Christine RogadorIt is located between Ukraine and Bulgaria in Southeastern Europe and is one of the largest Balkan nations. Romania is a beautiful country and home to many UNESCO Heritage sites, known for its picturesque landscapes, culture, and history.
It is also home to the majestic Carpathian Mountains, the second-longest mountain range in Europe. The Danube River also flows through Romania, making it a popular destination for river cruises.
These are just a few of the many famous landmarks in Romania.
Like many other Balkan nations, Romania had remarkable growth over the past ten years and is one of the newest members of the European Union. With its stunning natural landscape, impressive architecture, fascinating castles and well-preserved medieval towns, Romania has become one of Europe’s most popular and most visited places, showcasing the country’s unique religious and cultural heritage.
Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or natural beauty, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this fascinating country.
So, If you are planning to visit Romania soon and looking for the best places to explore, here is the list of the most famous landmarks of Romania that you may want to discover, a must-visit destinations for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Southeastern Europe.
9 Famous Landmarks In Romania
1. Cantacuzino Castle
One stunning landmark in Romania that recently shot to international fame is Cantacuzino Castle. Cantacuzino Castle was one of the filming locations in Netflix’s Wednesday – The Addams Family spin-off show that sensationally took the world by storm at the end of 2022! Cantacuzino Castle was the impressive building used for the external filming locations of Nevermore Academy – but it’s actually even more beautiful in real life! Located in Busteni, a small but busy town in the Carpathian Mountains 130km north of the capital, Cantacuzino Castle is absolutely stunning and is definitely worth a visit!
Built in 1911, Cantacuzino Castle is a Neo-Romanian Castle commissioned by Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino who was Romania’s former Prime Minister in the late 1800s and early 1900s and the former Mayor of Bucharest. Until the 1930s it was his summer home, however it is now to the public!
Open from 10am to 6pm daily, be sure to wander round, relax and enjoy a meal at the restaurant at Cantacuzino – it has a spectacular terrace providing breathtaking views of the grounds, as well as a beautiful waterfall, grotto and fountains in the peaceful gardens! Enjoy a tour of the inside and see the art gallery, Italian ceramic flooring, impressive staircases and painted ceilings!
Reaching Cantacuzino Castle by train from Bucharest is easy – take the train from Bucuresti Nord to Busteni which takes under 2 hours and then walk 15 minutes from the station to Cantacuzino Castle.
Contributed by: Catrina from 24 Hours Layover
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2. Maramures Wooden Churches
Maramures is a region in Northwestern Romania. It is famous for its rural lifestyle and wooden churches. A trip here feels like going back in time. On Sundays locals still wear their traditional clothing when going to church and during the afternoons many local residents watch the world go by on benches which are outside many of the houses.
It takes nearly 9 hours to drive here from Bucharest so not many people make it this far north – but that just makes it all the more special. You will have most of the wooden churches to yourself and to gain access you often have to track down the caretaker.
Since the wooden churches are spread over a wide area it is difficult to explore without a rental car. The churches date back to the 16th to 18th Centuries and 8 are UNESCO listed. If you don’t have time to visit them all the ones not to miss are Barsana, Plopis and Desesti.
May to September is the best time to visit since the area experiences snow during the winter which makes driving conditions difficult.
The main reason to visit the area might be for the fantastic wooden churches but you will leave with so much more. The experience of the landscape, the people and the lifestyle will remain with you and likely form the highlight of your Romania trip.
Contributed by: Kristin from Scotland Less Explored
3. Sarmizegetusa Regia, Hunedoara County (Transylvania)
One of the most important historical landmarks in Romania is Sarmizegetusa Regia. These remains in the central mountains of Romania were once the capital of the Dacians, who ruled the region before it was conquered by the Romans, destroying the fortress in 106 AD.
Erected on top of a 1200m tall mountain, the fortress consisted of six citadels, although little remains these days. As well as an important military centre of the Dacians, the site was also an important religious centre. The most fascinating remains on the site are the foundations of multiple temples, in the Zona Sacra on the eastern side of the site. All the remains are surrounded by thick forest.
Sarmizegetusa Regia is nowadays accessible via a fully sealed road, about an hour’s drive southeast from the small city of Hunedoara. The final approach to the site is a 1km walk along a climbing cobblestone path.
The site is open daily from 9am to 8pm between May and September. During the winter months from December to February it is closed, while during the remainder of the year it is open 9am to 6pm, except on Mondays. The entry fee for adults is a small 5 lei (1 euro), 3 lei for children. If you are travelling with your dog in Romania, they are welcome to join you.
Contributed by: Shandos Cleaver from Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel
4. Bran Castle
Bran Castle is an iconic landmark nestled in the heart of Romania. Famous for inspiring Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this amazing castle has been a source of curiosity and wonder for centuries. It’s no secret why Bran Castle is one of the top tourist spots in Romania.
Not only does it boast a fascinating history, but it’s also incredibly beautiful. The dramatic silhouette towers over its leafy surroundings, making it an impressive sight. So it’s recommended to take a good camera with you!
Inside the castle walls, you’ll find a collection of stunning medieval furniture and artwork that offers a glimpse into Romania’s past. You can visit on your own and buy tickets at the castle. However, it’s a popular place to visit and it does get really bust so try and book them in advance.
The cultural significance of Bran Castle is undeniable. Not only did it inspire Bram Stoker’s famous novel, but it also stands as a symbol of Romania’s long and vivid history. Visitors can learn about the country’s turbulent past through guided tours and interactive exhibits.
With its mix of history and beauty, Bran Castle is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re interested in Romanian folklore or just want to appreciate some stunning architecture, it’s an absolute must-see! No visit to Romania is complete without a trip to the iconic Bran Castle.
