the hill overlooking the town, though it is in very poor shape with many areas under renovation.

Us at Rasnov Fortress

Dracula's Castle

BRAN CASTLE
Once located in Rasnov  the next day, we then headed out for Bran Castle to tour. Bran castle has the legacy of being the home of Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula. You will have to read the information on the picture explanation for full details.

Explanation on Dracula

This castle was the actual home to many different people. Queen Maria, King Ferdinand, The Teutonic Knights, and the Count .

Entrance to Hidden Stairwell

hidden stairwell

My favorite place in the castle was the hidden staircase leading to the study and music room of Queen Maria. It was a very worthwhile castle to stop at. 

Exit into Music Room

Music Room

Order of the Teutonic Knights

Teutonic Clothing

As we headed out today with rain threatening we weren’t sure how far we’d go but we really enjoyed DN73 from Rasnov to Campulla. 

This stretch of road through the Carpathian mountains is every bit as scenic as the best of Switzerland. Its such a joy to see people renovating their places, painting, landscaping . Romania really wants to get with it and be the next tourist destination, and it should be.

Transylvanian Countryside

A view to a Village