How To Discover The Amazing Hercules Bath In Romania

Baile Herculane/Herculesbad/Hercules Bath is really special among the Romanian spa resorts. Its huge prestige is due not only the long history of its wonderful healing powers(more than 2000 years), but also to its amazing hot mineral waters. These fabulous waters have been used by the legendary Hercules himself, representing according the locals one of the reason of his unearthly strength.

These waters have have many healing properties, and one can use them for inside or outside cure. Besides, qualified personnel offer some useful helping treatments, e.g. geriatric, acupunctural, apitherapic. You can have your daily water treatments very private in small bathrooms, or in bigger luxury pools (Ruschita marble. Your choice, your taste!). And if you come for a cure, you may not miss the fabulous environment. The town and resorts are surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests. You can walk there for days and weeks!

The fantastic Railway Station from Herculane is one of the most beautiful in Romania, and reminds to a Turkish bath

The position and climate of Baile Herculane is totally unique. Strong Mediterranean influences are to feel in the lack of very cold days, even during the worst Romanian winters. And about the vegetation, take a walk in the amazing Domogled National Park, with its unique endemic species, right near the resort.

The legendary Hercules must have been a local of Herculane

Reaching Herculane by train, you see first the railway station, of course. It is very old and stylish, one of the most beautiful railway stations in Romania. Its amazing Architecture reminds a Turkish bath! First, we walk and discover through Pecinisca, a quarter of the town Hercules Bath. Modern, with sad blocks of flats, and totally unspectacular. Cross the bridge on the Cerna River, build in the 70's on the place of an older, much nicer one, from 1896. On the right bank the rich forest simply falls on the town, while the left bank you can see the Domogled heights, inviting to a demanding walk. Not far is the breathtaking Central Park with a perfect mix of species. Very peaceful environment, with old couples walking, while the young kissing ones must be searched at night whether here, or in the hot pools. Daily, during the summer season, be sure to find the orchestra singing in the middle of the park. Discover here around the hotels Diana, Afrodita, and the old Bath Venera, build in 1752. On the other side of Cerna River, discover the wonderful Villa Livia, deeply Romanian in its Architecture. Very close, the Central Swimming Pool (1871) and the Hotel Traian, build in an interesting Vienna baroque style. A proud representing building is the former Casino, nowadays the Town museum. Don't miss the statue of Hercules in Hercules Bath, please, it is the symbol of all town and the locals are very proud about. They know a lot of myths and legends and pretend Hercules is simply one of them.

Baile Herculane is very stylish and peaceful

About the trekking and hiking trails I will let you know very soon, meet first this fabulous resort and spa retreat. You can do it in style in one of the resort's leading hotels, or on a budget. You are only pleased to enjoy life and the special environment of Baile Berculane.

Seeing Romania on a budget

If you want to visit Romania, but you can't afford see it in style, there is no problem. I am still very happy for that, and I am going to help you with all what I can, e.g. insider tips for finding the best destinations in Romania on a budget.

Romania is anyway normally not at all a very expensive destination. Who really wants to see it style, congrats, there are some exquisite  places with luxury hotels and restaurants. But you can go also backpacking in Romania, mixing with the locals and staying on a tiny budget. My first tip: sparing by meals is very easy in Romania, and you have got two possibilities doing that. First one: almost all the restaurants have an unbeatable offer, called Meniul zilei (Today's special) costing 4,5 Euros and containing 3 courses! The other possibility is buying vegetables from the locals markets, exactly like the happy Romanians! Not only that you are going to spare a lot of money, with respect to the tiny budget you have, but you will probably rediscover the incredible genuine flavor of the vegetables.

A typical cheap pension in Romania, offering human contacts and cheap  excellent food.

And be sure to find a lot of best  wine in bulk, at prices of around 2 Euros for the best sorts. You will surely draw the conclusion of affording to stay longer even with your low budget! And the people here are fantastic friendly and ready to give you a hand in every situation. If you tell them about your Romanian ancestors or about the fantastic feeling this wonderful land is awakening in you they will be very happy, and will surely invite you to the dinner. Hereby you won a friend for the rest of your life.

