Gal Meets Globe: Romania-Transylvania September 18-19, 2016

Romania-Transylvania September 18-19, 2016

ROMANIA and TRANSLYVANIA

The most convenient way for us to get to the old walled cities and castles in Transylvania, Romania is to drive. The freeways in Hungary are wide open and fast. We drove an average of 150 kilometers per hour. Once we crossed into Romania the freeways disappeared and we were driving an average of 60 kilometers per hour. It took us 8 hours to reach our destination of Brasov but we broke up the journey by visiting Sibiu.

We walked through the center of the old walled city of Sibiu with its cobblestone streets and multiple towers and bastions built by the Saxons to ward off enemies.

Walking through Sibiu

Beautiful church in Sibiu

Inside the church

Inside another church

Brasov is a beautiful walled city and was also built by the Saxons. It is home of the largest gothic church in Europe called the Black Church. It seems they built large churches in order to discourage challenge from enemies. The Soviets re-named Brasov the City of Stalin. The Romanians do not have pleasant memories of the Soviet occupation of their country.

The black church

Buttress on the church

The walking street in Brasov

Brasov

We stayed at Casa Albert Bed and Bistro, on the main walking street.

Entrance

Courtyard

Inside the Bistro

Breakfast in the Bistro

The lookout towers and gates to the city were impressive. The Saxons would charge a tax for anyone wishing to come into the walled city. There was a festival going on and there was a band playing on the main square and locals and tourists were having fun.

One of the entrances into the walled city.

View from the lookout tower

Lookout tower view at dusk

Bran Castle is about a 30 minute drive from Brasov. It is known as Dracula’s Castle. The legend began when Vlad the Impaler (he was known to impale his enemies on long sticks) was held in prison at this castle. The castle is actually very attractive with warm wood floors and white wash exterior and interior. The Saxons from Brasov built the castle in 1382. Hungary’s Queen Marie lived here from 1920 and it was a summer residence for King Michael of Hungary until he was forced to abdicate after World War II when the Soviet Army occupation of Hungary and Romania began. The last of the Soviets did not leave until 1992.

Portrait of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula)

Courtyard of the castle

Weapons

View of the castle

It rained hard while we were there.

Inside secret passages

Torturing devices

We drove up to Sighisaura. This is another fairy tale walled city with old buildings, churches and cobblestone streets. It is also the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula).