Anomalous Hoya Baciu forest in Romania. Guide to Romania: the most interesting places and famous sights of the country Mysterious place in Romania

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The Hoia Baciu forest, located near the Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca, rightfully bears the title of one of the most mysterious places in Europe. It is called the "Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania."

This analogy suggests itself: people disappear here without a trace, encounters with UFOs are common... Residents of the surrounding villages prefer not to go to Hoya Bacha, so as not to incur the wrath of powerful forces that, in their opinion, live in the forest.

The forest was changing before our eyes...

The main tourist attraction in Transylvania is Bran Castle, built in the 14th century. It was once owned by the legendary Vlad the Impaler, better known to us as Count Dracula.

However, in recent years, more and more tourists have sought to visit not only and not so much Dracula’s castle, but the surrounding forest of Hoia Baciu, in which paranormal phenomena have become almost commonplace.

But a little more than 100 years ago it was a forest like a forest. Local residents hunted there, picked mushrooms and berries. A well-worn path ran through the forest, along which travelers were not afraid to travel even at night. Now this road is almost overgrown, and only extreme sports enthusiasts will risk going to Hoya Bacha at night. Or obsessive paranormal investigators. Which, however, is enough.

At the beginning of the last century, the forest (then it was simply called Hoya) began to change literally before our eyes. Straight tree trunks gradually bent at monstrous angles. The soil was overgrown with thick moss. The animals gradually disappeared from the forest, followed by almost all the birds. Local residents whispered that they saw Vlad the Impaler in Khoya, who at one time loved to hunt in these places. It was rumored that the devil himself had chosen the forest thicket.

The Missing Shepherd

The Hoya forest began to justify its sinister reputation immediately after the end of the First World War. In one of the local villages there lived a shepherd nicknamed Baciu (translated from Romanian as “leader”, “chief”). The local residents were engaged in cattle breeding, and therefore Bacha, who raised and sold hundreds of sheep, was respected. One day in June, a shepherd drove a flock of 200 head to a fair in the town of Cluj-Napoca. His path ran through the forest. Bachu went there early in the morning and... disappeared without a trace.

When he did not appear at the fair at the appointed time, the merchants, who were waiting for the flock for which they had already paid a deposit, became alarmed. Residents of the city and surrounding villages (several thousand people took part in the search) literally combed the forest, whose area is 35 hectares, literally one meter at a time. But no traces of either the shepherd or the sheep could be found.

There have been no robbers in these places for a long time, but even if they appeared from somewhere and killed Bacha, hiding his body, taking such a large flock away without being noticed in the surrounding villages is an unrealistic task. The respected man and the sheep disappeared without a trace. And from then on the forest began to be called Hoya-Baciu.

Time loop

The forest, like a predator that had tasted the taste of human blood, demanded more and more victims. Over the course of several years, several more people disappeared in Hoia Baciu. Their bodies were also not found. But these tragedies can be attributed to an accident, an attack by wild animals, that is, at least somehow explained. Other stories smack of outright devilry.

Here, for example, are two cases that occurred after the Second World War. A young teacher who did not believe in God or the devil went to Hoya Bacha to pick mushrooms. Soon local residents found her sitting on the edge of the forest.

In 1989, the Screaming Forest, located in Kent near the village of Pluckley, entered the Guinness Book of Records. It has seen the highest number of ghosts in the UK, with at least 12 “apparitions” per year.

The unfortunate woman completely lost her memory - she didn’t even remember her name. And, of course, she could not answer the question of what happened to her in the forest. Another time, a five-year-old girl, chasing a beautiful butterfly, ran into the forest and disappeared. A search was organized, but the baby was never found. Only five years later, the missing girl - wearing the same clothes and absolutely unchanged in appearance - came out of the forest, holding a caught butterfly by the wings.

The little girl was never able to tell where she had been: for her, only a few minutes had passed from the moment she entered the thicket.

Educated people, like the teacher discussed above, despise superstition. Therefore, although the majority of local residents avoided going to Hoya Bacha, some still went there for berries and mushrooms. Not everyone, but some soon fell ill - people complained of skin rashes, migraines, dizziness, and causeless vomiting. Doctors were unable to establish the cause of ailments in absolutely healthy people. After some time, the patients recovered, but Hoya-Bacha finally gained a bad reputation.

World fame

In the 1960s, Romanian biologist Alexander Sift became interested in the Hoya-Baciu phenomenon. He became the first scientist to seriously take up the study of the paranormal zone. For a number of years, Alexander, despite the danger, crossed the forest far and wide, spent the night in the thicket, and conducted photo sessions there.

Surprisingly, Hoya-Baciu did not cause him any harm. Alexander Sift noted that in the depths of the forest there is a strange round clearing with no vegetation. When comparing soil samples from this clearing and from a regular forest one, no difference in composition was found. This means that there are no biological reasons for the disappearance of vegetation within the round clearing.

Alexander Sift noted: UFOs (most often round in shape) can be found anywhere in the forest. But in the area of ​​the “bald” meadow their activity is greatest. When developing films after night photo sessions, the researcher noticed another strange feature. Many photographs show round luminous objects that are not perceived by the naked eye.

By the way, such balls still often appear in photographs taken with digital cameras. Scientists cannot give a reasonable explanation for this, but local residents have one. In their opinion, the balls are the souls of dead people. The fact is that the lands of Transylvania are abundantly watered with blood - this region constantly passed from hand to hand in the Middle Ages. All this, of course, was accompanied by violence. The unfortunate peasants were robbed and mercilessly killed by local princes, Hungarians, Romanians, and Turks.

...In 1968, Sift’s work was continued by the Romanian military engineer Emil Barni. Soon after the observations began, he managed to photograph a UFO above the treetops. Experts have established that we are indeed talking about some kind of flying object, the nature of which they cannot explain. It is believed that this is the clearest and most reliable photograph of a UFO taken in Romania.

A portal to another world?

Nowadays, numerous ufologists from different countries of the world come to Hoya Baciu - Germany, France, Great Britain, Hungary. However, paranormal activity in these places has decreased somewhat in recent years. Not all visitors manage to encounter mystical phenomena.

However, many of them observe luminous balls in the forest (most often near a “bald” clearing in the depths of the forest). Sometimes researchers hear strange sounds or see flickering shadows and lights. In winter, strange footprints often appear in the snow that do not belong to any creature known on Earth.

