| Since Roman times,
Romanian spas have been known for their miraculous healing
powers. Transylvania holds numerous well-equipped
spa towns, such as Baile Felix, Baile Herculane,
Sovata and Covasna, some of which have facilities
offering acupressure, acupuncture and slimming
cures. It is here that the myth of Dracula, immortalised
in Bram Stoker’s famous novel, started off. The original Dracula
was a medieval King known as ‘Vlad the Impaler’, owing
to his horrible habits. One of Vlad’s original abodes is Bran
Castle; set in a commanding position, with its thick walls and peaked
tower, it offers a spectacular view and a chilling atmosphere (tours
are available to Bran Castle from the mountain resort of Poiana
Brasov, where it is possible to ski in winter and undertake mountain
climbing and walking in summer). From here it's possible to travel
to Sibiu which has a great market.
Transylvania is also known for its numerous Saxon fortified
churches, including the Biertan Church,
which stands on top of a hill overlooking the village of Biertan
and is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
