Map of Romagna, formerly Thrace, 1584. The European part of Turkey is called Romagna here

It just so happens that the 101st post in my LiveJournal is again on the topic of ancientization.

Today I read an entry about a new version of Romanian history. http://i-grappa.livejournal.com/658828.html#cutid1

A certain Romanian historian Andrei Groza (note that the name and surname are completely Slavic) offers a new version of history in which Romania occupies a much more significant place than in traditional history. Here is his abstract version:

In the first centuries of the first millennium AD. all the way from the Apennine Peninsula to the Caucasus Mountains lived one people (Romans, Ilirians, Thracians, Geto-Dacians), who spoke the same language.
- For this reason, the Dacians were not and could not be Romanized, because spoke almost the same language as the Romans.
- Until the second half of the first millennium, the entire space from the Balkans to the Don and the Caucasus was inhabited by a great and powerful people - the Getic people.
- So, Goths, Huns, Avars were Getae.
- Bulgaria VII-XI centuries, Russia (Roshia) IX-XI centuries. and Hungary X-XIV centuries. were Romanian states.
- The names of the Bulgarians, dews (roshy - translated from Romanian, red), the Hungarians then called the Romanians.
- the process of formation of the Romanian people and language ends in the 10th century, the cradle of the people is the land between the Danube, Drina, Lake Ohrid, the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea (including Crimea) and the Dnieper.
- the ethnonym "Romanian" (roman) does not come from the word "roman" (Roman), but from the word "rumen" (ruman), which means red. At the final stage of ethnogenesis, the Romanians called themselves rumani or rosii.
- The external ethnonym "Vlach" comes from the Greek blach, meaning red.
- At the beginning of the 10th century, the Romanians had the largest state in Europe.
- Slavs and Hungarians were subjects of the Romanian state
- Cyril and Methodius invented not the Cyrillic alphabet, but the Glagolitic alphabet. so-called. the Cyrillic alphabet was compiled by the Romanians and should properly be called the Romanian alphabet.
- In the XIV century. Moldova and Muntenia left Romanian Ungaria, while in Ungaria itself the Romanians gradually lost their dominant position, and the name Hungarian (ungar) gradually, over the centuries, was appropriated by the Magyars.
One of the arguments of traditional historians is that the Dacians were Romanized by the Romans, but the evidence suggests otherwise. First of all, we can state that the Dacians were a very numerous people who lived in the range from the middle Danube to the Dnieper and even to the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov:
- Ptolemy wrote that carps (Dacians) live from the northern bank of the Danube to Borisfen
- Marcianius from Heraclea Pontica shows that Dacia extends from the Carpathians to the Dniester
- Isidore of Seville places Dacia between Germany and the Sea of ​​Azov
- Archaeologist Vasile Pyrvan states that "Geto-Thracian features are found right up to the Dnieper and even in the Caucasus.

On the map, the territory of "great Romania" includes almost all of Serbia, Bulgaria and Ancient Rus', in the north reaching the source of the Volga.

In fact, the thinking of nationalists is monotonous, they lick everything from each other, and "ancient and glorious" stories are created according to one algorithm. You just need to declare that this people lived in the territory where they always live now and spoke practically the same language that they speak now. Then you need to identify all the tribes with which the Greeks and Romans fought with this people. So, did all sorts of Goths, Huns, Avars, and others come from the territory of Romania (or close territories)? So they are Romanians. For greater persuasiveness, you can look for the roots of the desired language in the names of the leaders of all these Goths and Avars. I think the task is quite feasible. Well, then you can find words in the languages ​​of neighboring peoples that are consonant with the words of the desired language (this is also simple, because there must certainly be borrowings over the centuries of neighborhood) and say that they say this is it - proof that the territory from the Adriatic to the upper Volga is originally Romanian (Bulgarian, Hungarian, Albanian) land. One of the first to test this algorithm was Mavro Orbini. However, in his defense it can be said that the Poles were then quite seriously called Sarmatians, and the southern Russians and Tatars - Scythians.
Of course, all the constructions of Andrey Groza are nonsense. But the benefit of this nonsense lies in the fact that it helps to look at the early history of the Poles, Czechs, Russians, Hungarians, Ukrainians and others from a different perspective. (And also Tatars, Celts, to underline the necessary, in short ...) I think Prince Svyatoslav is as Russian (or Ukrainian) as he is Romanian. If he really existed, then he belonged to an ethnic group different from all existing ones. But Russia began to write its history by Eastern European standards early. Therefore, she appropriated Svyatoslav and the ancient Rus to herself. The Romanians, however, had to be content with Wallachia with its albeit late, but quite reliable history (and Church Slavonic as the official language).