In photographs you can still often see strange silhouettes and glowing orbs that are invisible to the naked eye.

Prestigious publications dedicated to ufology, as well as the BBC channel, call Hoya Bacha one of the most interesting paranormal zones on the planet. Even Nicolas Cage came here, intrigued by programs about the mysterious forest. The famous Hollywood actor spent several days filming a documentary about Hoya Baciu, which he now shows to his friends at private parties. Cage is sure that the trees in the forest changed their shape under the influence of the powerful energy inherent in these places. After this statement by the actor, yoga lovers began to come to Hoya Baciu. They meditate in the forest and try to draw energy from a mystical source.

In recent years, residents of the surrounding villages have found their own explanation for all the devilry that is happening in Hoya Baciu. They are sure that the “bald” clearing in the thicket is a portal to another world. The disappeared people simply fell through there. And luminous balls, strange shadows and UFOs are inhabitants of a parallel universe that accidentally ended up in our world.

But there is another version that explains the mysterious phenomena in Hoya Baciu. Dracula's Castle, which was somehow forgotten among all the hype around the mystical forest, may well influence the surrounding area with its negative energy and even be a kind of portal connecting our world with parallel worlds.

Andrey Leshukonsky

Radovan Forest, located in Dolj County, is crossed by a road on which accidents often occur, although the section of the road is straight.

According to local residents, there is only one explanation: the “bride of Radovan” appears before the drivers, the ghost of a young woman dressed in a wedding dress, terrorizing those who walk through the forest at night.

This legend has several variations. Some say it is the ghost of a girl who came from Moldova to earn money for her family, but hanged herself in the Radovan forest, believing she was pregnant, which was a shame at the time.

As a suicide, she was not buried according to Christian custom, and her poor relatives could not take care of the grave, so her soul did not find peace.

Other locals say that the ghost of a girl whose fiancé died right before her wedding appears in the Radovan forest. She was waiting for him dressed in a wedding dress, and the news of his death forced her to jump into the well, but even after death she did not stop looking for her beloved. That's why the bride only appears in front of unmarried guys' cars.

National Road 7: Tragedies triggered by a dead bride

Another bride looking for her groom and car accidents are the center of a legend associated with National Road 7. Here, near Gaesht, Dambovita County, several decades ago, a girl died on her wedding day. The fault was an accident in which her fiancé also died. Since then, many accidents have occurred in this area, especially near the cross erected by the family in memory of the young bride.

In just two years, 12 unmarried men died near this cross, which makes local residents think about the curse of the bride, who for some unknown reason could not leave this world and leave with the groom.

Longgang Hill: Ghosts of Soldiers

Located between Sarka and Longgan villages in Yassy County, Longgan Hill is known for its mysterious phantoms that appear before travelers. Local residents tell stories about this zone, not always pleasant legends about ghosts that haunted them for several kilometers, hovering next to them above the road.

It seems that soldiers who died during the First World War were buried in a mass grave in this area. Since they died without communion and a candle and were buried without a religious ceremony, their souls did not find peace, so they demand that travelers do what is required for them, that is, order a memorial service.

Hoya Baciu Forest - Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania

The forest near the city of Cluj-Napoca has long been known for the mysterious events that take place here, and is even considered a gateway to another dimension. Dubbed the "Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania", the forest is one of the most active regions in the world in terms of paranormal activity.

The legends arose after a shepherd disappeared in the forest along with his flock, and no one was able to find him or even part of the sheep. This was only the first mysterious disappearance in the Bachu forest. Now both locals and tourists avoid the area, which only attracts thrill-seekers.

Located in Eastern Europe and one of the countries that were once behind the Iron Curtain, Romania is not as interesting for tourists as many other EU countries. However, in recent years their numbers have been growing steadily, with a total of 9.3 million tourists from all over the world wanting to visit the country each year. Given its geography and geopolitical past, the country has much to offer, both in terms of cultural heritage and diversity of natural landscapes.

It is a mixture of East and West, and the mixture can be found in everything from architectural style to national cuisine and local customs. Transylvania, the land of the mythical Dracula, is also part of Romania, so you are sure to have a lot of experiences. Here are 10 tourist attractions in Romania that you won't want to miss.

10. Bucharest and the Palace of Parliament

If you come to Romania as a tourist, chances are your first stop will be the country's capital, Bucharest. As the sixth largest city in the EU with a 555-year history, Bucharest has a lot to offer its visitors. However, the capital of Romania is not exactly suitable for tourists. It's not that the city is dangerous or for any other reason, it's all about public transport and the availability of tourist information, in this regard the city needs some improvements. However, Bucharest's inconveniences are offset by the hidden treasures here waiting to be discovered.

In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Romania developed its own architectural style known as the Brancovenesc style, which was then refined in the late 19th century. Buildings in this style can be found throughout the city center, but most often in certain areas such as Cotroceni or Dorobanti. When it comes to nightlife, the Old Town is one of the liveliest areas in the entire EU.

One of the impressive features that is immediately noticed by anyone visiting Bucharest for the first time is the Palace of Parliament. Built during the communist era and commissioned by dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, this building dominates the cityscape for miles around. In the 1980s, more than a fifth of the historic city was demolished to make way for grand boulevards and Soviet-style apartment buildings. An entire area was also razed to the ground to build the Palace of Parliament, which is the largest administrative building in the world, and the heaviest structure ever built. With over 1,100 cabinets, the Palace is a wonderful example of megalomania that you can visit.

9. Peles Castle

Founded in 1873 by order of King Charles I of Romania and completed ten years later, the castle (Peles Castle) is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. Built in the style of German New Renaissance architecture, Peles is located at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains, in the picturesque town of Sinaia, which is also a popular tourist and ski resort. The castle acted as a summer residence for the royal family from its construction until 1947. The interior of its 160 rooms is as mesmerizing as the exterior of the palace - each room has its own decor and individual theme. The armory room contains more than 4,000 weapons from Europe and Asia, and the castle's cinema is considered to be the first place where films were shown for the first time in Romania.

On the same territory a second castle was built for Charles's successor, King Ferdinand. Known as Pelisor, this smaller version of the castle is just as impressive as its larger counterpart, especially in its interior decoration. For example, in the Golden Room, the walls and furniture are covered with precious metal. After the end of World War II and the rise of the Communists, both castles were confiscated and the royal family was exiled from the country. Dictator Nicolae Ceausescu sought to turn Peles into a protocol residence, but thanks to the caretakers this never happened. They are said to have told him that the castle had a mold problem that could pose a serious health hazard to those living inside. In any case, Peles was closed to the public from 1975 to 1990, after which it was opened as a museum.

