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VLAD
DRACULA
The
historical Dracula, was a Walachian prince who ruled Romania from
1456 to 1642. During the fifteenth century Turks conquered most of
what is now the Balkans. Vlad Dracula repelled the invading armies
by impaling his Turkish enemies on spikes earning the sobriquet Vlad
The Impaler .Because of their fear to Vlad the Turks did not press
for sovereign control of the region. Dracula was also the man who
founded Bucharest, the capital of Romania.
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 Brasov has always been a major cultural
centre. Johannes
Honterus (1498-1549), who led the Protestant Reformation in the area,
established the first printing press in Transylvania here. The
first book in Romanian language was also printed in Brasov, by the deacon
Coresi, in the 16th century. Nowadays, you can spend some quality time
walking down the streets that surround the old Town hall, all the way
to the city walls. One of the nicest destinations is one of the original
city gates, Poarta Schei, enchanting with its four towers. When you're
done exploring, stop for a treat in one of the many nice cafes in the
city square. For an elegant surrounding, try the "Orient Cafe".
 Or,
if you prefer a more distinguished cultural experience, the Art Museum
shelters some valuable Romanian paintings, while the History Museum
awaits you in a medieval setting inside the old fortress. The biggest
attraction in town is the Gothic Protestant Church built between 1385
and 1477. It
is known by the name of "Black Church" because of its smoke-blackened
walls after a fire in 1689.
 The
establishment was
recently restored, and tourists can now fully enjoy listening to organ
concerts or admire the enchanting oriental rug collection. Being always
an important tourist centre, the city of Brasov has some fine hotels
and restaurants, of which the most known are "Aro Hotel" and the "Cetate"
restaurant, famous for the authentic Romanian cuisine and medieval interior.
Near
Brasov lies one of the most modern ski resorts in Romania, Poiana Brasov,
with about ten major ski slopes, Romanian style restaurants, swimming
pools, and tennis courts.
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