You can stay on a budget even in the exquisite expensive Bucharest. Don't need to stay to the Intercontinental Hotel **** in the very center( which is ugly and artificial, btw), you can choice Hotel Cismigiu ** and enjoy better the life and the present minute.

Hotel Cismigiu in Bucharest is a cheap extremely satisfying  alternative to a fancy hotel, but you can better enjoy the life 

In the rest of the country you can find everywhere cheap pensions, which are not very hard to find. They offer also cheap but excellent meals (e.g. Meniul zilei!). Better than that could only be staying by a local, who has invited you, as he enjoys your presence, or hires his extra rooms, as the pupils have left home (working and living probably somewhere in the wide world). My advice: ask about the price, to avoid any unpleasant surprise, and don't pay more than 20 Euros per night!

Backpacking in Romania is really an event, offering you the perfect opportunity to stay fit and see some of the savagest landscapes in Europe. Backpacking in Romania also allows you visit the most remote mountain cabins. After a few hours of climbing mountains no one will notice the lack of comfort, but only warmly appreciate the soft mattress from the common dormitories. And if the running water doesn't work perfectly, you have the creek outside. The view and landscape will perfectly compensate any efforts. I reckon to recommend now The Fagaras Mountains, the highest in Romania. Search there the cabins Balea Lac or Balea Cascada, climb our national symbols Moldoveanu and Negoiu, relax and enjoy. Observe the fantastic view on the Transfagarasan Road, which is really spectacular, one of the world's best.

Cabana Balea Lac in the spectacular Fagaras mountains, next to the Transfagarasan road

I gave you a few suggestions, let me know about your opinions about it, and tell me if I shall be more specific about programs and prices. But remember the important thing: it is very easy to visit Romania on a budget. Anyone can and shall afford it, and in some directions you can do it with style! I stay to your disposal for further detailed matters.

Most spectacular mountain  lakes in Romania

Romania due to its continental mild climate experiences in summer long drought periods and consequently in wide parts of the country the lakes are appearing very rarely. It is no desert actually, but maybe similar in a way.

Some parts of the country, as Danube Delta or Black Sea coast enjoy the blessed presence of some wonderful lakes, like Razim-Sinoe, but I am going to report about them on a further occasion. I would like to concentrate right now to the Romanian mountains (The Romanian Carpathians) with there wonderful lakes , previously mentioned in Retezat Park e.g. I adore all these mountain lakes, and the fishermen also do. Most of these  lakes are glaciar ones; a few are natural dam lakes (e.g. Lacu Rosu/red lake) or anthropic dam lakes (Bicaz, Lotru, Portile de Fier, Valea Uzului).

The picturesque lake Sf. Ana/ Szent Ana To is really picturesque, and totally unique in Romania, due to its  volcanic origin

Only one lake in the wide area of Romanian mountains has a volcanic origin, and thus is really unique. Its name is Sf Ana, and not only its exotic origin make it really special, but also its breathtaking look and position. It lies in the Ciuc mountains, inside the Romanian Szekelyi County (or Szekelyfold), very close to natural dam lake, namely Bolatau, and an artificial dam lake, namely Poiana Uzului. These three spectacular lakes make from these county and mountains one of the most picturesque in the all Romania.

The dam lake Poiana Uzului matches perfectly with the landscape,  which is  rarely to a human made lake

The lake Sf Ana with a huge area around constitutes a huge protected natural reserve on more than 80 hectars (160 acres). It lies on the bottom of a former volcanic crater and has an almost perfectly circular form. Not very deep, only 7 meters, offers excellent conditions for swimming, despite its cold temperature in the middle of summer. The beautiful local szekelyi girls use to go swimming in this lake, totally naked. All around beech and fir forests. There is no any known sources on the surface, but most probably strong depth sources on the bottom. There is no river feeding or being feed from the lake, the water or snow falls are the only known sources. Very close to the  lake there is a motel, you can eat very well Hungarian like specialties, like goulasch. Fishing in the lake is permitted, but you can find only a small sort of trout, which has been populated 100 years ago. You can reach the beautiful lake by car, or walking a few hours whether from Bixad or from Tusnad.

