Must See Romania - Brasov

Surrounded by verdant Transylvanian hills, Brasov is one of Romania's most visited places. The first public opposition to the Ceausescu regime occurred here in 1987, where thousands of workers protested harsh food rationing. Ceausescu's response left three people dead and rations were cut further.

A medieval Saxon town, Brasov's main attraction is the Black Church, said to be the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul. Many people use Brasov as a base for visiting nearby attractions, most notably Bran Castle, commonly known as 'Dracula's Castle', 30km (18.6 mi) south of town.

Despite popular myth, the castle has no links with Vlad Tepes, the medeivel prince most often associated with everyone's favorite vampire. And, with its fairytale turrets and whitewashed walls, the castle is not exactly menacing. Less touristy and more dramatic is Rasnov Castle, en route to Bran Castle from Brasov. The ski resorts of Poiana Brasov and Sinaia are also within easy reach by bus or train from Brasov. Plenty of local and international buses and trains stop at Brasov.