Roads of the past – 15 historical monuments in Romania that you can visit by car

• Historical Monuments in Romania – Citadel of Sighișoarei
• Historical Monuments in Romania – Fortified Church from Biertan
• Historical Monuments in Romania – Peles Castle, Sinaia
• Historical Monuments in Romania – Black Church, Brasov
• Historical Monuments in Iasi – Palace of Culture
• Historical Monuments in Romania – Voroneț Monastery
• Historical Monuments in Romania – Brâncuși Monumental Ensemble, Targu Jiu
• Historical Monuments in Romania – Casino of Constanta
• Historical Monuments in Romania – Council Tower, Sibiu
• Historical Monuments in Bucharest – Romanian Athenaeum
• Historical Monuments in Bucharest – Cantacuzino Palace
• Historical Monuments in Romania – Corvinilor Castle
• Historical Monuments in Romania – The Castle of Suceava
• Historical Monuments in Romania – Monastery Church of Curtea de Argeș
• Historical Monuments in Romania – Reintegration Cathedral, Alba Iulia
• Why rent a car to visit Romania’s historic monuments

Romania is a country rich in historical relics, reflecting both the diverse cultural influences with which the local population has come into contact and the evolution of society as a whole over the centuries.

Here you will find medieval fortresses that have stood the test of siege and time, fortified churches that have served as shelter and sanctuary, and historic buildings of rare beauty, all completing Romania’s picture as a true open-air museum.

The roads linking these historic places are themselves paths through time, through lands that have remained largely unchanged over the centuries. You have the chance to visit historic UNESCO World Heritage sites, appreciated for their worldwide cultural and historical importance, as well as lesser-known but no less attractive places.

So let’s embark on a journey through Romania’s past and let history be our guide.

1. Historical Monuments in Romania – Sighișoarei Fortress

Sighisoara is the only medieval fortress of its size in Europe, inhabited continuously since its foundation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Founded by the Saxons in the 12th century, the old town impresses with its imposing towers, cobbled streets and colorful houses. From the Clock Tower, the town’s landmark, you can admire the surroundings, and the Dominican Monastery Church houses a number of valuable religious objects. Sighișoara is also the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș, the Romanian voivode who inspired the legend of Dracula.

Useful information about Sighisoara Citadel

• Sighișoara is 295 km from Bucharest, a road that can be traveled in about 4 hours and a half, 364 km from Timișoara (4h 40 min.), 157 km from Cluj (2h 40 min.) and 87 km from Târgu Mureș (2h 40 min.).
• The fortress can be visited all year round. The clock tower is open from May 15 to September 15 from 09:00-17:30 from Tuesday to Friday and from 10:00-17:30 on Saturdays and Sundays. From 16 September to 14 May, the visiting hours are from 9:00-15:30 from Tuesday to Friday and from 10:00-15:30 on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Admission is 12 lei for adults and 4 lei for children.

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2. Historical Monuments in Romania – Fortified Church from Biertan

The Fortified Church of Biertan, one of the most impressive and well-preserved Saxon fortifications in Transylvania, is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Built in the 15th century, this Gothic-style church is surrounded by three rows of defensive walls. Renowned for its spectacular polyptych altar and sacristy door with a complex closing mechanism, Biertanul was the seat of the Saxon bishopric for three centuries.

Useful information – how to get to Biertan by car

• You can get to Biertan either from Sighișoara, which is only 30 km (30 km) away in half an hour, or from Sibiu, which is only an hour’s drive away (66 km).
• The entrance ticket costs 10 lei and opening hours are from 10:00-17:00, Tuesday to Sunday.

3. Historical Monuments in Romania – Peles Castle, Sinaia

Peles Castle in Sinaia, a magnificent example of Neo-Renaissance architecture, is one of the most beautiful royal residences in Europe. Built between 1873 and 1914 at the behest of King Carol I, the castle impresses with its elaborate details and sumptuous interiors, richly decorated with works of art and luxurious furnishings.

Set in spectacular mountain scenery, Peles was the royal family’s favorite place for vacations and diplomatic meetings. Today the castle functions as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of Romania’s royal family.