8. Danube Delta

On the southeastern edge of Romania, where the Danube River meets the Black Sea, lies the second largest wetland in Europe, known as the Danube Delta. Second in area only to the Volga Delta in Russia, this area has a total area of ​​1,994 square kilometers. It remains one of the most pristine places on the continent and an important pit stop for many migratory birds from Africa and Europe. The Danube Delta is also home to the world's largest colony of pelicans, as well as 300 other bird species and 45 species of freshwater fish.

Accessible today only by boat, the delta's swamps and many lagoons did not yet exist about 5,000 years ago. Then this area was nothing more than a bay of the Black Sea. But over the centuries, silt has steadily accumulated at the mouth of the Danube, slowly expanding the delta to its current shape. Even to this day, the area of ​​the marshes increases by about 40 meters every year. But despite the constantly changing landscape, people have lived here for many centuries. Still relying on what the delta offers them, the locals have not changed their way of life. They still build houses from reeds, and you can still see them on small wooden boats with a fishing rod in their hands.

7. Old Wine Route

Considering its geographical location, Romania has a very long history of wine production. Both archaeological and historical evidence suggests that vineyards have been growing in the region for at least 2,700 years. Some historians even say that the Greek god of wine, Dionysus, and his Roman counterpart, Bacchus, were the prototypes of the Thracian and Dacian God Sabazios. To this day, Romania is the 13th largest wine producer in the world and the sixth largest in the EU.

Only a relatively small region in the center of the country, due to its high altitude, is not suitable for wine production. However, there are more than 250 wine cellars throughout the country that can be visited all year round. However, the best time for this is from April to October. The Old Wine Route runs along the southern and southeastern side of the Carpathian Mountains, passing numerous vineyards, estates, monasteries, wine museums and other historical sites. But this is by no means the only place where you can down a large glass of wine, as wine tasting is a must for every tourist (who can enjoy the advantage of his age) when visiting Romania.

6. Mountain Dacian fortresses

To get acquainted with the ancient past of Romania, the best way is to climb high into the mountains. Sarmizegetusa Regia was the capital of the Dacians, who inhabited the area during the Roman Empire. Built around the 1st century BC, this fortress, along with five others in the area, acted as the seat of the Dacian Kingdom, as well as a unique defensive system that was used in the wars against the Romans. The main fortress is also the largest and consists of three parts: the defensive structure itself, the civilian quarters and the sanctuary. This sacred place was built on two terraces and was dedicated to local deities. The Great Sanctuary is a circular structure, somewhat reminiscent of Stonehenge, and served as both a ritual site and an astronomical calendar.

Today, despite the fact that all six fortresses have become nothing more than ruins, each of them is unique in its own way, either for its purpose or for its inaccessible location. Legend also says that somewhere in these mountains the last Dacian king buried a huge treasure. Before the arrival of the Romans, he temporarily diverted the river from its usual course and hid the treasure at the bottom. But before you decide to find the treasure, know that the legend also speaks of a curse. Anyone who goes in search of the hidden treasure will be bitten by a poisonous snake and die.

5. City of Sighisoara

In the heart of Transylvania is the city of Sighisoara. Although settlement has existed in the area since Roman times, the city as we know it today was founded by the Transylvanian Saxons in the 13th century. The increasing economic power of Sighisoara during the 14th and 15th centuries ensured the city's survival for centuries as one of the "seven fortress citadels of the Saxons". And although Sighisoara was neither the richest nor the largest of the seven, it has recently become the most popular. Today the city is famous for its colorful architecture, cobbled alleys, steep staircases, numerous defensive towers and turrets, medieval churches and the main citadel itself.

Only nine of the fourteen towers originally built managed to survive the test of time. Each of them was built and maintained by one of the artisan guilds located in the city. Another interesting fact about this is that it is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the infamous ruler of Wallachia and the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Count Dracula. The house in which he lived until he was six or seven years old still exists and can be visited.

4. Danube gorges

Nowhere along its 2,864 kilometer length is the Danube River more impressive and mesmerizing than where it passes through the Carpathian Mountains. Forming a natural border between Romania and Serbia, the gorges, also known as the Danube Cauldrons, sometimes give the impression that the water here is boiling. But even if this is not the case, the narrowing of the mighty river in this place from time to time creates certain problems for navigation. However, it is the largest and oldest river canyon in Europe.

In addition to taking a boat cruise on the Danube, you can climb the surrounding mountains and enjoy the breathtaking views. You can also explore the many caves found here, which in ancient times were used either as safe shelters or as moorings for boats sailing up and down the river. And as proof that this place is steeped in history, on the Serbian shore there is an ancient plaque commissioned by the Roman Emperor Trajan to commemorate the construction of the bridge used by the Roman legions to invade Dacia. And on the Romanian coast, right in the rock, a stone face 55 meters high is carved, depicting the last Dacian king. This is the largest statue of its kind in Europe.

3. Monasteries of Bukovina

The northeastern region of Romania is proud of its many monasteries. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, these medieval churches are unique in Europe and are famous for their exterior frescoes. These monasteries, built in a combination of Gothic and Byzantine architectural styles, also including their own unique elements, are an immortal cultural heritage of the world. Each of the 40 monasteries and churches is said to have been built by order of the sovereign Stefan cel Mare and his successor Petru Rares after various victories won in battles with the Tatar invaders from the east.

Most of them also acted as fortifications against marauders, protecting both people and ancient manuscripts. Eight of the monasteries are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Apart from their architecture, these monasteries also stand out for their unique colors used for wall paintings. Since then, the original recipes have been lost and cannot be recreated even with modern technology. However, according to chemical analysis, traces of traditional Romanian plum cognac were found in both the plaster and the paints themselves.

2. Turda Gorge and Salt Mine

Back in the time of the dinosaurs, much of modern Romania was part of an ancient seabed. Because of this, some regions are rich in salt deposits, such as Central Transylvania. Here is the Turda Gorge and the Salt Mine. The outer gorges offer breathtaking views of narrow vertical cliffs, waterfalls, caves, dense forests, sunny meadows and picturesque villages. It is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and animals, many of which are endangered. The area is a favorite hiking destination with more than 250 climbing routes of varying difficulty.

