Romania Travel & Tourism - Rasnov Citadel
Romania Travel & Tourism - Rasnov Citadel
How does one manage to get a better feel of history if not by climbing an ancient path into the heart of a story telling fortress? Romania holds such an opportunity at hand in many forms, one of which is the enchanting sight of the Rasnov Citadel. I recently went there with a friend in order to show his Greek roommate a small part of the Romanian legacy. Here we were, walking up to the main gate of the fortress when we got startled by the sudden appearance of the entrance guard! An elderly well built fellow with gray, long locks and a matching beard, adorning a medieval costume and a spear in one hand. He kindly directed us to the ticket booth in order to pay the fee and then he posed for photos.
That particular day was quite damp and the snow had not yet melted so our walk turned out to be a little slippery on the age-old rocky paths. Here is a brief history of the citadel. It was built around the 13th and 14th century, its main purpose being that of repelling the hoards of tartars that so often attacked Romanian lands. Its strategic placement ensured its development as an important economic and trading center. Naturally, the citadel boasts of its own coat of arms, displaying three roses from which its very name is derived.
From the outside, Rasnov appears to be a sound, massive walled construction, much like all other Transylvanian fortresses. Its yellow tinted fortifications provide a pleasant contrast with its tiled deep red rooftops. On the inside, the citadel charms further by leading you onto winding, almost labyrinth like paths, in the course of which, by exercising one's imagination a little bit, one may witness an old square, a marketplace, several shops and dependencies and an old fountain whose utility apparently saved many lives in the past. Unfortunately the beauty of it all is slightly hindered by the use of metal nets on numerous walls in order to avoid their crumbling. As with most historical landmarks, this too is an attraction that requires much more attention and a proper renovation plan. However, one can easily get the real feel of this place, while peeking through the small gapes through which countless arrows must have flown during times of distress. Within these massive, talking walls, one becomes part of history too.
At the very top of the citadel, an impressive sight welcomes the visitors. Some of Romania's best known and wandered mountain tops reveal their majestic green, contrasting with what seems like an endless sky and an equally extended plain. Below the citadel's walls there lays the current city of Rasnov, a colorful Transylvanian style city with the same dark red tiled rooftops and patina walls which hold many stories and a particular charm. Rows upon rows of houses and buildings seem very much at peace under the stone vigilance of the citadel. When descending, one may pause to visit the few souvenir shops within the citadel and perhaps extract a story or two from these locals or even a couple magic tricks, as we did.
All in all, visiting this overwhelming citadel that has withstood the centuries in order to tell its enchanting tales is a trip not to be missed. The walls will continue to speak and attest to the very rich Romanian history that holds many wonderful experiences to those interested. You can find out more on Romania Travel & Tourism and start planning your journey by booking a plane ticket to Bucharest and looking for cheap hotels in Romania.
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