Romania - History and Tourism

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The adversities of history during this century - a theatre of struggle in both world conflagration, the installation of the Iron Curtain after 1945 and, during the last years of the Ceausescu regime, the harsh oppression and xenophobia, and after 1989, the painful difficulties of the transition, as well as the drawbacks in the areas of infrastructure and services, have hindered an efficient action of capitalising on this impressive potential. Romanian can potentially meet the most varied demonds and tastes of tourists. The wide range of picturesque relief forms, from the "Transylvanian Alps" to the sunny Black Sea beaches, the diversity of vegetation and fauna, the climate propitious to tourism in any month of the year, attract those who wish to seek refuge in the midst of nature. Romania, a country with a 45% rural population, can offer those with a taste for native folk culture and art lively forms which technical civilisation has not pushed to the area of historical references. For those taking an interest in history, the large sanctuary of Sarmizegetusa speaks about the local Geto-Dacian population, the vestiges from Histria speak about the Greek colonists who arrived on the Black Sea coast 2,500 years ago and the ruins of the bridge built between 103-105 by Emperor Trajan at Turnu Severin, across the Danube, being a masterpiece of ancient technique, speak about the genius of Roman builders. The Romanian Middle Ages are illustrated by the fortified cities and the monasteries which achieved an original synthesis between Byzantine an Central-European elements. Alpine climbers and spelaeologists (in Romania there are 11,000 caves), passionate hunters and fishermen, lovers of nautical or winter sports, all can see their dream come true on the Romanian land. Some of the 140 thermal spas provide not only facilities for an efficient medical cure but they are also places laden with historical meaning. Baile Herculane and Geoagiu, for instance, spas dating from the times of Roman Dacia, but others were a favourite destination for such crowned heads as Empress Maria Theresa or Emperor Napoleon III. Roulette addicts have at their disposal a large number of casinos which opened after 1989. Concerts, performances or folklore festivals, history and art museums complete the opportunities of recreation, rest or cure with a novel aesthetic experience. Last but not least, a cuisin with dishes quite "exotic" for a Western tourist, as well as a large of fine wines (Romania being the fifth largest wine producer in Europe) and also the well-known tuica (plum-brandy) enrich the list of attractions. Those wishing to take home keepsakes can find various folk art objects like pottery, wooden or leather objects, less metal ones, as well as rugs with typically Romanian floral motifs, blouses with folk motifs, icons on wood or on glass (which are specific to the area), native paintings and art objects, etc.