The dungeon is no less impressive than the above-ground landscape. Since Roman times, salt deposits have been constantly exploited. Today they are open to the public, and offer their visitors to descend to incredible depths. The soaring galleries, somewhat fitting the descriptions found in Tolkien's books, are now illuminated, making them mesmerizing. Inside you will find various activities to enjoy, such as mini golf, tennis, bowling, football or swimming pool. There is also a large Ferris wheel that takes visitors close to the top of the mine to see the many stalactites up close. One of the many galleries also has a huge underground lake where you can take a relaxing boat ride.

1. Dracula's Castle

Bran Castle owes much of its fame to the myth created around Bram Stoker's Dracula. Perched on a 60m high cliff, this castle was built by the Transylvanian Saxons in the 15th century on the site of a former Teutonic Order fortress from the 1100s. And although Stoker never visited Transylvania, he imagined Dracula's castle based on descriptions of this particular fortress. And since this place is associated with blood-sucking vampires, it is worth visiting. Interestingly, there is also a connection between the castle and the infamous Vlad the Impaler, Lord of Wallachia.

Bran Castle is located right at the entrance to the mountain pass that connects the historical regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. Even in the Middle Ages, it played the role of customs, imposing high duties on Romanians who wanted to do business with the then Saxon city of Brasov. This led to relations between Vlad the Impaler and the Lords of Bran becoming tense, to say the least. Whether the Wallachian ruler ever captured the castle is unknown, but he was imprisoned here for two months after being captured by the Hungarian king in 1462.

Those who visit this mythical castle should also consider visiting other medieval towns and fortresses in the region, including the city of Brasov. The pass that lies at the base of Bran Castle should not be ignored either. There are several caves here that were regularly used by both outlaws and prehistoric animals such as the extinct cave bears. From the neighboring village of Pestera (cave) there is a truly amazing view of both the majestic Carpathian Mountains and the life of people in those days when “vampires” still roamed this land.

Romania is a beautiful country with its own amazing and magical world, with beautiful and picturesque places, a number of attractions that are worth seeing and which are very popular among tourists from all over the world. It attracts with its ancient culture and beautiful nature. Any tourist will find a lot of interesting things for themselves: beautiful views of the Black Sea, the Carpathian Mountains, clean air, beautiful mountain springs, the indescribable beauty of the famous Danube River, historical architectural structures. Sights of Romania can be found in every corner of the country. Each of them has its own history, or even legend. Many of them are nature reserves.

On the way from Transylvania to Wallachia, by order of King Carol I, the Peles Palace, which is commonly called a castle, was built. It is 135 km from Bucharest. Its construction began on August 22, 1873 under the direction of the German architect Johann Schulz. It was originally intended as a summer residence for the king and a hunting ground. The central entrance is decorated with a sculpture of King Carol I, who considered his palace “the cradle of the dynasty, the cradle of the nation.”

It was here that two Romanian kings were born: Carol II (in 1893) and Mihai (in 1921). A sculpture of his wife Elizabeth, depicted behind embroidery, is located in a secluded corner of the garden. The castle, with an area of ​​3200 m², was designed in the neo-Renaissance style. This building became the first castle in the world to be supplied with electricity. For this purpose, a power station was built on the territory. Stables and houses for guarding and hunting were built. The 66-meter-high tower was topped with a clock.

The interior is decorated in Baroque style. In total, the castle has 160 rooms, 30 bathrooms, and a theater for 60 spectators. An elevator and an air conditioning system using sliding ceiling stained glass windows were built here. Workers from different countries worked on the construction of the castle. According to Queen Elizabeth's calculations, they spoke 14 languages. In 1947, King Michael was forced to abdicate and the castle was confiscated. It hosted tourists, and then in 1958 a museum was created.

During the reign of N. Ceausescu, the castle was under guard, and access to it was stopped. The museum's reopening was short-lived. In 2006, it was returned to its rightful owner, the Romanian King Mihai. The government paid him 30 million euros, and the castle became accessible to visitors again. Currently, the castle houses the Historical Museum, the collection of which includes works of painting and sculpture from Eastern and Central Europe, items made of silver, gold, ivory, Sevres and Meissen porcelain.

The collection of medieval weapons and armor is amazing. It contains more than 4,000 exhibits. Carpets to decorate the interiors of the castle were woven in Bucharest, Mosul, Isparta and Smyrna. Leather products were delivered from Spain (Cordova). Hand-painted stained glass windows were brought from Switzerland. The park ensemble consists of seven terraces built in Italian style. They are decorated with a large number of figures made of Carrara marble by the Italian sculptor Raffaello Romanelli, fountains, and stairs. Open for tourists from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Wednesday-Sunday). It doesn't work in November either. You can visit it as part of an excursion group; they gather on the basis of the language principle.

Bran Castle

Built at the end of the 14th century, it was intended for defense and was built by the residents themselves. It is located on the top of a cliff 30 km from the city of Brasov and covers an area of ​​8 hectares. The interior has a complex staircase system that allows you to move between four levels. In the courtyard there is a well, which according to legend leads to underground rooms. For the construction of this defensive fortress, local residents were exempt from paying taxes to the treasury for several centuries. During its existence, the fortress changed owners several times. But it received the name Dracula’s Castle, since the ruler Vlad the Impaler spent the night here during his campaigns and his favorite hunt.

There is a legend that the Turkish conquerors tortured him in the basements of the castle. In 1918, the townspeople gave the castle to the Romanian Queen Maria. From that moment on, it began to be used as a royal residence. In 1920-26, a grandiose restoration was carried out, during which a park with fountains, alleys and its own lake was spread out on the territory of the estate. In 1948, the royal family left the palace and it fell into disrepair. But already in 1956, the Museum of History and Feudal Art was opened on its basis.

In 2006, a law was passed in Romania to return property to the previous owners, and the castle was returned to the queen's heirs. But before that, all the historical furniture was removed. So it fell to her grandson Dominic to recreate the interiors and buy the appropriate furnishings. Local shops are happy to sell souvenirs related to Count Dracula. In addition, the town of Bran is famous for its local cheeses, the recipes for which are passed down from generation to generation in great secrecy. Bran is a hit with filmmakers all over the world. So in 1994 the film “Interview with the Vampire” was released, filmed on the territory of the fortress.

