Whether you're a student of architecture, a historian fascinated by the medieval times in Europe or a tourist simply looking for new sights to admire, Romania should definitely be on your list of places to see. Why? Simply because Romania is filled with medieval architectural wonders, the most notable of which are the magnificent Romanian castles located in Central Romania.
Indeed, the Romanian castles are the country's most popular tourist destinations - a fact which comes as no surprise to anyone who has ever been on a trip to Romania. Built between the 13th and 18th centuries and former residences of the Saxon nobility, each castle is an imposing landmark. Some of them have even been included in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.
One such castle is the Calnic Castle or Calnic Fortified Church located near Sibiu. Built by Count Chyl de Kelling during the 13th century, this castle has survived many sieges from the Ottoman empire, probably because of its high walls and defensive towers, including the Siegfried Tower. The firing windows of the five-storey Siegfried tower are noticeable even from afar, making it truly a historical landmark.
Still, Bran Castle in the vicinity of Brasov remains as the most popular of the Romanian castles. It is also considered a national monument and is admired for its beautiful turrets and majestic walls. Although there is no proof that Vlad Tepes once lived there, the castle has earned the nickname 'Dracula's Castle', making it a must-see attraction not just for vampire chasers but for all tourists on a trip to Romania.
Another Romanian castle which draws large crowds of tourists annually is the Corvinesti Castle in Hunedoara. Considered the country's greatest castle, it used to be the home of Prince Iancu, and boasts of a drawbridge, vast halls and more than 50 rooms embellished with medieval art.
The Peles Castle in Sinaia also stands out, not just among the Romanian castles, but among all the castles of Europe. After all, it is not only considered an outstanding example of Neo-Renaissance architecture, but is also the most stunning castle in Europe, boasting an extensive collection of art and ornate furniture. Peles Castle is also the first castle in Europe to be powered by electricity.
Although it is not listed as one of the Romanian castles, the Palace of Culture is also an architectural beauty and is worth a visit on your trip to Romania. Inaugurated in 1926, it has 298 rooms and houses the country's Museums of Art, Science and Technology, Ethnography and History.
Other Romanian castles worth visiting include the Valea Viilot Fortress, the Mogosoaia Palace and the Fagaras Castle. You can drop by the minor Romanian castles and fortresses, too, as well as historic castle ruins. Although relatively unknown, they are equally interesting and can still make your trip to Romania a worthwhile and memorable one.
Isabella Olsen is a writer who has travelled to global tourist destinations such as Romania by car. To book your cheap car hire Romania or learn more about cheap car rental worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com.
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