Romania is fast becoming a favored travel destination as the charming beauty and interesting attractions of the county become more widely known. From summertime beaches along the Black Sea coast to wintertime skiing resorts in the Carpathian Mountains to the modern culture, cuisine and nightlife of Bucharest, Romania has something to offer for almost any traveler.

For the history buff in particular, the cultural and historic heritage of Romania has unique appeal. From ancient Dacian ruins to perfectly preserved medieval towns, iconic painted monasteries and dozens of castles and fortresses, there are 25 spectacular attractions designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites in recognition of their historic, cultural and architectural significance.

Some the top UNESCO World Heritage sites in Romania include:

• Monastery of Horezu — founded in 1690, the monastery is famous for its sculpture, painted icons and frescos
• Dacian Fortresses — these well-preserved ancient defensive works date from the 1st century B.C.
• Medieval Church Forts of Transylvania — seven of these fortified churches built by the Saxons from the 13th century are UNESCO sites
• Historic Sighisoara — this fortified medieval town was the strategic center of Walachia, the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, known to history as “Vlad the Impaler” and the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s fictional Count Dracula.