Where is Romania located on the world map? State of Romania with capital Bucharest located in Southeast Europe. It is located in the east of the Balkan Peninsula. From the southeast, the coast is washed by the Black Sea. It borders with Ukraine, Hungary, Bulgaria and Moldova.

You can find out about the flight time to Romania by reading the additional information in the article: How long is the flight to Romania from Moscow and other cities of the Russian Federation?

This country occupies in equal parts mountainous, hilly and flat terrain. Across the territory of the whole country from Ukraine to Serbia, the Carpathian mountains are located, which in Romania have 14 mountain ranges. The highest point is Mount Moldoveanu (altitude 2544 meters above sea level).

A detailed map of Romania with cities and main attractions in Russian is located on our website. Here you can find the most popular resorts and cities of the country, such as Brasov, Sighisoara, Constanta, Bran, Sibiu, Sinaia. On the map you can also find the main attractions of the country: Bran Castle, built in the 14th century, Peles Castle - the most beautiful architecture of Romania, the Botanical Garden in Bucharest, the palace in Cantacuzino, Cotroceni, Fagaras, Poenari, Pelisor, as well as many other castles and fortresses .

Useful information for tourists about Romania, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, the currency of Romania, the cuisine, the features of visa and customs restrictions in Romania.

Geography of Romania

Romania is a state in the southeast of Europe, bordered by the Black Sea, Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary. All Romania, with the exception of the Black Sea coast, is included in the Danube basin.

State

State structure

The form of government is a republic. The head of state is the president. The head of government is the prime minister. The legislature is a bicameral parliament.

Language

Official language: Romanian

Hungarian and German are widely used. In the tourism industry, French and English are common.

Religion

70% of the population professes Romanian Orthodoxy, 6% - Protestantism, 6% - Catholicism and 3% - Greek Orthodoxy.

Currency

International name: RON

The Romanian leu is equal to 100 bani. Banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 lei are in circulation. Coins - 1, 5, 10, 50 bani.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks or at specialized exchange offices (casa de schimb) located in hotels, train stations, airports, some of the supermarkets and on the main streets of cities. Exchange receipts should be kept until leaving the country.

Most major hotels and restaurants accept American Express, MasterCard, Dinners Club and Visa credit cards. Traveler's checks can be cashed in major banks in the capital (cheques in euros are preferred). It is almost impossible to pay with non-cash funds in the province. The exceptions are coastal resorts and ski resorts. ATMs are becoming an increasingly common means of currency exchange, but they are found only in the capital and large resort areas.

History of Romania

The territory of Romania in 106 was conquered by the Roman emperor Trajan and annexed to the Roman Empire. From the 3rd century, it was constantly subjected to raids by neighboring tribes of Goths, Huns, and Bulgars. In the 9th century, Romania was under the rule of Bulgaria and at that time was baptized into Orthodoxy.

In 1532, the two Romanian principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia were under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. In the middle of the 18th century, as a result of the Russian-Turkish wars, the influence of the Ottoman Empire was significantly weakened. Moldavia and Wallachia received greater autonomy, Russia became the de facto suzerain of these states. After the defeat of Russia in the Crimean War, its influence here weakened.

In 1859, both states crowned a common king, in 1861 they merged into the autonomous principality of Romania. In 1878, the independence of Romania was proclaimed, in 1881 the country became known as the Kingdom of Romania.

In the 30s of the 20th century, a pro-fascist regime was established in Romania, led by Corneliu Geleo Codreanu, the leader of the Iron Guard.

In 1947, a republic was proclaimed in Romania, and a year later a new constitution based on that of the USSR was adopted. The communist regime of Ceausescu was in power in the country until December 1989. On December 22, as a result of revolutionary events, power in the country passed to the "Council of National Salvation". 3 days later, Ceausescu and his wife were executed.

The territory of Romania in 106 was conquered by the Roman emperor Trajan and annexed to the Roman Empire. From the 3rd century, it was constantly subjected to raids by neighboring tribes of Goths, Huns, and Bulgars. In the 9th century, Romania was under the rule of Bulgaria and at that time was baptized into Orthodoxy....

