Category: Romania

About 20 km away from the small city of Rupea you will find the village of Racos which is popular destination because of its captivating natural marvels waiting to be explored. Here, located within close proximity, you’ll encounter an ancient volcanic crater, an enchanting emerald lake, and striking basaltic columns. With their proximity, you can effortlessly explore these wonders within just a few hours, making for a memorable and fulfilling excursion.

The old volcano (Vulcanul Racos)

Located in close proximity to the charming village of Racos lies the remarkable remnants of a once-active volcano or vulcanul Racos in Romanian, serving as the nearest attraction to the area.

Our journey began with a visit to this geological site, situated on the outskirts of the commune. Accessible by vehicle, you can conveniently drive right up to the base of the volcano, providing an excellent starting point for your exploration of the region’s natural wonders.

As we approached, the imposing presence of the volcano’s crater became increasingly apparent, evoking a sense of awe and curiosity within us.

Exploring the crater of the former volcano offers a unique chance to see many signs of its active past. As you explore this special place, you’ll find various elements that vividly show its fiery history. One of the most noticeable features is the volcanic ash scattered around, reminding us of the intense geological activity that once happened here.

Important tip: Stick to the marked paths for visitors to stay safe

Perched on top of a big hill, the crater gives visitors an amazing view of the wide landscape surrounding the former volcano. From here, you can see stunning views that spread out in all directions, showing the varied geography of the area. The view includes green valleys, rolling hills, and faraway peaks, creating a beautiful scene that goes on as far as you can see. This special perspective lets you see how the volcano fits into the larger natural environment, giving clues about how the land formed over thousands of years. Standing at the edge of the crater, surrounded by peaceful surroundings, you can’t help but feel amazed and respectful of the grand landscape in front of you.

The emerald lake (Lacul de Smarald)

Once a busy quarry where basalt was mined, this place has now turned into a beautiful lake with a unique and striking character. Surrounded by tall rock walls that tell the story of its transformation, the lake feels calm and mysterious. Walking down the pathways that lead to the water’s edge, visitors get a close look at the mesmerizing scene.

What really catches your eye, though, is the amazing green color of the lake’s water—it’s like the most beautiful emeralds hence its name, the emerald lake or lacul de smarald in Romanian. This stunning color makes the landscape even more magical, shining brightly on everything around it. When the sunlight hits the water, it sparkles and shines, making it even more enchanting.

In this amazing place, you can’t help but get lost in thought, thinking about the wonders of nature and the incredible beauty all around. Whether you’re standing by the water or looking at it from up high, the emerald green lake fills you with wonder and amazement, inviting you to explore and think deeply. This is truly a place where the line between natural and magical blurs, leaving a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to see it.

Other must-see attractions nearby:

In addition to exploring the wonders of Racos itself, there are several captivating attractions in the surrounding area waiting to be discovered. Here are some notable destinations worth visiting:

• The Rupea Fortress – Just 20 km away, this well-preserved medieval fortress sits atop a hill and offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a must-see for history enthusiasts!
• The Transylvanian village of Viscri – explore this wonderful and unique traditional Transylvanian village, including the famous Fortified Church located in the village.
• The Fortified Church in Saschiz – as you drive towards Sighisoara, right next to the main road, almost in the middle of the village, you will find the old Fortified Church.

The historic and charming commune of Saschiz is located in the heart of the historical region of Transylvania, Romania. This place is surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Saschiz is a perfect destination for anyone looking for a unique and authentic experience in Romania.

Where is Saschiz located?

The commune is located approximately 20 kilometers from the city of Sighisoara. In order to reach Saschiz, from Sighisoara you will have to drive on the E60 road towards Brasov.

The Evangelical Fortified Church

The village of Saschiz dates back to the Middle Ages and has a rich cultural heritage that is evident in its well-preserved architecture. The most notable of these is the old Evangelical Fortified Church, which was built in the late 14th century. One interesting thing about the Evangelical church tower, it looks almost the same as the famous Clock Tower from Sighisoara.

Today, the fortified church is well-preserved and is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who are fascinated by its rich history and stunning medieval architecture.

Traditional Transylvanian houses

Traditional Transylvanian houses are a unique and charming architectural representation of the region’s rich history and cultural diversity. Transylvania, a historical region in central Romania, is famous for its picturesque landscapes and a heritage deeply influenced by various ethnic groups, including Romanians, Hungarians, Saxons, and Romani communities

The Peasant Fortress

Beside the Evangelical fortified church, you will find another hidden gem is this commune. That is actually the ruins of the Peasant Fortress which was built by the Saxons in the 13th century. The fortress was built on the top of a larger hill and its about 2 km away from the Evangelical Fortified Church.

