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48 Hours in Medieval Transylvania
The morning mist clung to the Carpathian peaks as our train wound through the mountains toward Brașov. After months of planning, I was finally experiencing the Transylvania I'd dreamed about - and it exceeded every expectation. This wasn't the dark, foreboding land of vampire legends, but a region alive with color, warmth, and centuries of fascinating history.
Brașov's medieval charm hit immediately. Stepping into Council Square felt like entering a fairytale - pastel-colored baroque buildings surrounding the imposing Black Church, Europe's largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul. I climbed the old city walls for panoramic views, then got wonderfully lost in the narrow cobblestone streets. The Saxon influence is everywhere, from architecture to the hearty food at Bella Musica, where I enjoyed the best goulash of my life while listening to a violin serenade.
Day two brought the obligatory visit to Bran Castle. Yes, it's touristy, but arriving at opening time meant having Dracula's supposed castle almost to myself. The morning light streaming through medieval windows, the creaking wooden floors, the stunning valley views - it was magical. But the real discovery was Râșnov Citadel, just 15 minutes away. This 13th-century fortress, perched dramatically on a hilltop, offered incredible views and a more authentic medieval experience without the crowds.
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