In August 2009, Rasnov became the first tourist city in Romania promoted with European funds
Today we are going to the center of Romania. In August 2009, Rasnov became the first tourist city in Romania promoted with European funds. We can discover here a place rich in history, documented as far back as 1331, and whose emblem, the rose, has been used since the Middle Ages. The main attraction by far is the medieval fortress, where many cultural events are held. At the same time Rasnov is also the destination of choice for active vacation lovers.
Daniela Bonta, president of the Rosenau Tourist Association of Rasnov, told us why we have to pick the city for as our vacation destination:
“Because it is clean and hospitable, with wide open spaces, very close to the forest, and crowding free. With our careful handling of the pandemic, we managed to maintain our infection rate below 2 per thousand inhabitants. So, we are inviting tourists to visit our objectives: the fortress, the Fortress Valley Cave, the Old Romanian Church, and the Evangelical Church. They can safely take accommodation in the hotels and B&Bs, dine in our restaurants, take a walk or a bike ride, enjoy the horse riding programs, or have a trek in the forests. Accommodation is now available across the city. Restaurants are now open at 30% capacity, and most have adapted and added a delivery and catering service. Each restaurant in Rasnov has a garden that offer a sight of the mountains, the forests, or the fortress. We have marked already the tourist trails, or refreshed markings on the existing ones, and in spring we will mark bike trails as well. The five cycling trails that we have will be marked at international standards. We have constant support from the local administration in developing Rasnov's tourist potential, and having a sustainable, durable, and quality tourism.”
The guard statue that watches over the city represents the city, Daniela Bonta told us:
“Our fortress is a national tourist objective, and was first documented as early as the 12th century. The city has undergone many modifications to the present. However, the contemporary aspect maintains architecture elements that draw a good picture of a fortification that has successfully fought off sieges. The city was only taken once, and that is because of treason. The city did not have its own water source, and it was taken over because the defenders were dying of thirst. Right now, restoration works are being done as part of a project financed with European funds. I am proud to say that works will wrap up by February 2022. I would like to spark the curiosity of tourists by mentioning the slope elevator that links the historic center and the fortress, which offers a 100% ecological means of transportation. Tourists can leave their cars safely in the underground parking lot in the center of town. Access for visitors during this restoration period will be through the fortress garden, which is open. Visiting hours on all days of the week, free of charge, are 9 AM and 5 PM.”
Another tourist objective is the Evangelical Church. The edifice has always been the place of worship for the Saxon community in Rasnov, says Daniela Bonta, president of the Rosenau Tourist Association of Rasnov:
“Before the reformation, the church was under the patronage of the Holy Apostle Matthew. The Rasnov Evangelical Chuch was documented as early as the 12th century, just like the Old Romanian Church monument. This is believed to be the oldest elevated Orthodox Church in southeast Transylvania. The edifice has always been the parochial church for the Dobrice neighborhood in Rasnov.”
The Fortress Valley Church was discovered in 1954 by a group of young local people. Right now it is a tourist objective for the majority of tourists who come to Rasnov, Daniela Bonta told us:
“In 2010, the cave was taken under administration, and then the earth at the entrance was removed manually, in order to facilitate access. Geologically, it is a young cave, only two million years old, but the rock is much older, dating back to the Jurassic, 160 to 170 million years ago. Due to its special acoustics, every week in summer five members of the Brasov Philharmonic delight the tourists with old traditional music or live jazz, without any form of amplification. The summer schedule of the cave is from 10 AM to 8 PM, and in winter it is 10 AM to 6 PM. In the context of the pandemic, access is now in smaller groups, every 30 minutes in winter and every 20 minutes in summer.”
Another special destination is the Rasnov dinosaur park, a destination for all ages. Here is Daniela Bonta:
“This is the biggest dinosaur park in Southeast Europe. It is close to Rasnov fortress, stretches over three hectares, and it is an outdoor museum. In addition to an impressive circuit with over 100 life sized dinosaurs, scientifically reconstructed, we have there playgrounds for the kids, tree houses, a 9D cinema, and a 360 degree cinema, adventure trails, unique exhibitions, and several interactive areas. As a world first, the park reconstructed the largest flying animal in the world, and the biggest dinosaur ever discovered, the Seismosaurus, a 45 meter long giant.”
Rasnov right now is the capital of winter sports in Romania, with a long tradition. Right now, the city has to most modern base for ski jumping and biathlon in the country. Moreover, between February 18 and 20, the Olympic base for ski jumping in Rasnov will host a unique competition. For two days, a world cup stage will be held, with two individual competitions. Given the present safety measures in place due to the pandemic, competitions this year will be without an audience present. However, television cameras will broadcast the event live, so that everyone will get an opportunity to see some of the best athletes in the world competing.
These are some of the reasons for which you should plan a trip to Rasnov. It has nature, culture, and clean air, three ingredients that should not miss from any vacation.
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