Popular Attractions

Romania Tourism

Where to stay

The hotel business in Romania has noticeably changed for the better over the past decades and today corresponds to the level of most Eastern European countries. In any city of the country there are numerous hotels of various classes, the level of services provided and prices for accommodation. The widest selection of hotels is presented in Bucharest, Brasov, Constanta, Sighisoara and Timisoara.

When looking for options for accommodation, you should pay attention to the following: despite the existing gradation of the "star" hotels in Romania, three-star hotels can be much more comfortable than four- or even five-star ones, falling short of a high level in just a couple of minor details.

Five-star hotels can only be found in very large cities such as Bucharest. In the ski resorts of Romania, there are villas and hotels of various levels, ranging from one to four stars.

Breakfast is usually included in the rate and ranges in quality from simple biscuits with tea to sumptuous buffets. Most hotels in the country have free wi-fi or a computer with Internet access.

In addition to traditional hotels, there are other accommodation options in Romania. For example, the pensiunea is a family-run guesthouse and roadside hotel that can be rated either two or three stars. Here, vacationers are offered bedrooms with private facilities in the room and food. Each hotel has a restaurant or cafe.

For tourists who want to get to know the life of local residents better, it is worth staying in guest houses (homestays pensiunea) and rural guesthouses. Their life can be unusually simple. But such accommodation fits perfectly into such a popular style of recreation as agrotourism.

Hostels are another popular type of accommodation in Romania, which are located only in the most popular sightseeing cities, such as Bucharest, Sighisoara and Sibiu.

Popular hotels

Tours and attractions in Romania

Romania is one of the most interesting countries in Southeast Europe. Its territory has been inhabited since prehistoric times and today impresses with its richest cultural and historical heritage. Undoubtedly, the stunning natural landscapes of the country are also impressive. Romania is the majestic Carpathians, the picturesque Danube Delta, the famous Black Sea beaches, beautiful architectural monuments and many other interesting sights. Traveling in Romania will give you unforgettable impressions and many positive emotions.

The heart of the country and its "pearl" is considered to be its capital - Bucharest. It is located in an amazingly picturesque place among beautiful lakes, gardens and parks. It is definitely worth visiting the so-called Old Bucharest with a labyrinth of narrow streets, many beautiful architectural structures and an abundance of historical monuments. Among the most interesting sights of Bucharest are the Palace of the Parliament (one of the largest buildings in the world), Curtea Veche (princely court), the Royal Palace, the Arc de Triomphe, the Crezulescu Palace, the Romanian Athena, the National Historical Museum, the National Museum of Art, the monasteries of Antimi and Plumbuita, the Church of Mihai Voda, and the Patriarchal Church. You should definitely visit the Cismigiu Gardens, the Botanical Garden, the Bordei and Harastrau parks, the Hanul lui Manuc caravanserai, the Museum of the Romanian Peasant and the Ethnographic Open Air Museum. And in the vicinity of Bucharest, the magnificent Mogoshoai Palace, the Stirbei Palace, as well as the monasteries of Chernika, Snagov, Tsiganesti, Paserya and Kalderushan deserve special attention.

The Romanian city of Brasov is also popular among tourists. Its main attraction is the famous Black Church (XV century) made in the Gothic style. Also of interest are the Church of St. Nicholas, the Church of St. Bartholomew, the Historical Museum, the City Hall, the Gates of Catherine and the Museum of the First School. In the vicinity of Brasov is Bran Castle, which served as the prototype for the legendary Dracula's castle in Bram Stoker's novel.

You should definitely visit the famous Romanian monasteries Voronets, Horeza and Sucevitsa, which are a national treasure and are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In Alba Iulia, one of the most ancient cities in the country, you can visit the oldest museum in Romania, the Citadel built by the Roman Emperor Charles VI and the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, and in its vicinity the only ice cave in Eastern Europe. In Sinai, the Peleshor Castle, the Sinai Monastery are interesting, and not far from the city is the Peles Royal Palace, which today is one of the largest museums in the country.

You will also find many interesting sights in the cities of Timisoara, Constanta, Iasi, Cluj-Napoca, Sighisoara, Sibiu, Suceava, the historical region of Maramures and Ancient Dacia. Among the natural beauties of Romania, a special place is occupied by the Bicaz Gorge and the unique Danube Delta.

