Touristic objectives

Once a balneary and climatic resort, with a personal administration in the present, Poiana Tapului became a neighborhood of Busteni city.  Called “Romania’s capital”, as a joke during the mandate of the president Emil Constantinescu, Poiana Tapului has a rich past, full of history especially regarding the monarchy years of Romania.

In this locality, on the national road, there is the little residence of Prince Ferdinand, from the period which preceded the enthronement as king of Romania.

The Cross of the Nation Heroes

The greatest and most valuable monument of the resort, unique in our country, is Crucea Eroilor Neamului (The Cross of the Nation Heroes), dedicated to the heroes who died in the battle for unifying the nation, built between 1926-1927, with the care of Her Majesty Queen Maria and it is located on Caraiman Mountain, at a height of 2291 m. The cross is made of steel, placed on a pedestal of reinforced concrete. Inside it has a room which initially sheltered the dynamo electrical generator which used to supply the 300 lights of 500 W each. The dimensions of the monument are impressive, having a height of 48 meters and a width of 14. At night, when the sky is clear and the lights are on, the beholder has an amazing and wonderful view, when a huge cross appears, surrounded by many stars in the sky.

Cantacuzino Castle

Visit “Cantacuzino Castle”, built in 1911, next to a series of caves, waterfalls and artesian fountains, all located in the park which belonged to prince Gheorghe Cantacuzino, also known as “Nababu”. From the architectural point of view, the castle is among the first castles of Romania.

Cascada Urlatoarea (Screaming Waterfall)

“Cascada Urlatoarea” (Screaming Waterfall) one of the most beautiful and impressive waterfalls from Romania’s mountains. The route to the waterfall is easy and accessible in summer as well as in winter and it is marked by a blue circle. From Cochet Complex you have to walk for 40 minutes, along a forest road, and at the end there is a short ascension, and the altitude to be reached is of 1100 meters.

The National Peles Museum

“The National Peles Museum” was built between 1873-1914 for the king Carol I and Queen Elisabeth, as summer residence. During its construction, it suffered many modifications. The castle has the features of German neo-renaissance. It was the first castle with electricity from Europe, it has more than 170 rooms, of which in the museum circuit, there are only the most representative: the Hall of Honor, the Florentine Room, the Weapons Rooms, the work cabinet of king Carol I, the Theater Room, the Music Room, the Concerts Room, the Turkish Salon, the Moorish Room, the Crown Councils Room, the Living Room and the Princely Guests Apartment, the apartment of Prince Ferdinand.

Pelisor Museum

“Pelisor Museum” was built between 1899-1903 for the prince heirs Ferdinand and Maria. It is built in Art Nouveau style by the Czech architect Karel Liman, but it also has the influence of Queen Maria regarding the inside decorations. Next to the two castles there were built: Foisor castle, Economat complex, Knights’ House, the Body guard.

George Enescu Memorial House

“George Enescu Memorial House”, also known as “Vila Luminis”, is the place where the “Romanian Rhapsodies” , the “Concert for piano, violin, viola and cello No. 1 in D major”, “Opus 16″ were composed, as well as other sonatas and a part of the opera called “Oedip”. In 1927, at Vila Luminis, for two months, Yehudi Menuhin took violin lesson.

Bran Castle

Bran Castle, situated near Bran and in the immediate vicinity of Brasov, is a national monument and landmark in Romania. The fortress is situated on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia, on DN73. Commonly known as “Dracula’s Castle” (although it is one among several locations linked to the Dracula legend, including Poenari Castle and Hunyad Castle), it is marketed as the home of the titular character in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. There is, however, no evidence that Stoker knew anything about this castle, which has only tangential associations with Vlad III, voivod of Wallachia, the putative inspiration for Dracula.
The castle is now a museum open to tourists, displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie. Tourists can see the interior individually or by a guided tour. At the bottom of the hill is a small open air museum park exhibiting traditional Romanian peasant structures (cottages, barns etc.) from across the country.

Besides the touristic objectives presented above, we also have to mention that in the same areas there are a lot more touristic attractions like: “Bolboci Lake”, “Cheile Gradistei”, Ialomicioara Cave (the Monastery inside the cave), and don’t forget about the natural monuments like “Sfinxul” (“The Sphinx”) and “Babele” (The “Old Ladies”) and many others. All you have to do is visit them.