Are you curious about Romania, a beautiful and historic country located in the heart of Europe? Romania is a land of natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture. From its towering mountain ranges to its picturesque countryside, Romania has something for everyone. In this article, we will be exploring eight fascinating facts about Romania that you may not have known before.
The Palace of Parliament: The Second Largest Building in the World
The Palace of Parliament, also known as the People's Palace, is one of the most impressive landmarks in Romania. It is the second-largest administrative building in the world, just behind the Pentagon in the United States. The construction of the palace started in 1984 and was completed in 1997. The palace has 12 floors and 1,100 rooms, including a massive conference hall and three museums. The total cost of the construction was approximately 3 billion euros. Today, the Palace of Parliament serves as the seat of the Romanian Parliament.
The First Electrically Illuminated City in Europe
In 1882, the Romanian city of Timisoara became the first city in Europe to use electric lights to illuminate its streets. The city was already known for its cultural and educational institutions, and this achievement only added to its prestige. The project was completed using 731 lamps, which were powered by a hydroelectric plant. Today, Timisoara is known as the "City of Light" and is one of the most beautiful cities in Romania.
Sapanta Village: The Home of the Merry Cemetery
Sapanta is a small village located in the Maramures region of Romania. It is famous for its unique cemetery, known as the "Merry Cemetery." Unlike traditional cemeteries, the Merry Cemetery features colorful tombstones with hand-carved and painted images that depict the lives of the deceased. The cemetery was created by a local artist named Stan Ioan Patras, who started carving the tombstones in the 1930s. Today, the Merry Cemetery is a popular tourist attraction and has been declared a national monument.
The Tallest Wooden Church in the World
The Sapanta Peri Monastery, located in the Maramures region of Romania, is home to the tallest wooden church in the world. The church was built in 1997 using over 400 cubic meters of oak wood and stands at a height of 78 meters. The church is coated with over 8.4 kilograms of melted gold and wrapped in over four kilograms of gold plates. The Sapanta Peri Monastery and its wooden church have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Romania: A Premier Tourist Destination
Romania is one of the most beautiful and premier tourist destinations in Europe. Every year, over 13 million tourists visit Romania, bringing in over 5.21 billion euros in net income. The country has many stunning attractions, including Corvin's Castle, Bran Castle, Palace Castle, and the beautiful Alps mountain range. Romania is also home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
Romanian Cuisine: A Delight for Food Lovers
Romanian cuisine is rich, flavorful, and diverse. It is a blend of Eastern and Western influences, with traditional dishes that have been passed down for generations. Some of the most popular Romanian dishes include sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), mici (grilled minced meat rolls), and ciorba (a sour soup). Romanian wine is also famous, with many vineyards located throughout the country. However, Romanians prefer beer over wine and are ranked among the top consumers of alcohol in the world.
The World's Longest Sausage
Romania is known for its love