Corvin Castle

It is located near the city of Hunedoara and was donated by the Hungarian King Sigismund to the Romanian military and political figure Janos Hunyadi for outstanding services. He decided to rebuild it and make it a family estate. The restoration was carried out in two stages. During 1441-1446, seven towers were erected, in 1446-1453 - a chapel, halls and utility rooms in the southern wing. The heir to the castle was Janos's son, Matthias Corwin, who continued construction work in the chapel and in the northern wing.

The architectural style of the castle includes Gothic elements combined with Quattrocento (early Renaissance) fragments. According to legend, Transylvanian Count Vlad the Impaler was held in the dungeons of the castle for seven years after the overthrow. Since 1508, the castle changed owners several times until it ended up in the hands of Gabor Bethlen, who led the anti-Habsburg movement in the Kingdom of Hungary. He carried out reconstruction in it in the light of the latest fortification requirements.

But in the 18th century, the Habsburgs began to own it anyway. During their reign, in 1854, a fire broke out in the castle, destroying the interior wooden decoration. During 1868-74, reconstruction was carried out here, as a result of which the roof was covered with tiles. During communist rule, the castle also underwent reconstruction and was opened to visitors.

Poenari

It is located in Arefu (Romanian: Arefu), which is a few kilometers from Lake Vidraru. Presumably it was built by Radu Negru, nicknamed the Black Voivode. This is the semi-legendary founder of the Vlash state. At that time there was only one tower and a small garrison of guards. In the 15th century it belonged to the famous ruler Vlad the Impaler, who did a lot to strengthen it.

He built four more towers and expanded the castle buildings. Legends say that it was here that Dracula tortured his opponents. After his death, the territory began to fall into disrepair, which was aggravated by the earthquake of 1888. The last restoration work was carried out in 1972. At this time, the masonry of the walls was strengthened and walkways with railings were built for the convenience of tourists.

Archaeological excavations have made it possible to assert that the fortress in the bed of the Arges River has existed since time immemorial. It allowed control of the territory between Transylvania and Wallachia. To get to the ruins, you will have to overcome 1,480 steps of a steep staircase leading to the top of Mount Chetetsuya. On it there is a platform from which, according to legend, the wife of Count Tepes, Elena, threw herself into the gorge.

Romanian Athenaeum

In 1865, the Athenaeum Society was founded in Romania, and in 1888, construction of the building began with funds from the Wallachian boyar family Vacarescu. In addition, public money was used for its construction, collected under the motto “Donate one leu to the Athenaeum!” This is a concert hall located in the capital of the country, Bucharest. The author of the project was the French architect Albert Galleron. It is built in a neoclassical style with romantic elements.

On the ground floor there is a meeting room, and on the second there is an auditorium with 600 seats (52 additional seats are located in the boxes). The interior of the auditorium is decorated with a fresco by artist Costin Petrescu depicting significant events in Romanian history. The painting work was carried out over 6 years, starting in 1933. On April 22, 1939, a concert was given in honor of the construction of the concert organ.

Organ music was performed by Franz Schütz, director of the Vienna Academy of Music and Performing Arts. In front of the Athenaeum there is a small park in which there is a monument to the classic of Romanian poetry Mihai Eminescu. Currently, the concert hall is considered a symbol of Romanian culture and is included in the List of European Cultural Heritage.

Rasnov Fortress

The fortress in the city of Rasnov was founded by the Teutonic knights in 1215. It served to shelter the local population from numerous conquerors and was so fortified that in its entire history it was conquered only once in 1612 by the Transylvanian prince Gabriel Bathory. There is a well in the center. A terrible legend is associated with him. During the Ottoman siege, residents lacked drinking water. Then they forced the two captured Turks to dig another well 62 meters deep.

They were promised freedom, but at the end of the work, which lasted seventeen years, the prisoners were killed. During restoration work, two human skeletons were actually discovered at the bottom of the well. Currently, the area is freely visited by tourists. What remains of the fortress is the fortress wall with towers and the foundation of the church. The observation deck offers a panoramic view of the two-story city and beautiful surroundings. From here you can see Bran Castle.

Merry Cemetery

In the village of Sapinta in Maramures County there is an original cemetery. His tombstones are made in bright colors and have original inscriptions in poetic form. They reflect the life path of the buried villagers. This idea for the cemetery came from Stan Jon Petrash, a local wood carver. In 1935, he was the first to carve and install a cross with a cheerful inscription. Over the years of its existence, more than 800 such crosses have been installed on the churchyard, and it itself has turned into a museum that tourists love to place. There is an inscription on the grave of Stan himself. It reads: “In my entire life I have never harmed anyone...”.

Mud volcanoes

The Vulcanii Noroiosi Nature Reserve was created in the 20s of the 20th century near the city of Buzau, located approximately 100 km from Bucharest. They originated on the territory of an abandoned mine. In 1977, an earthquake occurred in Romania, and particularly active volcanoes began to appear. As a result of the escaping gases, dirt and salt water are thrown to the surface. They freeze in the sun and form peaks that resemble craters.

Currently, four such volcanoes are constantly active, and twelve are periodically active. The green hills surrounding the reserve add originality to the couple. Between the craters there are frozen streams. Their cracks on the surface of the clay soil reach 5 cm. You can enter the territory of the reserve freely and spend several days in a tent camp or as part of an excursion group.

The Bihor Mountains are located 134 kilometers from the city of Cluj-Napoca. They discovered a cave 1 kilometer long, which was formed approximately 3,500 years ago as a result of glaciations. Scarisoara was first mentioned in 1863. Then the Austrian geographer Arnold Schmidl compiled a map of it. In a grotto located underground in the mountains, a glacier was discovered that is gradually disappearing as a result of melting. Stalagmites found in the halls resemble church candles.

Therefore, the cave is conventionally divided into halls called the Great Hall, the Church, the Cathedral. Currently, the cave is equipped with metal and wooden stairs, which allows you to visit it freely. Illuminated inside using carbide lamps. Some part of the cave is being studied by scientists. The temperature inside the grotto is approaching zero. Therefore, when visiting an attraction, you need to take warm clothes with you.

