Transylvania, an area that lies in the centre of Romania, encompassed by the Carpathian Mountains is the largest province of the country. It is well known ,especially, thanks to Bram Stoker, who describes it at the homeland of Dracula. Both the landscape and culture are breathtaking; the geographical scenery brings forward alpine peaks, caves, gorges, high – altitude passes, dense forests or lowland valleys. The region of Transylvania has also a rich historic heritage, from ancient fortresses and temples to medieval towns, churches and castles, ending with renaissance and baroque palaces.
The ancestors of this region are the Celts, Dacian and Gatae tribes, and later the Romans. In the 11th century, Transylvania fell under the rule of the Hungarian Kingdom. It was during this period of time when the name of “Transylvania” appeared in the documents as “terra ultra silvania” or trans silvania”, meaning “the land beyond the forests”. In the 13th and 14th centuries Hungary colonized Saxons and other german tribes into Transylvania who developed defensive systems made up of strings of castles and fortresses in key positions and on the southern border passes through the Transylvanian Alps in order to strengthen Hungary’s position. The Saxons founded 7 fortified cities, region known as “Siebenbuergen”, meaning ”7 cities”. Therefore, history and culture are imposing: the population is a mixture of Romanians (majority), Magyars and Germans. The historic towns reflect the heritage of the ethnic groups which once dominated Transylvania. And, the most striking, is the Saxon heritage with its medieval streets, fortresses and defensive towers (in the south of Transylvania).
Dobrogea, situated in the south-eastern Romania, is the land between the Danube River and the Black Sea. The greatest attractions of the area are the Black Sea Coast and the Danube Delta. This area history was also tumultuous, being first dominated by the Greeks and then by the Romans. The Black Sea was called by the Greeks “Pontus Axeinos” which means “inhospitable sea”. The area was strongly marked by the their features, remarkable being Histria, the oldest ancient settlement, founded in 657 B.C. In 1418, Dobrogea was conquered by the Turks. It became independent in 1879, when the Turks was defeated.
Maramures, situated in the north of Romania, bounded by a natural fortress of mountains, is a region where you can see some of the loveliest villages and wooden churches, which impress with their relish and uniqueness. It’s an area which is worth visiting not only for the unique architecture and landscape, but also for its inhabitants who never discarded their old – established beliefs. On Sundays and special holidays, the people here, keeping strongly with their traditions, still worn the traditional folk costumes. Regarding its history, the principality of Maramures was first documented in 1199. It was dominated by the Hungarians since the 13th century until the 18th century. In 1918 Maramures was returned to Romania, but, between 1940 – 1944, the Maramures region fell under the pro – Nazi Hungarian rule.
These two regions situated in the west of Romania, and are divided by the Mures river. Banat and Crisana are considered to be the “door” of Romania towards the West. The areas were subjected by the Ottomans, by the Habsburg Empire and became also part of the Austro – Hungarian Empire (1718). This is the area where the 1989 revolution began against the Communist Regime (the town where it first started is Timisoara).
Moldova lies in the east of Romania; it stands out in relief thanks to its rich folklore and cultural attractions, natural beauty and its tumultuous history. It was being subjected, in turn, by the Hungarians, the Polish and then by the Ottomans. The Moldavia’s national hero is Stephan the Great whose reign lasted from 1457 until 1504 and who led resistance against the Turks, during his reign period. He was called the “Athlete of Christ” by Pope Pius VI. Moldavia was united with the principality of Wallachia in 1859 by Alexandru Ioan Cuza, Iasi becoming the capital of the Romanian state until 1862 when it was replaced by Bucharest. At present, Iasi is still considered the “capital” of Moldova, being one of the greatest cities in Romania. It has a great cultural tradition, being one of the most important university towns. There are also great monasteries, churches, public buildings and museums.
This principality lies in the south of Romania, reaching in the north the Carpathians Mountains and the Danube in the south. Romanians call Wallachia Tara Romaneasca (land of the Romanians). Its history was tumultuous too: it was founded by Radu Negru in 1290 and subjected in time by the Hungarians snd the Ottomans. The heroes of the principality are Mircea the Old, Vlad Tepes and Mihai the Brave, who fought against the enemies, refusing to pay any tribute. In 1859 Wallachia was united with Moldavia, under the rule of Alexandru Ioan Cuza.
Situated in the north – eastern Romania, Bucovina is another land whose allure can’t be find elsewhere in Romania. Bucovina is worth visiting especially for the churches in a number of about 40 by the end of Stephan the Great’s reign in 1504. The painted churches are among the greatest artistic monuments in Europe, famous for their frescoes. These masterpieces of art and architecture stand for what Bucovina has to offer. Apart from the religious aspects, Bucovina is worth visiting for the picturesque villages, its folklore and inhabitants. The main city of Bucovina is Suceava which was the capital of Moldavia from 1388 until 1566.
Provinces of Romania 
