In December 1989, Romania was reborn as a free nation. Now this multifaceted country is welcoming tourists to enjoy a wonderfully varied heritage of traditional culture, scnic splendour and leisure opportunities. A resurgence of endeavour and enthusiasm is reinvigorating the country's tourist facilities to create a holiday destination unique in southern Europe.

Romania - NE- Rodnei Mountains

Located in Eastern Europe, Romania is bordered by Bulgaria, Yugoslavia (Serbia), Hungary, Ukraine, and Moldova. The Carpathian Mountains comprise a third of its area, while the rest is covered by fertile plains and hills.

Romania was inhabited by the Thracian tribes in ancient times. The Greeks and the Romans established their foothold on the country quite early with the latter playing an important role in the formation of the Romanian nation. Romania broke into small principalities like Wallachia and Moldavia in the 10th century. It became a kingdom in 1881 with Carol I as the king. Post-World War II Romania was marked by violent protests against the dictatorial rule of Ceausescu who ultimately faced the firing squad in 1989.

The very name "Romania" reminds us that ancient Rome exercised a decisive influence on this country and monuments of that era remain. There are feudal fortresses, Byzantine "painted" monasteries and decorated village houses to be admired, while "Dracula's" castle is only one among hundreds of fascinating castles and palaces.

The capital Bucharest lies on the Wallachian plains, amidst the Carpathian foothills and beside the Danube. However, bombings during World War II and, later, bulldozing by Ceausescu's men obliterated much of its beauty. The 12-storey House of the People, built by Ceausescu, is one of the largest buildings in the world. The George Enescu Museum houses the personal belongings and manuscripts of music maestros while the Old Court Church contains beautiful frescoes of the 16th century.

Brasov, located amidst the Transylvanian Alps, is the second largest city in Romania. The Brasov Fortress and the Ecaterina Gate, the Council House, and medieval churches attract tourists to the city. Fifty kilometres to the southwest of Brasov lies the historical town of Bran, associated with the Romanian hero Vlad Tepes (the Impaler), who inspired the character of Dracula, the bloodthirsty vampire. The town houses the Bran Castle, though if you want to see the house where Vlad was born, you'll have to visit Sighisoara, another medieval town surrounded by hills.

The range of activities and places to visit is extensive. You can ski at traditional and mountain resorts or laze in the hot sun on Black Sea beaches that have everything the Mediterranean offers. You can hike through unspoiled landscapes, where rivers run clear, or take a boat in the 5,165 sq. km (2,000 sq. mi) water wilderness of the Danube Delta to watch pelicans and other rare birds among floating reed islands. Or you can enjoy the architecture, museums and galleries of the cities.