Foto: The huge underground space in the mine (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Romania - The history of Salina Turda dates back to Roman times, when the area around Turda was already known for its salt mining. The first written mention of the mine comes from 1271. During the Middle Ages and the Hungarian-Romanian period, the mine produced more salt than nearly all other mines in Transylvania. In 1853, modern tunnels were built, such as the Franz Joseph Gallery. Salt mining ceased in 1932, partly due to reduced production and competition. During World War II, the underground space served as a shelter; later, from around 1950 to 1992, the salt mine was used as a storage facility for cheese. In 1992, the mine reopened to visitors, focusing on tourism and halotherapy (respiratory wellness). Thanks to EU subsidies, a renovation worth approximately 5.9 million euros took place between 2008 and 2010, after which the site was officially reopened in January 2010. Today, Salina Turda is one of Romania's most visited tourist attractions, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The mine reaches about 120 meters in depth and contains large chambers such as the Terezia mine (bell-shaped, 90 meters high and 87 meters in diameter), which features an underground lake with boats, and the Rudolf mine (42 meters deep), accessible via 172 steps or a panoramic elevator.
ClujNapoca the Cultural Heart of Transylvania
Romania - Cluj-Napoca, often simply referred to as Cluj, is one of Romania’s most important cities and is considered the cultural and economic capital of Transylvania. Located in the northwest of the country and surrounded by the hills of the Apuseni Mountains, ...
Draculas Castle
Romania - After more than two hours of driving, we reach the exit to Bran. Via fifteen sharp hairpin turns, we descend to the lower landscape. Then, a straight road leads to the castle. As we enter the village, we already see the castle on the hillside. Clearly, ...
Old town of Bucharest
Romania - From the hotel, we walk into the city. We’re looking for the Darvari Hermitage Church. This is the first stop on a walking tour from the guidebook. A service is underway in the church. Notably, only women are present. We quietly observe from the back. ...
Sighisoara the Medieval Pearl of Transylvania
Romania - Sighișoara is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and is located in the heart of Transylvania, Romania. The town was founded in the 12th century by Saxon settlers, also known as Transylvanian Saxons, who were invited by the Hungarian king ...
The Alba Carolina Star-Shaped Citadel
Romania - Alba Carolina is an impressive star-shaped citadel located in the city of Alba Iulia. Built between 1715 and 1738 by order of the Habsburg monarchy, it is one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in Southeastern Europe. The citadel was designed ...
The colossal Palace of the Parliament
Romania - On the opposite side of the Dâmbovița River stands the Parliament building. It is the second-largest building in the world—only the Pentagon in the United States is larger. Dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu ordered the construction of this massive structure ...
The monasteries of Bukovina
Romania - In the region of Bukovina, where we’re staying, monks had a stronghold in the 16th century. Due to frequent Ottoman attacks, they built fortified monasteries in the mountains. These also provided shelter to villagers during attacks. The monasteries ...
The Royal Castle of Pele
Romania - Peleș Castle, located in the picturesque town of Sinaia in Romania’s Southern Carpathians, is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. Built between 1873 and 1914 on the orders of King Carol I of Romania, it served as the royal family’s summer ...
The Transfagarasan Highway, Romanias Most Spectacular Road
Romania - The Transfagarasan Highway, also known as DN7C, is one of the most scenic and dramatic roads in Europe. Winding through the rugged Fagaras Mountains in central Romania, it stretches over 90 kilometers and connects the regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. ...