The nearby Lake Poiana Uzului is totally different, but not less spectacular. It is human made, but picturesque and perfectly set in the natural landscape. The dam is huge, 80 meters high. You can reach the lake by car to the dam, when is a welcoming motel, or to the other end, where you can enjoy a much more genuine nature.

In my opinion these totally different contrasting lakes, lieing one next to the other, offer a perfect balance, and that is why I consider to be so spectacular!

The best Romanian destinations for the Spring 2013

What is in and what is out in Romania this year? What is on the beaten path and what off? The travel business and environment is very changing and versatile, but I hope to be able making the best recommendations.

Many of these recommendations are based on my experience from 2012 and before, you have the opportunity to take a profit on it, and you are pleased not to miss it. I won't list priced tours at the moment, it shall come  sooner or later, according your specific interests.

1. Urban life in Romania. Even if nowadays only one half  the Romanian population  lives in towns and cities, you can find here wonderful settlements, older or newer. Discover in Bucharest its old downtown with its fantastic entertainment, but don't neglect the cultural life with amazing museums. Please note that Bucharest has been known as the little Paris, and one  lost tradition was the Battle flower on the main avenue. It was very romantic, could be maybe the best idea for Valentine's day. Besides, you are going to have the unique opportunity to visit within this 7 days tour other important Romanian cities like Iassy, Constanta, Craiova,Timisoara, Oradea, Cluj Napoca. My secret insider tip would be to compare all these cities, paying attention to the foreign influences exerted on them!

Casa Bazna is a good place to discover the fortified churches of Transilvania  on a budget, but at excellent quality standards. And is recommended by Karpaten, one of the best travel agencies in the today Romania.

2.Rural life in Romania. The other half of the Romanian population lives to the countryside. It is much more genuine, and the society is clean, unspoiled, yet the people very honest and hard working. The meals taste totally different comparing with what you eat regularly at home, or even in the best Romanian hotels and restaurants. During one unbelievable week we are going to visit amazing Romanian regions like Maramures or Bucovina, Vrancea and Rucar. I will strive personally to stay to the people, and by the people, these cultural exchanges are the most important things for a traveler in my opinion.

You can find in Romania not exclusively orthodox churches and monasteries!

3. Natural life in Romania. We still have a huge potential on this side. Remember Danube Delta, mountains hiking, hunting and fishing. Fantastic possibilities to enjoy life under all its forms. We will hide deep in the nature, escaping the modern civilizations, with a complete detoxification of Internet addiction. If you are a photography freak, this week could be your good one, I can promise fantastic shots, but you can make from this unforgettable trip also a romantic one, maybe for your engagement or honeymoon. I still have some other ideas!

Wine tasting is a normal event during any Romania trip, I won't forget and neglect!

4. Winter sports in Romania are still on, maybe another month. Within 2 weeks will take place in Poiana Brasov an important youth sports  festival, almost comparable to a Winter Olympic Games. But I discovered  since a few weeks another excellent location in Predeal. The snow was perfect, and my hotel, namely Piemonte, a top one, with an excellent report quality/price.

Biertan, in the middle of transilvania, is the best kept fortified church from the  Medium Age.

5.Historic Romania. Discover first, or rediscover, the Romanian orthodoxe churches and monasteries from Bucovina, Oltenia or around Bucharest. And I suggest to try to see also the fortified churches from Transilvania, around Sighisoara and Medias. With the necessary lodging in Hotel Binder Bubi in Sighisoara, with an important mention by the way: if on a budget, stay to Casa Bazna in the village Bazna.

Need your positions and comments about, I can't wait for them!

Fantastic places in Buzau and around

The city of Buzau counts even in the Romanian consciousness rather as an industrial city, than a touristic or cultural one. Which is not fair at all, and I am going to prove it!