Pelisor Castle

This is a small part of the Peliş complex, built in 1899-1903. It was intended as the summer residence of the heir to the Romanian throne, Ferdinand. The author of the castle in Art Nouveau style was the Czech architect Karel Liman. Ferdinand's wife, Princess Maria, who had a very delicate taste, was directly involved in the design of the castle. She managed to successfully combine elements of the Art Nouveau style with Byzantine and Celtic symbols.

The castle has 99 rooms. They are decorated with furniture designed by Viennese designer Bernard Ludwig. In addition, the interiors were developed by him together with Queen Mary. Therefore, they have a special sophistication. To ensure that there is a lot of light in the castle, the large windows and the ceiling of the Main Hall, three floors high, are decorated with stained glass. It is decorated with oak panels and decorated with portraits of the owners of the castle and their children.

Maria herself developed sketches of furniture for the “Golden Bedroom”. It was made in 1909 in a workshop in the city of Sinai. In the Queen's office there is furniture depicting lilies and a Celtic cross - symbols of the princess from Scotland. The office of King Ferdinand, opposite, is designed in strict German neo-Renaissance. The castle houses a unique collection of works by contemporary Art Nouveau masters, including designers Halle, the Daum brothers, Hoffman, Tiffany, and Gurschner.

Sucevita Monastery

It is located in Bukovina, in the northeastern part of the country. The nearest town of Radauti is 18 kilometers away. In 1585, it was built by brothers from the Wallachian family Mogila Jeremiah and Simon. The square-shaped monastery is surrounded by six-meter walls. For fortification, towers were built in the corners. Its architecture contains both Byzantine and Gothic elements. The building, inside and out, is completely covered with unique paintings based on the Old and New Testaments.

They were made by Moldovan masters, brothers Ion and Sofroniy, with the help of a huge number of unknown craftsmen. The unique interior painting serves the idea of ​​spiritual renewal of a person through faith and pious deeds. In 2010, the monastery was included in the World Heritage List. Currently, one of the walls is used for a museum, which houses a large exhibition of historical objects.

Mogosoaia Palace

In 1698-1702, the Wallachian ruler Constantin Brancoveanu built a palace and park complex 16 km from Bucharest as the summer residence of his family. Constantine was the founder of a national architectural style that combined Venetian, Dalmatian and Ottoman elements. It contains numerous carved decorations and decorative paintings. In 1714, the Ottomans executed Brancoveanu, and set up a hotel in his palace.

Having recaptured it during the Russian-Turkish War, in 1853 the Russians built storage facilities for weapons in it. The Bibescu princes, who became the new owners of the palace complex, began its restoration in 1860-1880. They managed to recreate and decorate the palace, which they owned until the Second World War. In the 1920s, it belonged to the widow Marta Bibescu, who put a lot of effort into its restoration and opened a salon in it.

Many famous people of the first half of the 20th century, including Antoine Saint-Exupery, became its visitors. It was her name that the palace and park ensemble began to bear. Representatives of the princely family of Bibescu found peace in the church of the park. Despite significant reconstructions of the 20th century, the palace has the basic elements of the national style. In 1957, the Brynkovec Art Museum was opened here, including antique furniture and household items from the 17th to 19th centuries, historical documents, icons and works of art.

Throne Fortress

The 14th-century fortress served as the coronation site for Moldavian rulers. Located in the city of Suceava, it is currently in ruins. Restoration of the remains of the once powerful fortress began in 1961 and is still underway. The almost square fortress, 40x36 meters, had square towers. A water ditch was dug around it. Its depth reached 10 meters. The fortress was founded by Peter I Mushat, but it was of greatest importance under Stephen III the Great (Stefan cel Mare).

He strengthened the two-meter walls made of solid stone, built an additional defense system from walls 10 meters high, which was moved 20-25 meters forward. Additional rooms were built inside for his family members. Its siege by Ottoman troops was unsuccessful until the self-proclaimed ruler Stefan VII Tomša took refuge in it in 1563. The mercenaries betrayed him and surrendered the citadel to the Turks. After that, it was burned and passed from hand to hand by the proteges of the Turkish Sultan.

In 1675, on the orders of Dumitrash Cantacuzin, it was blown up. The remains were destroyed by an earthquake. The revival of the fortress began after archaeological research by the Austrian architect Karl Romstorfer at the beginning of the 20th century. But reconstruction began only in the 60s. Currently, the remains of the fortress can be visited for a fee.

Neamets Fortress

During the reign of Peter I Musata, the Neamets fortress was also built. It is located near the town of Targu Neamt. Legends say that the Teutonic Knights were the first to fortify this place. They appropriated large territories in Transylvania and colonized Semigrad. The name Targu Neamt translates as “German Bargain”. Stephen the Great, preparing to fight the Turks, was strengthening the ring of fortresses, including Nyametska.

By his order, its walls were increased in height by 20 meters and an outer courtyard was built, where artillery guns were installed. A huge bridge was thrown across the moat, reminiscent of a Roman aqueduct and bridges of the 20th century at the same time. A well was dug in the courtyard to provide drinking water in case of a siege. But neither the Ottomans nor the Polish commander Jan Sobieski could take it.

The Turks got into the fortress only thanks to the conquest of Moldova, but they did not destroy it. They left it as an observation post. Currently, there is a small museum exhibition in the fortress. It presents household items of the defenders of the citadel. Reconstruction began in 2007-09. Thanks to her, a reliable road appeared for tourists visiting this place, the infrastructure was improved, and the architecture was updated.

Bicaz Gorge

In the Eastern Carpathians there are the rocks of the Bikaz gorge. It stretched between Moldova and Transylvania, and served as the only natural road. Bicaz is the deepest and longest gorge in Romania; its banks are separated by the river of the same name. Currently, this is a protected area with almost vertical cliffs above an 8-kilometer-long highway.

Photography is permitted in certain areas. Those driving along the route are delighted with the surrounding beauty of nature and will take their breath away. In 1961, a hydroelectric dam with a reservoir was built at the exit of the gorge. It is recognized as the largest Romanian lake. River trout live in the waters of the Bicaz River, and red-winged wallcreepers, considered rare birds, live on the rocks.

Chahlau

One of the most famous mountain ranges is also located in the Eastern Carpathians. It is located near the town of Spring Lake Mountain in Neamt County. The highest points are Toaka (1904 m) and Okolashul Mare (1907 m). The massif is surrounded by the Bistrica and Bicaz rivers, and in the east by Lake Bicaz. In the national park there is the Transfiguration monastery, and Mount Chakhlau is recognized as the second Christian mountain after Athos. Many pilgrims flock here to visit the monks who have taken refuge on the peak.