Romania is famous for its huge number of various resorts.

Tips

Tipping is not accepted. You can leave 5-10% in a first-class restaurant or, if the cost of service is included in the bill, round the bill up. Tips are not required in taxis.

Visa

Office Hours

Banks are open on weekdays from 9 am to 12 pm, currency exchange offices - from 9 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 3 pm. In large resort areas, opening hours are usually extended until 4 pm.

Shops are open on weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm with a lunch break from 12 am to 3 pm in different stores. In large cities there are shops with a round-the-clock work schedule. Day off is usually Saturday and Sunday.

Medicine

From time to time, outbreaks of anthrax in the Danube Delta, viral meningitis in the northern and eastern regions, typhus, hepatitis and rabies in rural areas are recorded. International health insurance is required. Medical care is rather poor.

Safety

Petty theft, currency and credit card fraud are very common, sometimes scammers dress up in the uniform of a policeman or taxi driver. Drug use is prosecuted with particular severity - even a foreigner can be convicted of drug-related offenses for up to 7 years.

Emergency Phones

Ambulance - 961
Emergency Hospital - 962
Police - 955
Fire assistance - 981

Photo and video shooting

Photographing military installations, bridges and ports is prohibited. In some places (mainly most of the palaces and some churches) you will need to pay about 2 thousand lei for permission to take pictures.

National features of Romania. Traditions

Smoking is prohibited in public transport and public places (theaters, restaurants).

Questions and opinions about Romania

Question answer

Mysterious Romania attracts tourists with its history and beauty of natural places. Many of them believe that all the medieval castles of this country are inhabited by vampires. The legends of Count Dracula excite the imagination of travelers. Gothic castles in the forests, with their spiers in the sky, seem to be a reflection of national myths.

However, most tourists know Romania as a classic European country. There are many majestic buildings in the capital. The rich and diverse culture of the country is represented in ethnographic museums. Dense forests are most often the territory of a nature reserve or national park. The charm of the cozy atmosphere of small towns in Europe can be found in Brasov, Sibiu or Sighisoara. Each historical region of Romania is attractive in its own way and has its own flavor.

The best hotels and hostels at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see in Romania?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

1. Bran Castle

Also known as Dracula's castle, as during the campaigns the voivode Vlad Tepes-Dracula often stopped here for the night. It was he who was the prototype of the hero of Stoker's novel. Bran Castle was built in the 14th century as a defensive fortress. Subsequently, two defensive towers were added to it. Long labyrinth corridors lead through the premises of the castle, and from the well there is a passage to the underground premises.

2. Palace of Parliament (Bucharest)

3. Park of King Mihai I (Bucharest)

Founded in 1936. It is located next to Place Charles de Gaulle in an area where there were marshes in the past. Most of the park is occupied by Lake Herestrau. The attractions of the park are the royal residence "Elizabeth's Palace" and the Museum of the Romanian Village. Part of the park is occupied by a recreational area designed for recreation of city residents and travelers. In this part of the park there are paths and benches.

4. Alba Carolina Fortress (Alba Iulia)

An ancient fortress, built in 1715-1738. It is interesting for its unusual heptagonal shape for buildings of this type. Some believe that the architects built it in the form of a star. The fortress was built as a defensive structure during the invasion of the Turks, but it participated in only one battle - against the Hungarians. The walls of the fortress are well preserved, in one of them a hotel was built in the "Middle Ages" style.

5. Sfatului Square (Brasov)

Also called City Council Square. The oldest square in the city of Brasov, a large number of medieval historical buildings and architectural monuments are concentrated on it. Including the interesting building of the town hall of the XV century, which now houses the historical museum. A large number of excursion routes pass through the noisy and crowded square; fairs or mass festivities often take place on it.

6. Historic center of Sibiu

Sibiu is a city in Transylvania, a historical region of Romania. The center of this city is a contender for protection as a UNESCO site. Conventionally, it is divided into two parts. Architectural monuments are concentrated in the Upper Town, where wealthy segments of the population lived. The lower city will show tourists the life of workshops and artisans. The narrow cozy streets of the center turn into squares, where, as a rule, a church is located.

7. Historic center of Sighisoara

The city itself was founded in the XIII century by settlers from Saxony. They built a fortress on a hill, which later formed one of the most beautiful cities preserved from the Middle Ages in Europe. The historic center of Sighisoara is rightfully included in the UNESCO heritage list. Its symbol is the Clock Tower 64 meters high. It was built at the same time as the fortress. Costumed processions and tournaments are held on the square of the center.