Useful information – how to schedule a visit to Peles Castle

• Sinaia is 116 km from Bucharest, which you can drive in about two hours. If you start from Brasov, the distance can be covered in just 50 minutes (45 km).
• The castle has a complex opening hours, generally from 10:00-17:00, except on Tuesdays, when only the ground floor is open.
• Ticket prices range from 30 to 150 lei, depending on the optional tours you choose.

4. Historical Monuments in Romania – Black Church, Brasov

The Black Church in Brasov, the largest Gothic building in south-eastern Europe, is a symbol of the city. Built in the 14th century, the church impresses with its imposing size and characteristic facade, partly blackened by a fire in 1689, from which it takes its name. The interior houses a valuable collection of Anatolian carpets and an organ with over 4,000 pipes, renowned for its clear sound.

Useful information – the best route to the Black Church

• The distance from Bucharest to Brasov is 180 km and can be covered by car in just under three hours. A slightly shorter distance separates the city at the foot of the Thames from Sibiu (142 km – about two and a half hours’ drive).
• Visiting hours in winter are from 10:00 to 18:00, Tuesday to Saturday, and 12:00 to 18:00 on Sundays and Mondays. In the summer, the church is open from 10:00 to 19:00 (Tuesday to Saturday) and 12:00 to 19:00 (Sunday and Monday).
• The entrance fee is 20 lei for adults, 15 lei for pensioners and students and 10 lei for pupils.

👉 Wherever you start, the Black Church in Brasov is waiting for you to discover its mysteries. Many other monuments in Romania can be on your list of places to see. Explore the travel recommendations on our Facebook and Instagram pages and tag us in your road trip photos!

5. Historical Monuments in Iasi – Palace of Culture

Among the city’s many heritage buildings, the Palace of Culture is a splendid example of neo-Gothic architecture. Inaugurated in 1926, it was originally the city’s administrative and judicial seat.

Today it houses four important museums: the History Museum, the Art Museum, the Ethnographic Museum and the Science and Technology Museum. The clock tower, decorated with medieval figurines, adds a special charm to this symbol of Iasi, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

Useful information – how to get to the Palace of Culture in Iasi

• From Suceava, you can reach Iași by car in about 2h 40 min (144 km), and from Piatra Neamț in 2h 30 min (97 km). From Bucharest, the distance of 418 km can be covered in 6h 30 min.
• The palace is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays, and can be visited between 10:00 and 17:00 on all other days. The Clock Tower can only be visited with a guided tour from Wednesday to Sunday inclusive at 10:45, 11:45 and 12:45.
• The entrance fee is 20 lei for each of the museums and 60 lei for a guided tour. Tickets are issued separately for each museum.

6. Historical Monuments in Romania – Voroneț Monastery

The Voroneț Monastery, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the East”, is one of the most famous and well-preserved monasteries in Romania. Founded in 1488 by Stephen the Great, this monument of Byzantine art stands out for its exceptionally colorful facades, especially the unique and legendary “Voroneț blue”.

The interior and exterior frescoes, depicting biblical scenes and saints, are considered masterpieces of medieval art. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Useful information – when to visit Voroneț Monastery

• From Iași to Voroneț Monastery is 168 km (about 3h 15 min by car), and from Suceava you can reach the monastery, using the same means of transportation, in about an hour (50 km).
• The monastery can be visited from Monday to Sunday inclusive, during the tourist season, between 08:30 – 19:00, and during the off-season, between 09:00 – 17:00. Only the exterior paintings can be visited during services.
• The entrance fee is 10 lei for adults and 5 lei for children, pupils and students. There is a 10 lei fee for non-professional outdoor photography or filming.

👉 In the Voroneț Monastery area there are other medieval art monuments to visit. The best solution in such cases is renting a car, which gives you the flexibility to visit several locations in a comfortable way. Check out the rental guide that Enterprise Rent-a-Car has made available to you and see what advantages you can enjoy.

7. Historical Monuments in Romania – Brâncuși Monumental Ensemble, Targu Jiu

The work of our great national sculptor, the Ensemble is a triumph of modern outdoor art. Completed in 1938, this complex includes the “Infinity Column,” “The Alley of Seats,” “The Gate of the Kiss,” and “The Table of Silence,” each work a profound expression of the author’s philosophy and aesthetics.