There is a beautiful legend associated with the formation of the mountains. According to it, the ruler of the Dacians, Decebalus, had a beautiful daughter, Docia. After the capture of Dacia by the Roman emperor Trajan, she went to the Chahlau mountains so as not to get to him. Here she was grazing goats and froze. According to one version, the Virgin Mary turned it into a stream, and the sheep into beautiful flowers around. According to another, the girl turned into rocks. According to another legend, Emperor Trajan ordered the construction of a mountain to block the path of the barbarians attacking from the East.

Lacu-Rosu

Near the Bicaz gorge there is a lake formed in 1837 at an altitude of 978 meters. One of the rocks was washed away by heavy rainfall. Fallen stones formed a dam in the shape of the letter “L” on the site of former pastures. The coastline of the lake is 2830 meters, and the depth reaches 10.5 meters. A beautiful fairy tale is associated with him. Nearby lived a girl, Esther, whose beloved was drafted into the army.

She was very sad and often cried alone near a mountain stream. Here a robber met her and stole her. The girl begged the mountains to save her, and nature took pity. The mountains shook and the earthquake killed everyone, including the innocent shepherds. The collapsed rocks formed a lake with tree trunks sticking out of the water and hid the unfortunate Esther in its waters.

Canyon 7 stairs

The gorge got its name in the 20s of the 20th century, when crossings were built here for the local population. They stretch for 230 meters with differences in height of 55-60 meters. It is held in groups without special equipment. From time to time there are small waterfalls along the route, which additionally spray tourists with water.

Scientists attribute the formation of the canyon to the Jurassic period. It is assumed that its bottom is the base of an ancient sea, along the shores of which dinosaurs lived. In addition to its wondrous nature, legends attribute miracles to the canyon. Young people, in order to test their future wives, invited girls for a walk along the bottom of the canyon. Thus, they found out her endurance. Then the girls were invited to spend the night above him, climbing seven stairs to the top.

If during the test the young couples did not quarrel, but helped each other, they would have a long, happy life. And in our time there are brave souls who repeat the instructions of ancient legend. The atmosphere of the gorge is filled with highly ozonized air, which kills all conceivable infections, thereby promoting a strong healing effect.

Retezat National Park

This is the first national park in Romania, founded in 1935. The main reason for the formation of the protected area was the desire to preserve the unique alpine vegetation. In an area of ​​381 km², located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, traces of glacial lakes are preserved. This is where the deepest Romanian lake, Lake Zenoaga, is located. The peak of Mount Peleaga is located at an altitude of 2509 meters.

1,190 species of flora have been discovered in the park, of which 90 are endemic. Alder, rhododendron, kilngrass, bluegrass, and hawkweed grow here. The reserve is home to many wild animals. Among them are brown bear, forest cat, lynx, and wolves. It is home to a large number of birds: horned lark, brown vulture, rare golden eagle, white-throated blackbird and many others. Because of them, the national reserve has been declared a specially protected zone.

Piatra Craiului National Park

200 kilometers north of Bucharest in the Southern Carpathians there is another interesting corner of Romania. The date of formation of the protected area is considered to be 1938, which became a national park in 1990. The total area of ​​the reserve is 14,781 hectares. Its karst landscape with limestone outcrops is distinguished by a variety of flora and fauna. Among the 1,170 species of vegetation there are pine and willow trees, alder, hornbeam, and oaks.

There are 48 species of representatives of the orchid family. Among the representatives of the living world, there are 11 species of birds alone. These are thrush, cuckoo, oriole, cayuki, golden eagle and many others. But there are only 3 species of fish: barbel, brook lamprey and sculpin. Walking routes are organized for any physical condition. They allow you to admire the beauty of Romanian nature to your heart's content: mountain gorges, valleys and glacial lakes.

Rodna mountain range

Another Romanian mountain range not far from the Ukrainian border. It is formed by granites and crystalline rocks. Pyrite deposits were discovered here. On the territory of the massif there is the Rodna National Park with an area of ​​46,599 hectares. It was created in 2000 and represents a unique territory of glacial crevasses and caves, valleys, forests and mountain pastures. Some of the park's inhabitants are protected by law. Common mammals include brown bear, wolves, lynxes, capercaillie and eagle.

Sarmisegetusa

The territory of Dacia was located in the southwest of Transylvania. Its residence and main military and political center was Sarmizegetuza, located on the Gradistea-Muncellului hill. It received such an interesting name in honor of the conclusion of a truce between the Sarm and Getae tribes. The last Dacian ruler Decebalus included it in his defensive system. It was destroyed by Roman troops during the campaigns of conquest. In 1999, the remains of Sarmizegethusa were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The fortress was located at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level, had a quadrangular shape and occupied 30,000 m². In addition to its defensive value, it was also a religious center, since it housed sanctuaries important to the Dacians. It is assumed that the cave on Mount Kogayonon, located here, served as a shelter for the god Zalmoxis. Several sacred sanctuaries were discovered at the top, the road to which was paved with tightly fitted parallelepiped stones. Ceramic pipes were installed into the houses located on the terraces of the mountains, through which water flowed. This allowed us to conclude that the Dacian tribes had a high culture of life.

Vidraru Dam

A dam was built on the Arges River in 1961-66, flooding the village of Arges Arefu. The area of ​​the artificial lake is 870 hectares. This is the highest dam in Romania. It has a shape resembling a bow, up to 167 meters high and 305 meters long. At the time of commissioning in the 60s of the 20th century, the dam was considered the ninth largest in the world and the fifth in Europe. Currently, extensive repair and restoration work is being carried out at the dam to modernize and strengthen existing capacities. An observation deck with an iron figure of Prometheus was built next to the dam, which was previously allowed to be climbed using a stone staircase.

Currently, there is security around the dam, as there is a large amount of explosives located on the mountain slopes in case of a water breakthrough. In this case, to quickly prevent an accident, it will be easier to create an artificial barrier. There are boat trips around the reservoir and a bungee jumping attraction, reminiscent of a bungee jump.