Only 100 km away from Bucharest, Buzau is one of the oldest Romanian cities, with many significant trade privileges dating from centuries ago. The first name of the city and the river, you really can't separate them, was Mousaios, as it appears in official documents from the IVth century, kept in the Vatican archive. One of the most interesting story about Buzau is tighten to "The hen with golden chickens", which is an impressive gold thesaurus lieing today in the Romanian National History Museum from Bucharest. It was discovered during ordinary digging works on the hill Istrita by Buzau, when the people was searching stones for building the Orthodox Seminary. The discoverers did not notice its huge value, it is the richest thesaurus found before Tutankhamon's one! Consequently, according to a local legend, one of the discoverer asked the blacksmith to fix a gate hinge with the help of a small piece from the Thesaurus. The people first hide all the pieces, fearing the authorities, courses etc., but sell the treasure to a local entrepreneur, who sells it to a Bucharest jeweler. Very soon the authorities became aware about the huge value of the treasure, and take measures against all  the involved persons, who die shortly afterwards. The Thesaurus have been more times restored and copied; nowadays the original is in the Bucharest Museum above mentioned, and one of the copies in the local History Museum. When German troops invaded and conquered Romania in WWI the original, together with other valuable pieces, has been evacuated in Moscow, and this one is among the few pieces coming back.

The original thesaurus from Pietroasa/Buzau in the Romanian national History Museum

The oldest house of the city, called Vergu-Manaila, is nowadays an Ethographic Museum, and constitutes one of the most important things to see in Buzau. Another one is the Mayor's Palace, a charming building, older than 100 years, still in use, whose exquisite architecture is to observe, notice and wonder.

Now you may to leave Buzau towards Brasov, through the mountains, but you don't need to hurry up. One of the most important things to observe during this trip, its mainly highlight, are the people living in all the villages on the way. Traditional and genuine, they are very friendly and welcoming, and is very easy setting contact with them. You can use every little opportunity for that, and you won't be disappointed. They are wise, know many things, and share them gladly with you! Besides, the fantastic landscapes you will meet. First, observe the huge, neverending Romanian plain, turning soon to hills or even mountains. On the way the most important thing to see is the Siriu Dam and lake. It is really huge and spectacular, and almost natural ( at least the locals name it like that). Actually, there is no a huge concrete dam, as you could expect and find in other places in Romania. The dam consists on rocks, put on a former hill, making it bigger and higher. All the construction looks pretty discrete, a small hill stopping the river. There are many pensions in the area, you can hike and climb these mountains for days and weeks, enjoying the unspoiled nature. While you travel, be very careful in summer about rocks fall after heavy rains!

Iconic landscapes in the Romanian Carpathians

Leaving Piatra Neamt towards Transilvania offers the good possibility to drive on the Highway 12 C, to Gheorheni, and further to Sighisoara or Brasov. Thus you go through an important Romanian National Park, called The Hasmas Nature Reserve, based on the neighboring mountains, also called the Hasmas Mountains.

It is not an easy way, if you reckon riding the bikes along, but also not impossible. Neither by car is not much easier, on certain parts of the way the street is very narrow, causing very often traffic jams. But the beauty of the landscape in The Bicaz Gorges / Cheile Bicazului makes you surely to forget any unpleasant things, as they are simply fantastic!

The impressive Bicaz Gorges,or  Bicaz canyon

I think the Americans would name it Bicaz Canyon. Call it anything you want, it is amazing and iconic. A small river, namely Bicaz, dug in the soft lime rocks one of the most impressive gorges in Romania. You are going to love these gorges from the first sight for sure. There are good possibilities to climb the mountains all around, watching the highway from the top of the rocks is simply breathtaking, but only recommended and permitted to skilled tourists. The beginners have other many possibilities.

