A Unique Setting
Romania, a Latin country surrounded by Slavic-speaking countries, is located in Eastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. Its neighbors include Ukraine to the north, the Black Sea to the southeast, Bulgaria to the south, Serbia and Montenegro in the southwest, and Hungary in the west. Its eastern neighbor, the Republic of Moldova, was once part of Romania until the Soviet Union annexed it following World War II. It became independent in 1991.The country’s geography is divided into four regions: Transylvania, Moldova, Wallachia, and Dobrogea.
With a history of over 2,000 years, Romania is a treasure of culture, art, and traditions. It is distinguished by the beauty of its historical monuments, which are unique worldwide.
The monasteries of Moldova, preserved from medieval times, are particularly remarkable for their exceptional artistic value. The exterior frescoes of the monasteries of Voronet, Sucevita, Putna, Humor, and Moldovita are gems of artistry, some of the best preserved in the world.
Fit for Royalty
One of the best known tourist resorts of the Southern Carpathians is the city of Sinaia, situated on the Prahova River at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains. The “Pearl of the Carpathians,” Sinaia offers some of the country’s most popular ski slopes with altitudes up to 6,562 feet.In the late 19th century, the region attracted the attention of Romania’s King Carol I (from the German royal house of Hohenzollern) who chose it as the site for his summer residence, Peles Castle. Built in the German Neo-Renaissance style, the castle is now considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe.
Until the final days of the monarchy following World War II, Sinaia was the summer residence of the Romanian aristocracy. Walking through Sinaia, you will find attractive holiday villas built in the style of Peles Castle.
Another important historical site in the area is the Sinaia Monastery, built in 1695 in the Brancoveanu style (17th and 18th century Romanian style). There you can find objects of worship, icons, rare books, and porcelain dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. You will meet old monks from the monastery who will greet you warmly and are happy to guide you around the monastery.
The great Romanian composer George Enescu (1881–1955) also had his summer residence in Sinaia. Now, the Luminis Villa has become the George Enescu Museum. It is here that the great musician Yehudi Menuhin learned to play the violin under Enescu’s guidance in 1927.