Buceja Sphinx

In the Bucegi Mountains, located in the center of the country, at an altitude of 2216 meters, there is an interesting natural formation. It is very similar to the Egyptian Sphinx. As a result of wind weathering of sandstone and limestone rocks, such a miracle was formed in the Southern Carpathians. It is assumed that in this area there was one of the centers of Atlantis, where the landing sites of an alien civilization were located. In the city of Iasi, there lives a clairvoyant who claims that under the Sphinx there is a labyrinth hiding treasures with the knowledge of an ancient civilization that will be revealed to humanity when it is ready for it. The Bucegi Sphinx is included in the List of Seven Natural Wonders of the country.

Curtea Veche

The Old Court (Romanian: Curtea Veche - Old Courtyard), or the Princely Court (Romanian: Curtea Domnească din Bucureşti) is a complex of buildings designed to serve the Wallachian rulers. It was built in the second half of the 14th century by the ruler Mircea Sarym. It was not used after his death. In the 15th century, Vlad Tepes decided to found the Dymbovitsa fortress on its ruins.

Founded in stone on September 20, 1459, the fortress is considered the foundation of Budapest. After him, special attention to the fortress began to be paid after 1545 under Mircea Chobanul, who founded the Church of St. Anton (hramul Sf Anton) and the Annunciation (de Buna Vestire). Later, coronations of Romanian rulers were held there. Currently it is the oldest building in Bucharest.

Hi all! Today we will go with you to the mysterious country of Romania. You were there? I haven’t yet, but I will definitely go, because nothing compares to a real trip. To increase your desire to visit this territory, I will tell you about the magical side of Romania.

Dark and mysterious, Romania is an ideal country for those who believe in wizards, witches, ghosts and vampires.

• Breathtaking landscapes;
• mountains and valleys covered with fog;
• warm Black Sea;
• dense forests, rivers and numerous lakes;
• ancient castles and no less ancient customs

Being in such a place, you understand that reality and magic can coexist.

The uniqueness of Romanian folk culture lies in its archaic nature: ancient knowledge is carefully preserved in its original form, practically unchanged. Church control in Romania has always been less strict than in Western or Central Europe. There was no organization similar to the Inquisition, which means that the pagans were not subject to massive and systematic persecution. And the mentality of the Romanians played a role: over the centuries they have been influenced by a variety of nations, but have always adhered to their culture and traditions.

Dracula: legends and reality

Perhaps the first association with the word “Romania” for most foreigners will be “Count Dracula”. This colorful character can rightfully be called the most famous Romanian, and the castle is the most important attraction of the country, which thousands of tourists consider it their duty to visit.

Meanwhile, several ancient estates are vying for the honorary title of “Dracula’s Castle”. Supporters of different theories have their own numerous arguments, however, it is generally accepted that the legendary vampire still lived in Bran Castle, thirty kilometers from the small city of Brasov.

To be precise, in Romania, Dracula is a common name belonging to two different heroes. One of them marked the beginning of the literary and cinematic “career” of the bloodthirsty count; this is the image created by the Irishman Bram Stoker in the novel “Dracula” (1897). The namesake of this hero (and, concurrently, his prototype) lived a very real life and went down in history as the incredibly cruel ruler of Wallachia, one of the Regions of Romania.

In 1931, archaeological excavations were carried out to verify the truth of this legend, but no remains were found. There were no remains of a coffin or anything that would indicate a burial. However, lovers of mysteries and mystics not only were not disappointed, but, on the contrary, began to heatedly discuss a new issue: the mysterious disappearance of the body of the vampire count. All these mysterious stories give Romania that unique flavor for which it is so loved.

Romanian witches

For Romanians, witches are not characters from ancient fairy tales, but very real, familiar creatures who live side by side with them and do not surprise anyone. Local residents have long trusted witches and sorcerers; faith in them is strong to this day, especially in rural areas.

An important event was the legalization of magic, witchcraft and witchcraft in 2011. This means that professions such as fortune teller, palmist, black magician and the like were classified as entrepreneurs. Servants of the dark and light forces were obliged to give 16% of their income to the treasury, which caused a strong resonance in the magical world. The anger of witches (and in the vast majority of cases this profession in Romania is female) knew no bounds. According to them, the new tax would leave them without a livelihood, because their earnings are not at all great.

The witches also noted their merits in the fight against natural disasters (which are not uncommon in Romania and can be truly destructive). The state, according to women, does not show due gratitude for magical support, while politicians themselves often turn to spells for their enemies.

Angered by the arbitrariness of the authorities, the furies decided to take revenge on the government using a method available only to them: to impose a terrible curse on the members of the cabinet of ministers! To carry out the ritual, 13 witches gathered at night on the banks of the Danube. They prepared and, having carried out all the necessary manipulations in such cases, poured a poisonous decoction into the river (they said that it contained a magical plant). Bratara Buzea, the supreme witch of Romania, told reporters: “We harm those who harmed us.” History is silent about whether “the most terrible curse in the world” worked.

A modern innovation that has entered the lives of Romanian wizards and witches and has significantly influenced it is the Internet. “We must use modern technologies and keep up with the times,” they say.

Unlike their Russian counterparts, Romanian sorcerers can advertise their services and offer various potions and potions legally, on a par with ordinary goods and services. A lady who has the profession of a witch here has the official right to predict the future, charm illnesses, cast love spells, etc.

The famous Romanian witch Rodica was an innovator - she was the first among her colleagues to start her own website and blog. It turned out that the ancient teachings go well with new technologies: Rodika taught fortune telling with cards online to everyone, engaged in daily interpretation of dreams and, of course, advertised her skills, promising those who contacted her the return of potency, relief from drunkenness, serious illnesses and much, much more. “I create potions and cast spells according to the ancient art of divination. However, the blog is what brings me closer to possible clients, many of whom were previously skeptical of magic,” writes Rodica. “There are no distances for magic,” says another modern witch, Domnica Vilanu from an old Romanian family.

It is worth noting that not all Romanian sorcerers were hostile to the new “magic” tax. Some even then said that this government step was a legislative recognition of the existence of witchcraft. In other words, having lost part of their income, astrologers, fortune tellers, and shamans moved from an illegal position to a completely legal one. It seems that in Romania the age-old confrontation between science and the occult has ended in a friendly draw.

Although, today Russia has already opened the door to witches and sorcerers. The program gave impetus to this movement. Websites, advertisements and offers to use such services are now everywhere, on the Internet and in newspapers.

Be sure to visit Romania, visit Dracula's castle and chat with local witches. I wish you a mystical journey!

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