• The Enchanting Panorama of Sighisoara

    The Enchanting Panorama of Sighisoara

    Share this:

    Since the city is surrounded by taller hills, a nice vantage point over the city of Sighisoara can be found on the top of a larger hill right behind the train station. You can easily get there by car. This is one of the best places to admire the beautiful panorama of the city because from there, a large part of the city is visible including the old inhabited medieval citadel.

    As you can see from the photos below, both the upper and lower part of Sighisoara medieval citadel is visible. Unfortunately, the most emblematic building, the Clock Tower, is covered by the town hall, only a part of its roof is visible. On the left side of the citadel, you will find the Holy Trinity Orthodox church.

    Close-up panoramic view of Sighisoara medieval citadel.
    The Sighisoara Medieval Citadel.
    Holy Trinity Orthodox church.
    The Holy Trinity Orthodox church surrounded by residential buildings.
    A large part of the city as seen from a hill next to the train station.
    Panoramic view of the city.

    Visit the Sighisoara Medieval Citadel

    After admiring the city’s panorama from above, it’s time to explore the old Sighisoara Medieval Citadel because it is home to one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in Europe. Its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and medieval architecture create a picturesque setting that transports visitors back in time.

  • Charlottenburg – Romania’s Only Circular Village

    Charlottenburg – Romania’s Only Circular Village

    Share this:

    The village of Charlottenburg located in Timis County, also known as Sarlota, is Romania’s only circular village, not far from the major city of Timisoara. Initially, this village was founded by 32 families who immigrated to Banat from the southern part of Germany. In its early days. all the houses in the village had almost the same height. This tradition has not really changed. One of the reasons this village has a circular layout was to protect the count’s estates from damages done by wild animals living in the nearby forests.

    As you enter the village, you can observe the circular shape of the village. Right in the center of Charlottenburg, you will find the local school and a small but beautiful Roman Catholic church which is surrounded by old Swabian-style houses. The circularly shaped village has been designated a historical monument by the Romanian Ministry of Culture.

    As an interesting fact, Charlottenburg is 5 km away from 3 villages located nearby. Those villages are Buzad, Masloc, and Bogda.

    Circular layout of the village.
    Large circular street.
    Museum of Hunting in the village.
    The Museum of Hunting.
    Side view of the Roman Catholic church.
    Side view of the Roman Catholic church.
    Old houses in a circular layout.
    Old houses in a circular layout.
    Swabian house.
    A close-up shot of a Swabian house.
    Circular street with old Swabian houses.
    The starting point of the circular street.
    The Roman Catholic church.
    The Roman Catholic church located almost in the center of the village.

    After visiting this small village on a rainy December day, I would like to share some insights. Since it is a small village, apart from the Museum of Hunters there are not many attractions to visit in Charlottenburg. However, one of the biggest advantage of this village is that is not very far from Timisoara therefore you can easily reach it by car or by bicycle. In approximately 15 minutes, you can explore the entire circular village by foot. The village may reveal its true beauty and offer a more delightful experience when visited in milder weather.

    Below you will find a video of the village.

    How can you reach Charlottenburg?

    From Timisoara, which is about 45 km away, you will have to drive towards Masloc on DJ691. Once you will arrive in Masloc you will have to make a right turn toward Remetea Mica. The next village after Remetea Mica will be Charlottenburg.

  • What To Visit In The Land of Hateg

    What To Visit In The Land of Hateg

    Share this:

    Located in the southwestern part of the historical region of Transylvania, the Land of Hateg offers many things to explore and discover for tourists. Honestly, I found myself captivated by the picturesque landscapes, ancient castles, and warm hospitality. In this article, I will take you on a virtual tour of some of the must-visit destinations in the Land of Hateg, revealing the unique charm that makes it a destination you will never forget. Below I’ve shared a list of 5 amazing places that I’ve visited in the past so join me on a journey as I share my firsthand experience of the must-visit places in this captivating region.

    Hateg-Slivut Bison Reserve

    Bisons in Hateg-Slivut Bison Reserve.

    Hateg-Slivut Bison Reserve can be found not far from the city of Hateg. This place is highly recommended for wildlife enthusiasts and not just because this place offers a rare opportunity to witness European bison in its natural habitat. The reserve is committed to the protection and preservation of this endangered species, making it a meaningful and educational stop for visitors of all ages

    The Densus Church

    Densus stone church.

    As you drive from Hateg towards Caransebes on DN68, you can make a small detour and visit the Densus stone church, which by the way is the oldest church in Romania. It can be found in the small and quiet village of Densus, which is about 14 km away from the city of Hateg. The historic stone church dates back to the 13th century and it was built on the site of a former Roman temple.

    Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa

    Old Roman ruins in Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa.

    If you are a history enthusiast, then Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa would be another place that I highly recommend. After the Romans conquered Dacia, they decided to build a city on the territory of Sarmizegetusa. Today you will have the chance to visit the old Roman capital’s ruins. You can visit the ruins of temples, amphitheater, and residential areas that once thrived during the Roman Empire. If you plan to visit this place, you will find the main entrance right next to the main road connecting Caransebes and Hateg.

    Malaiesti citadel

    The small Malaiesti citadel.

    You will find the Malaiesti citadel in the Romanian village which has the same name as the citadel. The citadel consists of a tower which in the past, was surrounded by fortification walls. Today only a small part of the fortification wall remained intact. From there, you will have the chance the admire the beautiful Retezat Mountains which are not very far from the village of Malaiesti.

    Lake Gura Apelor

    Lake Gura Apelor in the Retezat Mountains.

    Gura Apelor is an artificial lake located up in the Retezat Mountains. If you plan to visit this place, then you should know that the road up to the lake is asphalted except for a couple of small portions, I can say that is in pretty decent condition. Once you arrive at the dam, you are surrounded by the beautiful Retezat Mountains and you will find a couple of trails that actually start from the Lake Gura Apelor.

    Locations on the map

    In the map below you will find the exact locations of the important places shared in this post. The starting point for all the important objectives in the Land of Hateg is the small Romanian city of Hateg. In addition to pinpointing these locations on the map, the corresponding routes necessary to reach each objective are also highlighted for your convenience.