The “Infinity Column” rises skywards, symbolizing aspiration and eternity, while the “Kissing Gate” and the “Table of Silence” are charged with symbols of love and contemplation. The complex represents one of Brâncuși’s greatest achievements, celebrating Romanian creativity and tradition.

Useful information – how to reach the Brâncuși Monumental Ensemble by car

• The distance from Craiova to Târgu Jiu by car takes about 2 hours (110 km) and from Sibiu about 3h 45 min (248 km). Bucharest to Târgu Jiu is 291 km (5h by car).
• You can visit Brâncuși’s works in the complex all year round, free of charge.

8. Historical Monuments in Romania – Constanta Casino

Considered a symbol of the seaside city, the Casino is an outstanding example of Art Nouveau architecture. Inaugurated in 1910, this imposing edifice, with its elegant facade and elaborate detailing, was once an exclusive meeting place for European aristocrats and tourists. Abandoned and deteriorated in recent decades, it is now undergoing extensive renovation.

Useful information about Constanta Casino

• You can drive from Bucharest to Constanța in 2h 45 min (239 km), from Buzău in about 3 hours (231 km) and from Ploiești in 3h 20 min (294 km).
• Under renovation, the casino can only be visited from the outside.

9. Historical Monuments in Romania – Council Tower, Sibiu

Sibiu’s Council Tower, a symbol of the medieval city, dates back to the 13th century. Initially part of the fortification system, the tower has served various functions over the years, from grain store to observation point.

With its impressive height and distinctive Gothic architecture, the tower offers a panoramic view of Sibiu and its surroundings. Its interior houses temporary exhibitions and historical collections.

Useful information – when to visit the Council Tower in Sibiu

• Sibiu can be reached by car from Bucharest in about 4 and a half hours (280 km), from Brasov in 2h 30 min (142 km), and from Targu Mures in about 3 hours (154 km).
• The Council Tower is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The rest of the day, tourists can admire the view of the city for a fee of 2 lei.

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10. Historical Monuments in Bucharest – Romanian Athenaeum

Inaugurated in 1888, the Athenaeum is a symbol of Romanian culture and art. One of many famous buildings in Romania, it was built in a neoclassical style with eclectic influences, impressing with its facade of eight Ionic columns and monumental dome.

Its interior, renowned for its excellent acoustics, houses one of the most beautiful concert halls in Europe, decorated with frescoes depicting significant moments in Romanian history.

Useful information – how to get to the Romanian Athenaeum

• The Romanian Athenaeum is located on Benjamin Franklin Street in Bucharest, in the northern part of Revolution Square, which is easily accessible by car from any part of the capital.
• Since the George Enescu Philharmonic is based here, the visiting program is posted every month on the institution’s website, depending on the date of the performances, and the price of a ticket is 10 lei.

11. Historical Monuments in Bucharest – Cantacuzino Palace

Bucharest’s Cantacuzino Palace, an architectural jewel in neo-baroque style, was built in the early 20th century for Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino, an influential politician and mayor of Bucharest. Situated on Calea Victoriei, the palace impresses with its elegant facade and opulent interiors, decorated with marble, frescoes and stained-glass windows.

Today, the building is home to the George Enescu National Museum, dedicated to the famous Romanian composer, offering visitors the opportunity to explore both the history of the Cantacuzino family and the life and work of Enescu, in a setting of exquisite architectural beauty.

Useful information about Cantacuzino Palace

• The palace is centrally located at 141 Calea Victoriei, and there are several parking lots nearby for those arriving by car.
• The interior can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, and the entrance fee is 20 lei for adults and 10 lei for senior citizens and students.

12. Historical Monuments in Romania – Corvinilor Castle

Built in the 15th century by Iancu de Hunedoara, the castle stands out for its imposing architecture, with high towers, bastions and wooden bridges. The interior preserves sumptuous halls, chapels and historic frescoes. Legends and stories about Vlad Tepes and other historical figures add to the mystery of this fascinating place.

Useful information – how to get to Corvinilor Castle

• Corvin’s Castle, also called Huniazilor Castle, is 132 km from Sibiu, a distance that can be covered by car in about 1h 37 min and 168 km from Timișoara (2h 20 min drive).
• Visiting hours are from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 20:00, Mondays from 12:00 to 20:00, and the entrance fee is 40 lei for adults, 20 lei for senior citizens and 10 lei for pupils and students. The fee for photography is 6 lei and for non-professional filming 20 lei.