In conclusion, the village of Saschiz is a hidden gem in the heart of Transylvania that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and history. With its stunning architecture, breathtaking scenery, and traditional way of life, Saschiz is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the beauty and charm of Romania.

Top sights near Saschiz

• The closest attraction to Saschiz is of course the medieval citadel of Sighisoara.
• Another important sight near Saschiz is the old village of Viscri.
• Close to the village of Viscri you will find the Rupea fortress.

On my way back from the Bison Reserve, located in a forest near the city of Hațeg, I decided to stop by Corvin Castle. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Hațeg to Hunedoara, making it a convenient addition to your travel plans.

Once you arrive near the castle, you’ll find a paid parking lot where you can leave your car while exploring this fascinating historical site.

Where is Corvin Castle located?

Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle, is in the city of Hunedoara, Romania. It’s easy to spot since it’s built on a small hill near the edge of the city. Nearby, you’ll find the Zlaști River, which flows under the castle’s iconic wooden bridge leading to its main entrance.

Plan your visit

To get the most up-to-date information about Corvin Castle, I highly recommend visiting their official website. Here’s why it’s helpful:

Visiting Hours: The website provides the program de vizitare (visiting schedule), so you’ll know exactly when the castle is open.
Entrance Fees: You can find detailed information about the taxe de vizitare (entry fees) for adults, children, and other categories.

A short history about the castle

Corvin Castle is one of the most important landmarks in Transylvania. Built in the 15th century by John Hunyadi, the Voivode (ruler) of Transylvania, it showcases Gothic architecture.

This medieval masterpiece has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted places in Romania, according to travel websites, adding an extra layer of mystery to its allure. Despite its spooky reputation, it remains one of the most visited castles in the region.

Let’s explore this place

As you cross the wooden bridge over the Zlaști River, you’ll feel as though you’re stepping back in time. The bridge leads to the castle’s main entrance, which opens into a sprawling courtyard. Here, you can admire the architecture and imagine life in medieval Transylvania.

One of the first stops is the torture room, located near the entrance. This room showcases various medieval torture devices, providing a chilling glimpse into the darker aspects of the past.

Scary gargoyles

If you walk along the defense walls, you’ll get a closer view of these remarkable features, which are both decorative and practical.

The legend of the well

According to the legend, the well from the photo below was dug by three Turkish prisoners, to whom John Hunyadi promised freedom. The prisoners dug for 15 years and they managed to make the well 28 meters deep. Finally at that depth, they found water. Meanwhile, John Hunyadi had died and his wife didn’t respect her husband’s word, instead she ordered the killing of the three Turkish prisoners. The last request of the prisoners before execution was to write on a piece of stone in the well the following sentence: “You may have water, but you have no soul”

The Drummer’s Tower

This tower is located on the eastern side of the Corvin Castle and as you can see, it has a circular shape with two defense levels, the gunmen level and the embattled level. As I remember, this tower was built between 1440 and 1444.

Panoramic view of Hunedoara

From Corvin Castle, you can enjoy a lovely view of the small Transylvanian city of Hunedoara, nestled in the heart of Romania. As you stand on the castle’s towers or along its defense walls, you’ll have a panoramic perspective of the surrounding area, offering a unique glimpse into both the past and present of this fascinating region.

Other photos of the Corvin Castle

Here are two photos I took during one of my recent trips to Hunedoara. During that visit, I decided to focus on capturing a few exterior shots of Corvin Castle to truly showcase its impressive size and breathtaking architecture.

Standing outside the castle, you get a sense of just how grand and majestic it really is. The towering walls, intricate details, and strategic placement on a hill make it look like something straight out of a storybook. By photographing it from the outside, I wanted to highlight the castle’s massive scale.

Other important landmarks in the region of Transylvania:

Beside the Corvin Castle, you can find other important landmarks that you must visit if you plan to explore this amazing region located in the center of Romania.

Below I’ve shared 5 highly recommended places to visit:

• I will start the list with the medieval citadel of Sighișoara which is a pretty large inhabited citadel located about 220 km away from the Corvin Castle.
• Not very far from the city of Sighișoara, in the city of Rupea, you will find another old medieval fortress.
• In the commune of Biertan, you will find one of the largest fortified churches in the historical region of Transylvania.
• Not very far from the Corvin Castle, you will find the city of Deva which also has an older fortress built on the top of a former volcano. The fortress can be found close to the entrance into the city from Arad. You can actually take the elevated lift up to the Deva fortress.
• Finally, I will add the old traditional Transylvanian village of Viscri with its fortified church.