8. Lipscany Street (Bucharest)

The street is called the heart of the old city. In the past, fairs and auctions were held on it, and even now there are many different shops on it - souvenir, book, wine, tea. In the evening, bars and restaurants begin to work, and the active nightlife of this street begins. Many buildings in this part of the city were damaged during World War II. And now the most fashionable boutiques of the city are located in the restored buildings.

9. Botanical Garden in Cluj-Napoca

It is the botanical garden of the Babes-Bolyai University. The garden bears the name of the Romanian botanist of this university - Alexander Borza. Research activities are carried out in this popular place among tourists. More than 10,000 plants brought from all over the world grow on 14 hectares of the garden. Some areas are decorated with themed landscapes. A pagoda was built in the Japanese Garden, and ancient Roman artifacts were installed in the Roman Garden.

10. Peles Castle (Sinai)

The ancient castle in the Carpathian region is an architectural monument. After construction in 1914, it was a royal residence. The luxury of the interiors is amazing. Decorations are wall painting, stained-glass windows, carvings. In the park around the palace there is a garden with many sculptures. Currently, the castle houses the Historical Museum. In it you can see a collection of weapons and armor of the Middle Ages, works of art.

11. Corvin Castle (Hunedoara)

An ancient castle of the Hunyadi family, built in the 15th century on the site of a small fort with a single defensive tower. During its existence, the castle has changed more than 20 owners, each of which rebuilt and completed it to his taste. As a result, the architecture represents different styles from the Renaissance to the Gothic Revival. Now the castle houses a museum. The road to it passes through a gigantic bridge.

12. Rasnov Fortress

It was built by the Teutonic Knights back in 1215. Its main purpose was to protect the local civilian population. When threatened with an attack, the villagers took refuge behind the walls of the citadel, which had everything necessary for life - houses, a school, a chapel. In the middle of the fortress there is a well 146 meters deep. According to legend, Turkish prisoners of war dug it in an attempt to save their lives.

13. Black Church (Brasov)

Lutheran ancient church, built in the XIV century. Located in Transylvania. The height of this building in the Gothic style is 65 meters. The church got its name after the fire of the Great Turkish War. The fire covered the walls of the church with soot. The temple is active. But tourists are allowed to go inside and see the ancient artful frescoes, sculptures, as well as magnificent carpets that adorn the interior.

14. Stavropol Church (Bucharest)

A sacred place for many pilgrims. Believers from all over Europe come to the church to see the unique religious artifacts. For example, particles of the relics of the apostles Peter and Andrew. Travelers admire the design of the church. The best traditions of Byzantine and Romanian architecture intertwined in its appearance. The peculiarities of the interior are the exquisite subtlety of the design of frescoes and paintings, as well as the altar.

15. Horezu Monastery

Located in the historical place of Romania - Valahau. Built in 1690. The architecture of the monastery is a magnificent example of the Brynkovyan style, which originated in this area. The internal painting of the church at the monastery was made by the invited master Konstantin. Many of his drawings have survived to this day. The monastery is protected by UNESCO as an object of world cultural and historical value.

16. Churches of the historical region of Moldova

Moldova is a region in the northeast of the country. 8 churches of this area are under the protection of UNESCO. The years of church construction are between 1487 and 1532. Churches differ in different styles of decoration and architecture, they are painted in different colors. Excursion tours to the churches of Moldova are popular with travelers, even those who are not related to religion. One does not need to be an expert to appreciate the architectural and spiritual value of these churches.

17. Romanian Ateneum (Bucharest)

A magnificent concert hall in the capital of Romania. Built in 1888 on the initiative of Romanian artists. The Concert Hall is the main venue for the George Enescu Orchestra of the Bucharest Philharmonic. The building was built in the neoclassical style with elements of romanticism. Its architecture contains both columns and a dome with a spire, as well as rich external and internal decor. There is a park around the concert hall.

18. National Museum of Art of Romania (Bucharest)

It is located in the center of Bucharest and occupies the building of the former royal palace. The museum's exhibitions feature exhibits of various subjects - weapons, coins, books, antique clothes and furniture. Particular attention is paid to art objects. The works of local masters are united in the Gallery of Modern Romanian Art and there is a separate exposition of works by masters of painting and sculpture from abroad.