👉 In addition to marvelous medieval castles and historic buildings, Romania abounds in landscapes of surreal beauty and places where you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale land. Discover some of these in our article Short break destinations in Romania, perfect for a road trip.

13. Historical Monuments in Romania – The Fortress of Suceava

Suceava’s Citadel, built in the 14th century by Petru I Musat and reinforced by Stephen the Great, is a symbol of medieval Moldavian resistance. Situated on a high plateau, it was a defensive bastion against Ottoman and Polish invasions.

Its massive structure, with thick walls and defensive towers, reflects the architectural mastery of the period. Today, the fortress is restored and open to visitors, with exhibitions re-enacting medieval life and historic battles.

Useful information – when you can visit the Suceva Citadel

• The fortress of Suceava is 145 km from Iasi (about two and a half hours by car), 44 km from Botoșani (50 minutes by car) and 96 km from Piatra Neamț (about two hours).
• The monument can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 21:00, closed on Mondays. Entrance fees are 21 lei for adults, 10.5 lei for pensioners and 5.3 lei for pupils and students.

14. Historical Monuments in Romania – Curtea de Arges Monastery Church

The church of Curtea de Argeș Monastery, built in the 16th century by Neagoe Basarab, is a true example of Byzantine art and Romanian Renaissance. Renowned for its impressive architecture and elaborate sculptural detailing, the church is surrounded by legends, such as that of the master craftsman Manole and his wife Ana. Its façade is decorated with floral and geometric motifs and the interior houses the royal tombs of the Romanian dynasty.

Useful information – how to organize a visit to Curtea de Arges Monastery

• Curtea de Argeș can be reached from Bucharest in 2h 15 min (163 km), from Pitesti in 45 minutes (44 km) and from Craiova in three hours (163 km).
• There is no entrance fee and opening hours are 08:00 – 20:00 in summer and 09:00 – 17:00 in winter.

15. Historical Monuments in Romania – Reintegration Cathedral, Alba Iulia

Alba Iulia’s Cathedral of the Reenactment, also known as the Coronation Cathedral, is a symbol of Romania’s national unity. Inaugurated in 1922 to celebrate the Great Union of 1918, the cathedral impresses with its Neo-Brenaissance architecture with Byzantine influences. In this cathedral, King Ferdinand I and Queen Maria were crowned as sovereigns of Greater Romania.

Useful information – what route to take to Alba Iulia

• Alba Iulia is a quick 50-minute drive (79 km) from Sibiu. You can try to get here from Targu Mures (2 hours by car, 150 km) or from Mediaș (1.5 hours, 86 km).
• Visiting hours are from 06:30 – 20:00, Monday to Saturday, and 07:30 – 20:00 on Sundays and religious holidays. Admission is free.

Why rent a car to visit Romania’s historic monuments

One of the biggest advantages of car rental is flexibility. You can choose the type of vehicle that best suits your needs, from compact cars for city trips to SUVs or sedans for longer journeys.

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore without constraints. You can plan your route, make unexpected stops and venture into areas less accessible by public transportation. This autonomy is particularly valuable when traveling to a new region or when you need flexibility in your schedule.

Car rentals can be more economical than owning a vehicle, especially in the short term. You don’t have to worry about extra costs like maintenance, insurance or taxes. You can also avoid the high expense of buying and depreciating a new vehicle by paying only for the use you need.

Why is so special Enterprise Rent-a-Car

Enterprise is a brand dedicated to mobility, with a strong focus on delivering best-in-class service. We focus on delivering solutions that exceed customer expectations and ensure a positive customer experience, regardless of the context in which they choose us.

We ensure a pleasant and personalized experience through our employees, who are trained to provide everything necessary to meet and exceed the requirements of those who call on us.

In terms of our commitment to quality, we strive to offer more than the basic services of a rental contract. We build trusting relationships and our teams ensure that every customer feels valued, not just by words, but by actions.

Exploring Romania’s historic monuments by car is an adventure in itself, giving you the freedom to discover the past of the places you drive through and the beauty of the landscapes. Each journey becomes not just a simple visit to a historical site, but an opportunity to enjoy the journey and create unforgettable memories.

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