Even in the mountains you  can find bargains and good shopping possibilities

A good idea to discover and conquer the Hasmas mountains is lodging in Lacu Rosu/Red Lake,  a resort on your way, with many hotels and cabins. A main attraction of the Red Lake is even the lake, born through a land slide in the XIXth century. The water is very cold, and deep, also full of trees trunks!  Also, not the best conditions for swimming, but you can take a boat. On the terraces you can enjoy afterwards a glass of beer or wine, and you can make shopping, there are many craftsmen in the area exhibiting their works.There is a wonderful legend about forming of Red Lake/Lacul Rosu. according this legend, a young beautiful girl has been kidnapped and raped by a local outlaw. She, very ashamed, has been crying for 1 day long, and implored the mounting, who finally accepted to let the rocks fall onto the bandit. That's why the falled mountain is called The Killer! Its colour is really reddish, due to the iron oxydes and the red rocks mirroring in the lake!If you are a mathematics or statistics freaks, note some numbers: altitude 983 meters, surface 13 hectars/26 acres, maximum depth 12,5 meters; extent 3 km, length 3 km, and a total volume of 680000 cubic meters. From the lake starts its journey the river Bicaz, but other  small rivers are tributary to the lake. The have been dammed, in order to prevent the lake from collecting mood, which could destroy it. You can fish in the lake, as any other visitor is entitled to do it. You can catch trouts, up to 1,5 kg, and you must notice the two distinct species: the lake trout has black point, while the river trout coming from the tributary rivers has red points.

The little but persistent Bicaz River starts its journey in the Red Lake/Lacul Rosu,  born through  a landslide. Nevertheless, there is a wonderful legend about it!

Epic trips in the Romanian Bucovina

As I talled so much about this blessed part of Romania, I propose you now a short trip not far from Suceava, namely from Radauti to Humor(Gura Humorului). If you wanna improve your Romanian knowledge, Humor is the right place! The word has the same meaning as in English, and the people are friendly, joking a lot.

The Monastery from Radauti

Discover in Radauti the impressing Sinagogue, which is really an architectural asset of Radauti, remembering the Holocaust. Further (what means further in a little town with 30 000 people?) discover, walking or riding the bike, the Zoo. It is centered first on the local animals (Bucovina is a paradise for hunters) like bear, fox,wolf, deer, lynx. Besides, exotic species, which are not so easy to keep during the long cold winter, as you can imagine! The people in the area really love animals, and also the domestic ones. It is a tradition for keeping and breeding horses, and you can visit a stud farm just entering the city. For the art freaks, be sure to find an art gallery, mainly contemporary artists.

The Church from Sucevita is one of the illustrated books of the Christianity

Only 5 km away from Radauti is the Putna Monastery. You will most probably cross more times the local train, which is not high speed Inter City, but totally satisfactory for the locals! The location of the Putna monastery has been choosen by the big ruler Stephen the Great, hauling an arrow with his bow! You can see the hill where Stefan cel Mare/Stephen the Great launched his arrow, next to the monastery. The church and the monastery are not so old anymore, due to successive destroying and restorations. Very old and well kept is the Treasure Tower, where the values were hosted during the sieges or surprise attacks. The monastery hosts nowadays the remaining of the big king, with a part of his family, and has a very interesting museum which woth paying a visit anyway. 2 km away is a remarcable place:  the refuge cell of Daniil The Monk, one of the most important adviser of the Moldavian ruler. Observe the sobriety and austerity of his cell (no electric power, no Internet, only worship!)

Spending a night in an insulated cell like this would be the best cure against digital addiction.  Imagine the strength and the strong beliefs of Daniil, the monk living in such conditions for years

 On the way from Radauti to Sucevita allow a break in Marginea, a village with good traditions in the black pottery. When you see first the Sucevita Monastery, it looks like a fortress! They have to do this during those times, you can understand it. These days in the defending walls are the cells and the museum. The church is really spectacular, dedicated to the Resurection Christi, the biggest miracle in the Orthodoxe mythology. Very impressive is the the separating wall, and the exterior painted frescos. Note the Virtue Ladder, or the Jesse's genealogical tree!

Following the direction to Moldovita, don't miss the majestic view from the highest point, The Palm Pass, before reaching and discovering the Moldovita monastery, also looking like a fortress.  Observe in the outside painting something not usual, but easy to explain: the asiege of Constantinoples! The fact is that these painted monasteries were supposed to be living books of the Christianity, with important contributions of spreading the Orthodoxe religion.

Within 30 minutes you can reach the town Gura Humorului, but please observe om your way the amazing villages of Vama, Molid or Frasin, which have and keep very old genuine local traditions. Visit in Humor the renowned Monastery of Voronet, a coronation of your travel through the rich history of the Romanian church. Voronet is surely the peak ( some visitors name it the Sistine Chapel of the East). The colours of the extrior paintings are simply amazing,and you are supposed to observe the blue! The blue of Voronet, actually, which is original, and made based on a secret recipe, probaly with powder of lapiz lazuli!