19. Palace of Culture (Iasi)

Under the roof of the Palace of Culture, four museums of the national complex of Moldova and the Center for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage are united. 298 rooms of the palace were provided for their needs. The central hall is decorated with mosaics on the floor depicting animals from the Bestiary. The entrance to the Palace of Culture is through the Clock Tower. The building has survived 14 fires and several extensive renovations.

20. Museum of the Romanian Village (Bucharest)

One of the oldest museums of ethnography in the world. Founded in 1936. The open-air museum is located by Lake Herestrau. On its vast territory there are more than 300 buildings brought from different parts of Romania. They are united in 76 complexes. All types of architecture of villages in the country are represented. The oldest buildings of the museum date back to the 15th century. Wooden and water mills are especially interesting for inspection.

21. ASTRA (Sibiu)

The theme of the complex is devoted to the Romanian civilization. The open-air exposition is a large platform that presents the life and culture of Romanians. Among the exhibits there are such buildings as farmers' houses, schools, religious buildings. Life is shown clearly - many men and women dressed in national costumes show how the household work is done. It will take about 4 hours to visit this complex.

22. Merry Cemetery

Located in the village of Sepyntsa. A unique feature is the attitude to the death of local residents, they do not regard the death as a gloomy and tragic event. And the tombstones of the graves at the Merry Cemetery are bright and colorful, with original drawings and poems. Often they depict the life of a deceased person, its most striking episodes. The cemetery is accessible to visitors at any time, thousands of tourists come here every year.

23. Salt mine in the city of Turda

Salt springs in this area have been known for a long time. The first mention of them dates back to 1075. In 1992, tourists were allowed inside the mine, and the object quickly gained popularity among travelers. In addition to visiting the salt "palace" - as the cave is often called, a wellness center was founded in it. There are gyms and treatment rooms. Excursions to the underground lake are popular; you can sail on it by boat.

24. Southern Carpathians

This part of the Carpathian mountain system is called the Transylvanian Alps. The highest mountain is Moldoveanu - 2544 meters. It is located on the Fagaras mountain range. The slopes of the mountains are covered with forests, and at the beginning of summer there is still snow on their peaks, there are large glacial lakes. More accessible for hiking is Mount Tympa near the city of Brasov. The tourist infrastructure is well developed on its slopes.

25. Scarisoara Cave

Large ice cave in the Apuseni mountains. Romanians call it a natural wonder of their country. The cave was formed about 3500 years ago, its exploration began at the beginning of the 20th century. Even now, access is not open everywhere for tourists, as scientists continue to work in it. For visitors, the descents and ascents are equipped with stairs. The total length of the cave is over 700 meters. The temperature in it does not exceed 0 degrees.

26. Mud volcanoes in Buzau

They are located on the territory of a natural reserve. Appeared as a result of an earthquake in 1977. 4 craters almost daily erupt streams of mud containing many chemical elements. Mud flows, drying up, form unusual landscapes with deep cracks, similar to the surface of the moon. For tourists on the territory of the reserve there are several hotels and sites for setting up tents.

27. Bucegi Sphinx and Bebele

Rock formations that are included in the list of natural wonders of Romania. Located on the territory of the Buchedgi Natural Park at an altitude of more than 2000 above sea level. The unusual shape of the rocks is due to erosion and wind. The figure of the Sphinx from a certain angle really resembles the figure of a mythological animal. Babel is Romanian for "old women", but it's a little more difficult to see the outlines of old women.

28. Retezat

National park, UNESCO protected area. Located in the mountains, the highest point is Mount Peleaga - 2509 meters. The landscape of the park is diverse - mountain peaks and alpine meadows, rocks and pine groves. Among the rich alpine flora there are many large predators - a wolf, a brown bear, a lynx. Of the birds in the park, 120 species are represented, including golden eagles, eagle owls, and vultures. Reptiles are represented by poisonous vipers.

29. Iron Gate Nature Park

The park got its name because of the area in the Danube valley, where the Carpathian and Staro Planina mountains converge. Near this territory are the borders of Romania, and. The fast flow of the Danube in this area is used by the hydropower complex, dams have been built. The territory of the national park is more than 60,000 hectares. More than 1000 different plant species grow here, including relict ones.

