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Bucharest, Romania
Start your journey in the capital and visit the massive Palace of the Parliament and the charming Old Town (Centrul Vechi). Don't miss the Stavropoleos Church, a stunning example of Brâncovenesc architecture hidden in a narrow alley. Try mămăligă and sarmale at a traditional restaurant in the Floreasca neighbourhood.
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Curtea de Arges, Romania
This small royal town is home to the breathtaking Curtea de Argeș Monastery, a 16th-century masterpiece of intricate stone lacework and Byzantine detail. It serves as the burial place of Romanian royalty and is surrounded by legend. The nearby ruins of the Princely Court (Curtea Domnească) date back to the 13th century.
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Sibiu, Romania
One of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, Sibiu dazzles with its colourful squares, Gothic fortifications and the iconic rooftop windows that look like eyes. Visit the Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary and walk the atmospheric Lower Town connected by covered staircases. The Brukenthal National Museum is one of the oldest in Europe.
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Sighisoara, Romania
A UNESCO-listed medieval citadel and one of the most stunning fortified towns in Europe, Sighișoara is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Climb the 14th-century Clock Tower for panoramic views and visit the Gothic Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal) via a covered wooden staircase. The cobbled streets and coloured Saxon houses are utterly enchanting.
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Alba Iulia, Romania
Alba Iulia's star-shaped Vauban fortress is one of the largest and best-preserved in Eastern Europe, and the dramatic Coronation Cathedral inside is a must-see. The 13th-century Saint Michael's Roman Catholic Cathedral is a magnificent piece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Watch the daily changing of the guards ceremony at the fortress gates — a theatrical spectacle not to be missed.
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Cluj-Napoca, Romania
The vibrant unofficial capital of Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca boasts the imposing Gothic Saint Michael's Church dominating the central Unirii Square. Wander through the charming streets of the historic centre and visit the Tailors' Bastion, a remnant of the medieval fortification walls. The city has a buzzing café culture — try a langos or kürtőskalács from a street vendor.
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Bistrita, Romania
Immortalised as the starting point of Bram Stoker's Dracula, Bistrița is a lovely medieval Saxon town with beautifully preserved Gothic architecture. The Evangelical Church of Bistrița features a striking 75-metre Gothic tower visible from all over the city. Stroll the arcaded passageways of the Old Town and look for the Coopers' Tower, one of the last remaining medieval defence towers.
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Brasov, Romania
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Sinaia, Romania
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Ploiești, Romania
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Bucharest, Romania