Transylvania

Truly a city of contrasts, Romania’s capital is vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan. Home to a number of interesting museums, it is also a place of incredible architectural diversity, where Orthodox churches and elegant belle-époque buildings rub shoulders with severe Stalinist constructions and the scars of brutal communist rule. Bucharest’s most iconic building is the vast and vainglorious Palace of Parliament, commissioned by the megalomaniac Nicolae Ceauşescu during his years as Romania’s dictator.

Step past the stalls of vampire paraphernalia to explore the real history of Bran Castle, also known as ‘Count Dracula’s Castle’. With spires that pierce dramatically upwards, atmospheric interiors and dimly-lit crevices, it’s easy to see why this small citadel inspired Bram Stoker’s spooky tale. Perched upon a rocky outcrop, the castle looks out over thickly forested hills and is filled with antique furniture.

Baroque buildings, pastel façades, and a rather incongruous Hollywood-style sign define the skyline of pretty, medieval Braşov. Cafés line its spacious central square, next to which is the famous Black Church. Named for a fire that almost consumed it during the 17^th century, this Gothic church is not as foreboding as its name suggests. Inside the impressive building is a magnificent collection of cultural treasures. Nearby, the St Nicholas Church is a Romanian Orthodox church dating back to medieval times, known as an architectural masterpiece which displays Gothic, baroque and Byzantine influences. Braşov is also the home of the First Romanian School Museum, a centre of education since the 16^th century with a wonderful collection of antique books.

A medieval maze of alleyways, lined with historic cafés, colourful merchants houses and glittering spires, form the UNESCO-listed heart of stunning Sighişoara. Its ancient citadel is surrounded by battlements and fortifications, and lurking beneath this show of splendour is the bloodthirsty story of Vlad the Impaler, alleged to have been born here.

A masterpiece of neo-Renaissance architecture, the sculpted spires of Peleş Castle bask against a beautiful backdrop of frosty mountains and emerald forests. The former summer residence of the Romanian royals, this castle dates back to the 19^th century and its interior is filled with exquisite furnishings, elaborate weapons and skilled wood-carvings.