30. Monument to King Decebalus

The bas-relief of the king and the great commander was carved into the coastal rock. It is one of the highest of its kind in Europe. The sculpture is 40 meters high and 25 meters wide. 12 sculptors-alpinists, as well as auxiliary workers, worked on the creation of the monument. The initiator of the creation of the monument was the historian Joseph Draganu. The creation of the monument took 10 years and cost about a million dollars.

31. Sarmizegetusa

This place was the residence of the kings of Dacia - an ancient state. It also combined the functions of a military and religious center and was one of the defensive fortresses of King Decebalus. The entire complex of fortresses is a UNESCO heritage site. The fortress is located in the mountains of Transylvania at an altitude of 1200 meters. Sanctuaries are an important part of Sarmizegetuz. But during the raids of the Romans, almost all the temples were destroyed.

32. Transfagaras Highway

Alpine road, laid between Wallachia and Transylvania in 1974. About 6000 tons of dynamite were spent to pave the way in the rocks. It is currently considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. It leads through beech groves and a waterfall with mountains in the background. Near the highway is the "residence of Vlad Dracula" - the fortress of Poenari. For travelers, the road is open only for a few warm months of the year.

33. Bicaz Gorge

Located in the Eastern Carpathians. Between the high rocks of the gorge flows a mountain river, in which trout is found. In Romania, the Bicaz Gorge is the longest and deepest. Part of the road along it is a serpentine. On one side there are steep cliffs, on the other side there is a sheer cliff. Near the gorge you can see Lake Krasnoe, formed as a result of the blocking of the river bed after a collapse.

34. Danube Delta

It is the second largest in Europe. Most of it is located on the territory of Romania, and it is she who is recognized by UNESCO as a natural heritage site and taken under protection. This area is protected. The landscape of the delta is diverse - there are sand dunes, thickets of reeds and willows, and swamps. Many small rivers and streams flow through the wetlands of the reserve. There are many animals of the Red Book.

35. Mamaia Beach (Constanta)

The Mamaia resort is considered the most expensive and famous resort in Romania. Luxury hotels and health centers have been built near the beach coastal zone. The beach is 8 km long and 200 meters wide. The sand is soft and velvety, golden in color. The beach infrastructure is well developed. There is a rental of jet skis and water skis, mini-football and volleyball courts are equipped. Thanks to the breeze on Mamaia Beach, there is no sweltering heat.

State in southeastern Europe. In the north it borders with Ukraine, in the east - with Moldova, in the south - with Bulgaria, in the southwest - with Serbia, in the west - with Hungary. In the southeast it is washed by the Black Sea.

The name of the country comes from the Latin romanus - "Roman".

Official name: Republic of Romania

Capital: Bucharest

The area of ​​the land: 237,500 sq. km

Total population: 22.36 million people

Administrative division: 39 counties. The capital of the country is singled out as an independent administrative-territorial unit.

Form of government: Republic.

Head of State: President, term of office - 4 years.

Composition of the population: 89.5% - Romanians, 6.6% - Hungarians, 2.5% - Gypsies, 0.3% - Germans, 0.3% - Ukrainians, 0.2% - Lipovian Russians, 0.2% - Turks , Serbs and Slovaks.

Official language: Romanian. Most people working in the tourism industry understand and speak English.

In the border areas they speak: Hungarian, Slovenian, Croatian.

Religion: 70% - Orthodoxy, 6% - Protestantism, 6% - Catholicism and Greek Orthodoxy - 3%.

Internet domain: .ro

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +40

Country barcode: 594

Climate

Almost the entire territory of Romania is dominated by a moderately continental type of climate, only in the southeast of the country near the Black Sea coast - a temperate-marine type of climate. The coldest month of the year is January, in the daytime the air warms up to 2..4 degrees Celsius, and at night it cools down to -4..-6 degrees. The hottest month is July - daytime temperatures often reach 27..29 degrees Celsius, and about 16 degrees Celsius at night.

In the maritime type of climate in the east of the country, winters are milder and summers are not so hot. For example, in January in Constanta during the day the air temperature rises to +4..+6 degrees, at night it drops to -2 degrees, in July during the day the air warms up to +24..+26 degrees, and at night it is about 18 degrees of heat.

During the year, up to 700 mm of precipitation falls on the plains, less than 400 mm on the coast, and up to 1500 mm in the mountains. The wettest months are May, June and July.

