Category: Transylvania

Another important objective to visit in the Mureș valley is the Royal Castle located in the commune of Săvârșin. It’s about an hour of driving away from Radna if you drive towards Deva. The Royal Domain was owned by King Michael I of Romania. In order to visit the park you will have to pay for a ticket. There are also guided tours available for the tourists if you want to learn even more things about this amazing and beautiful place.

The Automobile Museum

After you enter the Royal Domain the first thing that you can visit is King Michael’s old car collection. Inside the small museum, among the exhibitions, you will gonna find a couple of old WW2 military Jeeps. Right after the automobile museum, you will find small repair shop.

Exploring the large park

The large park can be found in the back side of the royal castle and it can be explored by the public. Unfortunately, the interior of the castle was not opened for the public.

The park has a surface of 6.5 ha where you will find a couple of very old oak trees, some of them were planted 1660. Somewhere in the park you will also find a small island which is surrounded by a lake. Very close to the lake you will also have the chance to admire the beautiful gardens.

What else to visit in the Mureș Valley

• The Șoimoș Fortress – If you are driving towards the city Arad, then you should stop and visit the ruins of the Șoimoș Fortress.
• The Radna Monastery – this old monastery is actually very close to the Șoimoș Fortress. This should be the second important objective to visit in the Mureș Valley.

Romania is home to many remarkable historical and architectural monuments, and among them is the Densuș stone church. Situated in the heart of the Hateg region, this unique structure stands out not only for its historical significance but also for its unusual construction materials.

Location

The stone church can be found in the Romanian village of Densuș which is about 14 km away from the small city of Hațeg. Once you entered the village, you will have to drive towards the cemetery where you will find the stone church.

As you will drive towards the old stone church from Hațeg, the scenery is really beautiful. On the left side of the road, you will have the chance to admire the mighty Retezat Mountains belonging to the Western Romanian Carpathians.

About the stone church

Densuș Church, also known as Saint Nicholas Church, holds the distinction of being widely regarded as the oldest church in Romania, standing strong for over 700 years. Unlike any other religious monument in the Hateg region, this remarkable church continues to host regular religious services to this day.

The fascinating history of Densus Church, shrouded in mystery and speculation, adds an air of intrigue to its already captivating allure. Although the first official mention of the church dates back to 1360, various theories propose that its origins could be even more ancient, contributing to the enigmatic charm that surrounds this monument..

In the church yard you will find an old stone tablet with ancient Roman inscriptions. Its not known whether this large tablet was brought from Sarmizegetuza Ulpia or it remained there from the previous Roman church.

The Retezat Mountains: A Majestic view from Densuș

The Retezat Mountains are a stunning range of peaks, valleys, and alpine lakes. From the village of Densuș, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of this majestic mountain range. The view from Densuș offers a unique perspective of the Retezat Mountains, showcasing their rugged beauty and stunning natural features.

The Densuș stone church is a unique and fascinating monument that showcases Romania’s rich history and cultural heritage. Its unusual construction materials, combined with its intricate design make it a must-see attraction for visitors to the region. And with the many other attractions and natural wonders that the Hateg region has to offer, a visit to the Densuș stone church is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

What else to visit near the Densuș stone church?

• The Deva fortress

The Deva Fortress stands as a breathtaking testament to history. With a storied past dating back centuries, it offers panoramic views and an air of timeless wonder. Its imposing walls and ancient charm draw visitors to explore it.

• The Corvin Castle

The Corvin Castle, a must-visit attraction located approximately 42 km away, is steeped in historical significance and mesmerizing allure. As one of Romania’s important landmarks, it captivates visitors with its rich heritage, intricate architecture, and captivating stories that echo through time.

• Lake Cinciș

With its scenic surroundings, this captivating lake offers a tranquil escape and a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature’s wonders.

• The Bison reserve

The Bison Reserve, only 32 km away, is a must-visit destination where you can see majestic bisons, providing a rare and unforgettable wildlife experience.

• The Mălăiești citadel

As you drive from Hațeg towards Petroșani, in the village of Ohaba de sub Piatra you will have to make a right turn and drive almost 8 km until you will reach the small citadel.

• Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa

If you plan to drive from Densus towards Caransebes, then you can make a short stop in Sarmizegetusa in order to visit the old Roman ruins. The main entrance is right next to the main road.

The day I visited Taii Gorge, I decided to explore another nearby spot, Jiet Gorge, which is just 10 kilometers away. After enjoying the peaceful beauty of Taii Gorge, I headed back to Lonea and made my way toward Jiet Gorge. This gorge is tucked between the stunning Parang Mountains, with a scenic main road running through it that leads up to Obarsia Lotrului. From there, you can even continue on the famous TransAlpina road, which winds all the way to Ranca—a popular ski resort in winter.

