Except for being the birthplace of Dracula, Romani music, and contagious pop tunes, what else do you know about Romania? Located on the crossroads between Eastern, Southern, and Central Europe, this country’s turbulent history has created a cultural melting pot found nowhere else in the world – and its capital is the jewel that crowns that reputation. Besides the Bucharest is the top stag do destination and one of the most affordable cities, here are some intriguing as well as unusual reasons why you should definitely visit it…
The heaviest building
An uneasy symbol of the nation’s communist past, the Palace of the Parliament is the world’s heaviest as well as the most expensive administrative building to date. It was built for the former dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu who used its secret tunnels to flee the monolithic structure during the revolution against him – and it is open for visitors.
Century-old village
Take a stroll near the Herăstrău Lake and you will stumble upon a preserved ethnographic village amid a beautifully tended park. This is the hub of Romanian culture so you are bound to travel back in time and delve deeper in this nation’s roots.
Michael Jackson
Within the walking distance of the iconic Arch of Triumph (Bucharest was called “Little Paris” between the World Wars), you can find the timeless US singer’s monument to celebrate his legacy. Michael was the first megastar to come to Romania after the fall of Nicolae’s regime back in 1989 and thus allowed Romanians to reconnect with the world through music.
Bellu Cemetery tombstones
For dark tourism lovers, Bellu Cemetery is the final resting place of many notable Romanian artists, poets, and public figures. Similar to Paris’ Père Lachaise, this cemetery is adorned with stunning marble sculptures and tombstones that won’t leave you indifferent. Most of the graves contain engraved tragic backgrounds or romantic stories to wow the living.
Bullets of the revolution
Forty years of communism have left its mark on Romania, especially in 1989 when people took the streets and toppled one of the most notorious oppressors in human history. The walls of the headquarters of the architect’s union on the Demetru Street clearly show that lives were given for freedom. The bullet holes are an eerie reminder of how autocratic governments abused their own citizens to the point of break and willing sacrifice.
The Witches’ Pond
Romani are quite known for their indigenous witchcraft and outside of Bucharest, you can find the Boldu-Creţeasca forest, which is shrouded in magic mystery. The shallow pond is able to swallow a huge amount of matter (even all the mortar, which was discarded by the authorities after the destructive earthquake in 1977). But the myth started when a woman’s body was once tossed and ever since then the pond turned blood red each Spring.
Lifting Curses
Zlătari or Goldsmith Church on the bustling Calea Victoriei is said to host the remains of a 3rd-century saint. Uncommon for Christian reverence, Cyprian the Mage was the patron saint of sorcerers and magicians – and touching his hand is believed to lift spells. If you feel cursed, Zlătari Church should definitely be on your itinerary.
Drag village
20 kilometers outside of Bucharest is this little village called Brăneşti. What is special about this village is that on the first day of Easter fasting, men dress as women with intricately decorated masks, and run around with brandishing sticks in an attempt to touch everyone for good luck. Tourists will not be spared and some men can get tougher treatment. You don’t want to mess with these guys even though they are dressed as women.
There is more to Bucharest than meets the eye – that is a fact! The deeper you delve the more you will learn of its cultural diversity, spiritual singularity, and architectural splendor. Book your tickets today and discover for yourself how this city shows its mettle.