I am very much afraid of speaking too much. This trip is normally one day long, even by bike, measuring 50 kilometers. And I keep talking and talking! The reality is much better than my description, for sure, you are incited to check up!

The Salt Mountain from Slanic

Leaving Ploiesti towards Slanic and Valeni de Munte means to drive in a certain way out the beaten path. So, don't leave the city of Ploiesti to Campina-Brasov, or Campulung-Brasov, and neither towards Buzau-Focsani. Please take care a lot to the indicators, maps, GPS, as otherwise you'll be in serious troubles!

Only 40 km away from Ploiesti, in a majestic landscape, the resort Slanic welcomes its visitors with rowing white firs, but also with one of the oldest salt mines of Wallachia, opened already from the XVIIth century. When the exploitation begun, there were actually two salt mines, but along the years one of them collapsed inside forming Baia Baciului/ The sheepherd bath. The precipice filled with water , resulting in the swimming pool you can see nowadays!

Typical house from Slanic

But in Baia Baciului another surprise is obvious: due to collapse of the first salt mine, the soil above the other mine has been removed and an entirely salt mountain emerged to the surface. It is an amazing view, looks like a giant crystal with cutting edges, changing color in the sunlight.

Inside this mountain, the mine filled it with water, building The Bride Lake. The legend says that a local girl comited suicide here, after her parents forced her to marry a boy she didn't love. The salt water pushed her to the surface and kept her there, but she died nevertheless due to the strong impact (he falled from a high rock).

The old salt mine from Slanic is excellent for fighting lungs diseases, due to the constant temperature

Unfortunately, only a few years ago, another part of the salt mountain collapsed, and the Bride Lake lost its fame. But the place deserves nevertheless a visit due to the strange bizarre aspect. You can take an excellent bath in the lake, don't forget your suits.

Visit further in Slanic the Salt Museum, as also the old mine, and continue your trip to Valeni de Munte, a small but interesting town, having many to reveal to any visitor. Nicolae Iorga, one of the most distinguished Romanian scientists ever, has lived here for 40 years, and his house is nowadays a Memorial, where you can admire fine paintings, and unique pieces of furniture, with a popular inspiration. Next to the Memorial house, a collection of church works of art, with a focus on icons and books from the XVIIth century.

Please notice the lake from Slanic with its amazing neighborhood, and finally take a good bath 

If you are rather interested on natural phenomena, direct to Cheia, and meet a very special thing: The Green Mountain. It consists on rare soft volcanic rocks, and the locals use pieces of it to obtain a special ornamental mortar, which you can observe to the most of the fences and houses.

Middle Age mysteries in the Medieval fortress  Biertan

If it comes again about the fortified churches from Transilvania ( also known as peasant' fortresses) the first and most important name coming in my mind is for sure Biertan, ant the other hundreds come only on the second place!

Discover Biertan and the other fortresses starting from Sighisoara and Medias, which are little charming towns, themselves worth to be discovered in details, staying in hotel Binder Bubi. Another recommended lodging camp is also Sibiu, which is bigger, but not necessary much more interesting (my first proposal is hotel Continental, former Bulevard!). Anyway, once in the area, don't dare to miss the fortresses.

All these fortresses have been build by German Saxons ( Siebenbuerger Sachsen), which came in number in the XIIth century for defence purposes, brought by the Hungarian King Geza, which ruled the area. For these purposes and due to the many fight against invading barbarians, they build a lot of fortresses, and the one from Biertan (Bierthalm) is the biggest and best preserved.

No chance to dislike the fortified church of Biertan, I am sure!

Driving from Medias in the picturesque hilly region, once covered with vineyards, discover Biertan, nowadays a charming village which was in Middle Age the Residence of Catholic Archbishops. The village has been also an important craftsmen centre. Access in the church St. Mary is only possible after stopping in the Central Market and climbing a long covered stairs. Observe the three successive fortifications, and try to figure the way of life from the Middle Age!