The Ranger’s Waterfall

One of the highlights of Jiet Gorge is the Ranger’s Waterfall, called “Dusul Padurarului” in Romanian. This small but beautiful waterfall is right by the main road, making it easy to stop and admire. For those who enjoy photography, a path alongside the Jiet River provides various viewpoints of the falls and the lush, surrounding landscape.

The nature near Groapa Seaca

My last stop in Jiet Gorge was at a cozy cabin called Groapa Seaca. After a short hike through the nearby forest, I started my drive back toward Petrosani as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the mountains.

Other Places to Visit Nearby

If you have time, I recommend visiting the Miner Rescuer’s Museum in the nearby city of Petrila. The museum is located on the grounds of the former coal mine, which was closed in 2015. Inside, you can see different types of equipment used by rescuers over the years and learn about their important and dangerous work in mining rescue operations.

Just outside the former mining city of Petrila, around 5 kilometers from its center, lies the beautiful Tăii Gorge. This scenic spot is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy nature and explore the outdoors.

To get to Tăii Gorge, you need to drive towards the small town of Lonea. As you approach the bridge over the Jiu River, make a left turn right before crossing. From there, simply follow the winding road through the mountains, which will eventually lead you to the entrance of the gorge.

The drive itself is peaceful, with towering mountains on either side. If you continue along this road, it will guide you further to a picturesque area called Lunca Florii, where the landscape opens up beautifully. Keep in mind that road is in a pretty bad condition after Taii Gorge.

What else to visit in the area:

• The former Petrila coal mine – actually you are allowed to visit only a small part of the mine. Next to the main entrance, you will find a couple of administrative buildings and in one of them you will find a very interesting museum with all sorts of mining equipment which once were used by the miners in rescue operations.
• The Parang Mountains –  not far from Petrila, there is a beautiful vantage point from where the entire Jiu valley is visible. If you are lucky enough, you can even spot the tips of the Parang Mountains.

The historic center of Sibiu, Romania, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets, the historic center is a captivating blend of Germanic, Hungarian, and Romanian influences.

On the Citadel Street (Strada Cetății) you will find a couple of important old landmarks like the Potter’s Tower and the Carpenter’s Tower. You can visit the interior of those towers if you want but you will have to pay for a ticket. Walking along the walls offers visitors a chance to appreciate the strategic planning that went into protecting Sibiu.

These old towers can be found almost at the edge of the historic center of this beautiful Transylvanian city.

Continuing our walk towards the Large Square in the historic center, I discovered another amazing building. The white building from the image below is the Imparatul Romanilor Hotel.

The Large Square

Another popular place in Sibiu is the Large Square where you will find many landmarks to visit. Besides the historical landmarks, you will also find many restaurants with terraces and various shops.

Among those important landmarks that are located in the Great Square, I can mention the Brukenthal National Museum which was the first museum in the region of Transylvania, the Council Tower, and almost in the middle of the square, you will find the Falkenhayn fountain.

The Small Square (Piața Mică)

After exploring the Greater Square it was time to head towards the Little Square which is a very short distance away. The Small Square is encircled by colorful baroque-style buildings adorned with arched windows and intricate facades, the square offers a glimpse into Sibiu’s rich past. Cobblestone streets add to the medieval ambiance, inviting visitors to take a leisurely stroll through time.

My first stop in the Small Square was at the Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary which was recently restored. The Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a significant landmark with deep historical roots. Often referred to as the “Cathedral of Sibiu,” it stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Construction of the cathedral began in the 14th century, and the building has undergone various modifications and renovations over the centuries.

Behind the Lutheran Cathedral, you will find the Guilds Tree and the famous Liars bridge. The Guilds Tree, a symbolic representation of the diverse craft associations that flourished in Sibiu during the 14th century.

The Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului) is another iconic landmark in Sibiu. Standing at the heart of the city, this medieval tower offers panoramic views of the historic center and the surrounding landscapes. The Council Tower is a reminder of Sibiu’s role as an important medieval trading city.

The Bridge of Lies, is a fabled pedestrian bridge situated in the heart of Sibiu. As an interesting fact, it was the first iron-cast bridge built in Romania.

Is there something else to visit in Sibiu?

Certainly! Beside the historic center of the city, you can also visit the steam locomotive museum which is located close to Sibiu train station. Over there you will have the chance the discover what type of steam locomotive were used by the Romanian state railway company (C.F.R).

What to visit near Sibiu

To be honest, there are many places to visit near Sibiu. Below I’ve shared a couple of them:

• The Fortified Church in Cisnădioara – this fortified church is located on the top of a larger hill. You will have to pay for a ticket in order to visit it. This is the closest objective to Sibiu.
• Sighișoara medieval citadel – this medieval citadel is among the most popular ones in the historic region of Transylvania.
• Cârța Monastery – this is another place to visit especially if you are in the Făgăraș region.
• The Biertan Fortified Church – this old church is actually not very far from the medieval citadel of Sighișoara. In case you are in the area, you will have to visit this place as well.
• The Clay Castle – This another amazing place to visit in the Făgăraș region.