The mysterious land associated with bloodthirsty vampires and howling werewolves, Transylvania is one of eastern Europe’s most well-kept secrets.
Despite its fairytale-ish and mysterious vibe, this region of central Romania is known for its picturesque Carpathian landscape and rich history. Page through for some awe-inspiring facts!
1. The earliest-known reference to Transylvania comes from a 1075 A.D. medieval Latin manuscript called ‘ultra silvam’ – literally meaning ‘beyond the forest’ – belonging to the Kingdom of Hungary.
2. Historically, Transylvania was ruled by several different powers.
From Dacians and Romans to Bulgarians and Hungarians, many peoples are known to have ruled the region and exploited its abundant resources throughout history.
3. Because Transylvania was occupied by the Hungarians for over 1,000 years, Hungarian is very widely spoken in the region. So, if you’re traveling through Transylvania by road, a Hungarian phrasebook would come handy.
4. Transylvania formed the backdrop of Bram Stoker’s famous 1897 novel, Dracula.
Based on some fictional tales as well as some real events from the life of the Romanian ruler, Vlad the Impaler, a.k.a. Dracula, the novel created quite a stir and is still a classic.
5. Transylvania is swarmed with some of the world’s most beautiful medieval castles. The Bran Castle is particularly famous, owing to its established connection with the original Count Dracula.
6. Transylvania is home to the Transfăgărășan, one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Located in the southern section of the Carpathian mountain range, it is at an altitude of 2,000 m and stretches 56 miles from Transylvania to Wallachia.
7. ASTRA National Museum Complex in the Transylvanian city of Sibiu is the 2nd-largest open-air museum in the world. It has more than 300 houses, windmills, watermills, oil presses, hydraulic forges, etc.
8. One of the scariest forests in the world, the Hoia Forest, is in Transylvania. Situated near the city of Cluj-Napoca, this forest, a.k.a. the Bermuda Triangle of eastern Europe has many tales of missing people and paranormal activity associated with it.
9. About 60% of Europe’s brown bear population resides in the Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania.
10. Transylvania boasts a large number of resorts offering therapeutic waters from thermal springs. These healing waters are believed to treat various ailments like arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, infertility, etc.
11. The famous Kürtőskalács or Chimney Cakes originated in Transylvania. These large, cylindrical pastries dusted with sugar and caramel are one of Transylvania’s tastiest exports.
12. Pálinka, a traditional plum brandy, is the favorite drink of Transylvanians. It is a pre-dinner drink served at room temperature and drunk bottoms-up, all at once.