Panoramic view of Biertan, with the church (view from the hill)

The church has been build within 30 years, starting from 1490, on the place of an older church. Admire to the Western entrance the coat of arms from the District Medias, called " The swearing hand". The St. Mary church is Gothic and has no less than three ships! Discover the Clock tower (the clock works starting from 1880) and enter the Lapidarium Tower, hosting the funeral stones of a few archbishops. I propose you to watch very carefully these tombs, observing and discovering the pelican feeding its cubs with blood, which is a symbol of the Templars! This symbols reminds the sacrifice of the big master Jacques de Molay.

May be is a good idea to discover Biertan by bike, it is in a picturesque hilly area

An amazing place, not exclusively for the married couples, is the eastern Tower. Here used to be send the couple wishing to divorce (a capital sin, for the Church) for a few months, sharing the same spoon, same glass (and the same bed btw) until they came back to more positive thoughts!

Inside the church observe the guilds' flags, the chairs, the superb painted altar (consisting of 28 paintings made by the Vienna school). If you ask the guardian to lock you inside, wou'll be totally amazed by the complicated locking mechanism. Inside, a bigger surprise. Notice the huge painting of one saint hanging there. watch it carefully, and observe a simple unbelievable fact: whereever you stay, or sit, the eyes of the saint are watching you, and his left foot is pointed also to you. No one can explain this illusion.

Searching the lost treasure of Dracula

There are in the Romanian history a few moments with suddenly unexpected executions, spectacular escapes or reversing rulers who leave a lots of spaces to speculations about the possible lost treasures. For the professional treasure seeker a gold mine, for sure, but no major discovery has been made during the last 150 years.

I will give you some examples of such dramatic crucial moments: the conquer of the Dacia by the Romans, first century b.C, when the Roman conquerors took with them a big treasure to Rome, but another substantial part of it has been lost and some people are still looking for it.

Much more recently, the dissolution and fall of Ceausescu  regime left space for for the speculations. Where is his money ( it is spoken than Ceausescu was a dollar millionaire))? Here in Romania we suspect his best men from Securitate, who knew a lot about secret operations. We also have some names, but there are no evidence against them; unbelievable, some of them are wealthy businessmen or powerful politicians, and you understand why I can't give any name! Aditionally, Ceausescu has a living son and a son in law, entitled to inherite all the fortune (they are poor nowadays and work as any normal people).

A notorious figure of the Middle Age, which turned meanwhile in a legend, is the prince Dracula. On the real name Vlad Tepes, he reigned twice in Wallachia (the southern part of Romania) and proved himself to be cruel, blood thirsty and intolerant. Both times when he was reversed, people said he had the necessary time to collect a healthy treasure, but did not manage to take it with. And no one reported yet the crucial discovery, there are still hopes and huge expectations for it. Some maniacs and fanatics invested fortunes, and lost a lot, but they don't give up and never accept to face the true. Or maybe have secret sources of information, pushing them to search and to dig up.

One of the best places for searching the lost treasure of Dracula is the isolated castle and fortress from Poenari. It lies on the Tranfagarasan, an iconic highway, not far from Curtea de Arges, on the way to Sibiu. Poenari is a genuine eagles' nest, and Dracula gave here some desperate battles, before to start his exile. Once you will reach the fortress, imagine it surrounded by enemies, who did not manage to conquer it, as it was practically impossible. Dracula made a spectacular retreat through secret underground channels. It is also said (popular legend) that during the siege, his faithful people used to communicate through arrows shot with unbelievable precision!

Even if you will not find the treasure of Dracula, the fortress of Poenari offers you as compensation a wonderful wide view

The fortress and its breathtaking location attracted already from the XIXth century the Romanian historians literally like a magnet! One legend says that the castle from Poenari was build by Vlad Tepes Dracula with the forced labor of local lords which were not loial in some circumstances. According other sources, the fortress is another 100 years older. Whatever is the true, it is the right place for the mystery seekers. From the main highway, in the front of the electric factory, leave your car and start climbing 1500 stairs to the fortress. Please dare and climb, but you must be fit and may not look back or down! The wide panorama is the first compensation for your efforts. Observe to the South the highway, and the cars looking smaller and smaller. To the North, the Vidraru dam with its strange monument coruscate. My tip: at night the panorama is even more spectacular, but only a few are able to do that.

