10 Aspects Romania is Known For
I want you to go back to the moment you found out you will be doing your mobility program in Romania. What is the first thing that crossed your mind?
Despite being a relatively small country, Romania is known for many things, from its rich history and cultural heritage to its stunning landscapes and amazing cuisine. Let’s dip into 10 aspects that make Romania so special!
SARMIZEGETUSA REGIA
Romania has a rich history, stretching back thousands of years, with numerous ancient ruins and monuments that speak to its fascinating past. For example, the ancient city of Sarmizegetusa Regia was the capital of the Dacian kingdom and is now considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Romania.
THE TRADITIONAL CUISINE
Romania is famous for its rich cuisine, which is characterized by tasty stews, fresh vegetables, and a lot of meat. Foreigners always come back for sarmale (cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat), with mamaliga (polenta), mici (grilled pork meat rolls), and the tastiest dessert, papanasi (a doughnut with forest fruits jam and sour cream). Romanian cuisine is also known for its delicious pastries and sweet treats, including the popular cozonac (sweet bread) and pasca (traditional cheese cake for Easter).
NADIA COMÃNECI
Nadia is the first gymnast in Olympic history to score a perfect 10.0 when she participated in the Olympic Games in Montreal in 1976. Her impressive performance captivated audiences around the world, making her a global icon and inspiring future generations of gymnasts.
THE PARLIAMENT PALACE
The Parliament Palace is the largest building in Europe and the second largest building in the world, after the Pentagon.
The palace's interior is equally impressive, featuring marble columns, crystal chandeliers, and a beautiful large staircase. Make sure to book a guided tour to learn about Romanian history and politics.
ROMANIAN INVENTORS
Have you ever wondered who invented the fountain pen that you use for writing? Or have you ever driven the automatic car and questioned who invented the mechanism behind it?
Nicolae Paulescu contributed to the discovery of insulin.
Petrache Poenaru was a mathematician and physicist who is best known for his invention of the fountain pen.
Henri Coanda is known mainly for the jet plane invented in 1910. He discovered the Coanda effect, a phenomenon where a fluid jet is attracted to a nearby surface.
George Constantinescu built one of the first automatic gearboxes and he is best known for his work on the theory of wave propagation, which led to his invention of the theory of "sonics".
These are just a few of the great Romanian minds that contributed to the world’s most important inventions!
STUNNING NATURE
Romania’s natural and diverse beauty is why so many people fall in love with it. The country has a diverse range of landscapes, from the Transylvanian countryside to the dense forests of the Carpathian Mountains, and the pristine beaches along the Black Sea coast. Some of the most popular natural attractions in Romania include the Danube Delta, the largest river delta in Europe, and the house of many endangered and protected species.
BUCOVINA MONASTERIES
The painted monasteries in Bucovina are definitely something we are very proud of. Bucovina, in northeastern Romania, is home to several painted monasteries, known for their vivid exterior frescoes. These UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Voronet Monastery and Humor Monastery, date back to the 15th and 16th centuries and offer a unique blend of Byzantine and Gothic styles. The monasteries are considered some of the most well-preserved examples of medieval art in Europe.
TRANSYLVANIA
Transylvania is a historic region located in central Romania, known for its beautiful nature and medieval castles. There you can explore historic cities such as Sighisoara, where Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula) was born, and visit fortresses and castles, including the fortified churches of the UNESCO-listed village of Viscri.
GHEORGHE HAGI
Gheorghe Hagi is a retired Romanian professional footballer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest attacking midfielders of all time, and is often referred to as the "Maradona of the Carpathians." He also represented the Romanian national team in three World Cup tournaments.
ITS RESEMBLANCE TO THE LATIN LANGUAGE
The Romanian language has evolved from the Latin spoken by the Roman Empire's soldiers and colonists in the region. As a result, Romanian shares many similarities with other Romance languages such as Italian, Spanish, and French, including vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Today, Romanian is the only Romance language spoken in Eastern Europe and is considered one of the most important cultural elements of Romania.
Whether you are interested in history, culture, or simply soaking up the beautiful scenery, Romania is a country that is sure to leave a lasting impression during your mobility! If you want to learn about it, don’t forget to check the discussions on the Living Abroad forum and ask any questions you have!