Contributed by: Lowri Thomas from Many Other Roads
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5. Peles Castle
Peles Castle is, hands down, the most beautiful castle you can find in Romania. Located in the town of Sinaia, 140 km north of Bucharest and 50 km south of Brasov, this stunning landmark is a very easy place to visit, a perfect day trip from both cities. Even if the area was important already in medieval times, Peles Castle was built only at the end of the 19th century, as the summer residence for King Carol I.
Until his death in 1914, the king has been constantly working on improvements in the castle and you can clearly see that no money was skimped on this masterpiece. The castle looks impressive already from the outside, with all the carefully designed details it is impossible to stay indifferent when looking at the structure. But once you get inside your jaw will drop. The palace is a true symbol of splendor and luxury, no words can describe all the beauty you can find inside.
There are 160 rooms in the Peles Castle, as well as 800 stained glass windows and a big collection of ceramics, clocks, and silverwork. Fortunately, it is possible to visit the castle and see its outstanding interior however, since it’s one of the most popular places in Romania you can expect crowds there. You can buy tickets online in advance or on-site, there is a separate ticket for every floor you would like to visit (currently it’s 50 lei per floor).
Contributed by: Kamila from My Wanderlust
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6. Ciocanesti Painted Houses
Located in Suceava County in the Romanian region of Bukovina, the tiny village of Ciocanesti offers a whimsical take on traditional Romanian egg painting.
This is because the village houses are painted in the same motifs and colors as Orthodox Easter eggs! There are over six hundred painted houses here (though some designs are grander than others), and no two houses in Ciocanesti are identical!
This local tradition began in the 1950s and quickly took off, with each house being painted sporadically by those living in the house (as opposed to a town-wide effort). This led to a wonderful mix of colors, patterns, and styles that contrast nicely with each other.
And it’s not just the houses that are painted. You’ll find all manner of buildings with various states of decoration.
Simply walking through the town to appreciate the houses is free, but if you want to see the town’s egg museum there’s a small entry fee. Referred to in English as the National Museum of Painted Eggs, it features many beautiful examples of egg painting craftsmanship. This means you don’t need to wait until Easter to appreciate these beauties. The entry fee to the museum is 10 RON (Romanian Leu), which is a little over two USD or Euros.
Contributed by: Stephanie from History Fangirl
7. National Theater Cluj
Another one of the most famous landmarks in Romania can be found in Cluj-Napoca.
The unofficial capital of Transylvania is one of Romania’s major university cities and therefore a hotspot for young people. Although it’s one of the hippest cities in Romania, its roots date back almost 2,000 years.
Therefore the number of historic monuments is accordingly high. One of them is the national theater, also called Lucian Blaga National Theatre, which was built in the early 19th century.
The theater is located next to the famous Orthodox Cathedral and a lovely square where sometimes a market takes place where you can buy local stuff.
Designed by the renowned firm of Austrian architects Fellner and Helmer, the National Theater became one of the major Romanian cultural promoters in Transylvania.
It’s a great opportunity to watch a Romanian theatre show because there’s a play almost every day. Whether you’re interested in classic or modern performances, the theatre offers a mix for everyone.
For the theater program and ticket prices, check out the official website of the National Theater in Cluj-Napoca.
Contributed by: Alina from World of Lina
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8. The Merry Cemetery in Romania
The Merry Cemetery is a unique spot in northern Romania, near the town of Săpânța in Maramureș County. It is a traditional cemetery known for its bright and colourful tombstones, which are decorated with paintings that depict scenes from the deceased person’s life. The epitaphs beneath the carvings also tell funny stories about the life and death of those who have been laid to rest there.
The cemetery’s unique tombstones began in 1935 when local artist Stan Ioan Pătraș started carving wooden crosses to mark the graves in the old church cemetery. By the 1960’s, the entire cemetery was adorned with these colourful crosses.
Although the original carver has since passed away, the tradition of painting these colourful crosses continues today through his apprentice.
The Merry Cemetery has since become a popular tourist attraction and features over 800 hand-made painted crosses. Visitors can wander through the cemetery, admiring the painted illustrations and reading the interesting and fun stories that accompany each of the graves. While most of the stories are written in Romanian, there are several translated into English.
With its bright colours and cheerful scenes, this cemetery is a must-see destination for anyone travelling through the northern area of Romania. It’s a vibrant reminder that life can still be celebrated even in death.
The Merry Cemetery is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm and costs 4 lei (less than $1 USD) to enter.
Contributed by: Erin from Wanderlust With Kids
9. Brasov Old Town
Talking about Things to do in Brasov old town, The Black Church ticks all the boxes due to its fascinating history. It was originally built in the 14th century, but was heavily damaged by fire in 1689, which blackened its walls and ceilings. The soot from the fire is what gave the church its nickname, the “Black Church”. After the fire, the church was renovated and expanded, and has since become a symbol of resilience and perseverance. This structure has been existing for over 600years.
It is characterized by an imposing size. Also, the beautiful spire that reaches towards the sky is worth pointing out. Its gothic architecture is really impressive too with vaulted ceilings, pointed arches, and intricate stone carvings.
Check Out The Famous Black And White Towers:
These towers are some of the oldest and most preserved medieval structures in the city. They were originally built in the 15th century as part of the city’s defensive fortifications. Also, they served as watchtowers to protect the city from invaders. The towers were used as prisons during the Middle Ages, and visitors can still see the narrow, cramped cells where prisoners were once held.
The Black and White Towers are an important part of Brasov’s rich cultural heritage and have played a significant role in the city’s history. They have survived wars, fires, and other disasters, and have become symbols of the city’s strength and resilience over the centuries.
Contributed by: Phil from JOURNICATION Travel Blog