I can only hope that the Vidrau lake did not swallow the hidden treasure of dracula!

According the local myths and legends, from the wide cellars started a secret passage, the last chance to escape. The same secret passage served as a hide for the Royal treasure, as official documents mention it. The money was kept in wine barrels, ready to be placed under the river bed if necessary. And this mentioned treasure of Vlad Tepes Dracula is still being searched by many adventurers!

Take a walk inside the fortress, and play the King, thinking about the best places for hiding the treasure! Observe the thick walls, they are 2-3 meters, and observe also the oval form of the fortress. There are five defending towers, four round and one rectangular. One could get inside only on a narrow bridge put on the abyssal precipice.

Even if you are a skilled sportsman and adventurer, please don't get me serious about climbing at night! Make it only in daylight, because it is difficult, and is possible to find snakes between the stones! Also, avoid the storms while climbing, otherwise bizarre phenomena can scare you totally ( deposits of electrostatic energy).

The true is, that Vlad Tepes Dracula is an important asset for the Romanian tourism, even without finding his treasure!

Prahova Valley, a Romanian Royal getaway

If you need to relax and detox, if you need to forget the usual trouble and the daily routine, I have the right medicine for you. I really recommend to go from Bucharest to Brasov, through Ploiesti on the A1 highway, along the spectacular Prahova Valley. But please keep in mind, that this highway is the busiest in Romania, and you must avoid it during the week end rush hours, e.g. Friday and Sunday afternoon.

The Prahova is simply superb,  meanders through Bucegi and Baiului Mountains, and could be named The Royal Valley of Romania, because the former King Carol I used to live here, in Sinaia, where he managed to build the fantastic Peles Castle from stone, wood and precious materials. Consequently, all his suite adopted Sinaia as a summer Capital. Ever since that period, the beginning of XXth century, the skiers and mountain climbers are the masters of these places.

Valea Prahovei is simply superb, the best place to disconnect from anything else.

Due to its proximity to Bucharest, Prahova Valley was an important connection between Wallachia and Transilvania., centuries before opening of a railway and a highway in 1880. Because the old highway is obsolete and overcrowded sometimes, there are plans for building a speed highway between Bucharest and Budapest, but the environmental price will be huge ( nowadays in the big forests of the area you can still find bears, wolves and lynxes). The legendary stylish train Orient Express drove this way on his long journey between Paris and Istanbul.

Peles Castle in Sinaia is a must see for any art freak

On the way to the mountains, discover first the quiet town of Campina, where you can find two interesting museums. One of them refers to Nicolae Grigorescu, the most important Romanian painter from all times, which lived here during its last years of life, and left his last masterpiece unaccomplished. He started his career by painting churches and monasteries, and finally an important politician, impressed by his paintings, offered him a scholarship in Paris. Nowadays, if you have the chance to buy a painting of grigorescu, please don't hesitate, it is a safer placement than gold! The secon interesting museum in Campina is Hasdeu Memorial Museum, with a very strange spiritual atmosphere, as Hasdeu, an important political and cultural personality, tried to further communicate with his beloved genial daughter Julia, died at 18 years.

Further, you reach the town of Breaza, which is simply very long, build mainly along the street, and very famous due to its excellent golf coarse. Afterwards, within minutes, you are in Sinaia, and you don't need to hurry up anymore. Enjoy Sinaia in all its splendor, it deserves. The quiet town is very animated on week ends, but in the rest of time keeps an interesting flair of the beginning of XXth Century. After King Carol set here his summer residence emmerged many luxury villas, his suite visited the Casino, and took part to hunting. If you are an art freak, don't miss the Peles Castle, it is simply superb. It was an avangarde building for Romania of those times, heated and electrified. Observe please the wood works, while going from the honor room in the weapon and Marocco room! Next to it, the Pelisor Castle, a paradise for Art Nouveau freaks.

Go deep in the Mountains by the cabin, if you are in the mood to climb them.  Further, before reaching Brasov, find Busteni and Predeal, very important for addicted skiers.