Geography

Romania is located in the southeastern part of Europe. The area of ​​the country is 237.5 thousand square meters. km. Romania borders in the north with Ukraine, in the northeast with the Republic of Moldova, in the west with Hungary and Serbia, and in the south with Bulgaria. The southeastern part of Romania is washed by the waters of the Black Sea.

From the north of Romania in a south-western direction, the Eastern Carpathians stretch in the shape of a horseshoe. From east to west, the Transylvanian Alps (Southern Carpathians) stretch through the center of Romania, the highest point in Romania - Mount Moldovyanu (2544 m) - is located here. These mountain systems in the form of a semicircle divide the country into 2 parts. In the western part is located Transylvania with hilly plains and the Middle Danubian lowland at the very border of Romania. The eastern part is also hilly, most of it is swampy, and in the very south the Lower Danube Plain extends.

The main water artery of Romania is the Danube River. The length of the Danube in the country is 1089 km, and its total length is 2850 km. At the confluence with the Black Sea, the Danube forms a vast delta. The Mures, Prut, Olt and Siresh rivers are tributaries of the Danube.

Romania can be divided into 4 historical regions - Transylvania (in the north-west of the country), Wallachia (in the south between the Carpathians and the Danube), Moldova (in the east between the Eastern Carpathians and the Prut River), Bukovina (in the north of the country) and Northern Dobruja (on coast of the Black Sea).

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

In Romania, 3,700 plant species have been identified there, of which so far 23 have been declared natural monuments, 74 missing, 39 endangered, 171 vulnerable and 1,253 considered rare. The three main areas of vegetation in Romania are the alpine zone, the forest zone and the steppe zone.

Vegetation is distributed according to the characteristics of the soil and climate, but according to the height as: oak, jars, linden, ash (zoned and low hills in the steppe), beech, oak (between 500 and 1200 meters), spruce, spruce, pine (between 1200 and 1800 m), juniper, mountain pine and dwarf trees (at 1800 and 2000 meters), alpine meadows consisting of small herbs (over 2000 meters).

Animal world

The fauna of Romania consists of 33,792 animal species, 33,085 invertebrates and 707 vertebrates. Vertebrate species consist of 191 fish, 20 amphibians, 30 reptiles, 364 birds and 102 mammal species. The fauna is especially broken by vegetation. Thus, the specific floor steppe and forest steppe have the following species: rabbit, hamster, ground squirrel, pheasant, drop, quail, carp, perch, pike, catfish, wood ground cover (oak and beech): boar, wolf, fox, barbel, woodpecker, and for coniferous grassland: trout, lynx, deer, goats and certain alpine fauna like black and bald eagles.

In particular, the Danube Delta is a place where hundreds of species of birds exist, including pelicans, swans, wild geese and flamingos, birds that are protected by law. The delta is also a seasonal stopover for migratory birds. Some rare species of birds in Dobrogeaarea are pelican, greedy, small deer, Red-fronted Goose, White-fronted Goose and Mute Swan.

Attractions

Romania is a country with a rich past, interesting culture and charming nature. Hundreds of tribes that swept through this territory during the era of the Great Migration of Peoples transferred their culture and their original traditions to this land. There are long beaches of the Black Sea, and the picturesque Carpathian Mountains, and the unique Danube Delta, and many historical places that attract thousands of tourists to the country.

Banks and currency

1 lei is equal to 100 bani. In circulation there are banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 lei and coins of 1, 5, 10 and 50 bani.

Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 15:00, with a lunch break from 12 to 13:00.

You can exchange foreign currency in banks, but it is best to do this at exchange offices, the exchange rate there is more profitable. Exchange offices can be found on the streets of the city, in large supermarkets, at train stations and airports. It is recommended to keep receipts of the exchange, because before leaving the country, when re-exchanging local currency for a foreign one, proof of a legal exchange may be required. The easiest way to exchange US dollars in Romania. Credit cards and traveler's checks are only accepted in expensive restaurants and upscale hotels. Traveler's checks are best purchased in euros.

Useful information for tourists

The climatic and balneo-mud resorts of Romania are widely known - Mangalia, Constanta, Eforia and others on the Black Sea, as well as Blue, Poiana Brangov and others in Transylvania. Traditional purchases are plum tincture, embroidered blouses and handicrafts, unique Romanian preparations that slow down the aging process, and cosmetics.

In a restaurant, even if the cost of service is included in the order amount, the bill is slightly rounded.