ORSOVA

ORSOVA est un commune du sud-ouest de la Roumanie.Le secteur primaire est represente notamment par l'extraction de granite et de chrome,l'industrie par la production d'energie electrique,la construction navale et le textile.La ville est aussi un port du Danube.


ORSOVA is a port city on the Danube river in southwestern Romania's Mehedinti country(Oltenia,but sometimes considered as part of the Banat).It is just above the Iron Gates,on the spot where the Cerna river meets the Danube.



ORSOVA este un municipiu din judetul Mehedinti/Banat/Romania.Este situat pe malul lacului de acumulare Portile de Fier I de pe Dunare,in zona de varsare a raului Cerna in Dunare.Ca urmare a realizarii lacului de acumulare Portile de Fier I ,vechea vatra a orasului a fost inundata iar populatia a fost stramutata pe un nou amplasament,incluzind terasele Dunarii ,Cernei si versantul de sud al muntilor Almaj,unde s-a construit un oras complet nou(1966-1971).


PORTES DE FER I(DANUBE)


On parle des Portes de Fer pour designer une goge du Danube.Elle constitue une partie de la frontiere entre la Serbie et le sud-ouest de la Roumanie.A cet endroit,le fleuve separe le sud des Carpates du nord des montagnes des Balkans.
La defile a une longueur de 135km;il debute a Bazias et s'acheve a Turnu-Severin.La largeur du fleuve y varie de 2 km a moins de 150m par endroits.
Il faut distinguer trois parties dans cet ensemble:


Les portes supérieures (Gornja Klissura),
Les portes inférieures (Doljna Klissura) ou défilé de Kazan,
Entre les deux le fleuve s'élargit de façon importante.



IRON GATES(DANUBE)

The Iron Gate is a gorge on the Danube river.It forms part of the boundary between Serbia and Romania.In the broad sense it encompasses a route of 134 km; in the narrow sense it only encompasses the last barrier on this route, just beyond the Romanian city of Orsova that contains a hydroelectric dam.
The gorge lies between Romania in the north and Serbia in the south.At this point,the river separates the southern Carpathian Mountains from teh northwestern foothills of the literally mean "Iron Gates"and are indeed used to name the entire range of gorges.

THE GORGES



The first narrowing of the Danube lies beyond the (Romanian) isle of Moldova Veche and is known as the Golubac gorge. It is 14.5 km long and 230 m wide at the narrowest point. At its head, there is a medieval fort at Golubac,on the Serbian bank. Through the valley of Ljupovska is reached the second gorge, Gospodin Vir, which is 15 km long and narrows to 220 m. The cliffs scale to 500 m and are the most difficult to reach here from land. The broader Donji Milanovac forms the connection with the Great and Small Kazan gorge, which have a combined length of 19 km. The Orşova valley is the last broad section before the river reaches the plains of Wallachia at the last gorge, the Sip gorge.
The Great Kazan ("kazan" meaning "kettle") is the most famous and the most narrow gorge of the route: the river here narrows to 150 m and reaches a depth of up to 53 m. It was at this site that the roman emperor Traian had teh legendary bridge erected by Apollodorus of Damascus.
Construction of the bridge ran from 103 through 105,preceding Trajan's conquest of Dacia.On teh right bank a roman plaque commemorates him.On the Romanian bank, at the Small Kazan, the likeness of Trajan's Dacian opponent Decebalus was carved in rock from 1994 through 2004.


PORTILE DE FIER I

Portile de Fier este numele unui defileu pe fluviul Dunare.Face parte din granita dintre Serbia si Romania.Reprezinta 134 km din cursul Dunarii ,in sensul mai ingust doar barajul hidroelectric din aproprierea orasului Orsova.
Defileul se află între Romania în nord şi Serbia în sud. În acest punct, râul separă Muntii Carpati de Balcani. Numele maghiar, Vaskapu, înseamnă tot "Porţile de Fier", şi este folosit, împreună cu cel românesc, pentru a denumi întreg lanţul de defileuri. Un nume alternativ românesc pentru ultima parte este Clisura Dunării. În Serbia defileul este cunoscut sub numele de Derdap fiind un parc naţional, ultima secţiune numindu-se Đerdapska klisura. Defileul este uneori denumit "Defileul Dunării", denumire greşită deoarece cursul fluviului mai are şi alte defilee, ca de exemplu defileul de la Visegrad.
Dunărea se îngustează pentru prima oară dincolo de insula (românească) Moldova veche, cunoscută sub numele de Defileul Golubac. Are 14,5 km lungime şi 230 m lăţime în cel mai îngust punct. La începutul defileului se află un fort medieval la Golubac, pe malul sârbesc. Prin valea Ljupovska se ajunge la cel de-al doilea defileu, Gospodin Vir, care are 15 km lungime şi se îngustează până la 220 m. Culmile urcă până la 500 m şi sunt cel mai greu de ajuns de pe pământ. Donji Milanovac, mai largă, face legătura între Cazanele mari şi Cazanele mici, care au o lungime de 19 km împreună. Valea Orşova este ultima secţiune mai largă înainte ca fluviul să ajungă la câmpiile Valahiei şi la ultimul defileu, Defileul Sip.
Cazanele Mari este cel mai cunoscut şi mai îngust defileu: aici Dunărea se îngustează la 150 m şi ajunge la o adâncime de până la 53 m. În acest loc imparatul Traian a aşezat legendarul pod construit de Apollodor din Damasc. Construcţia s-a desfăşurat între 103 şi 105, precedând cucerirea Daciei. Pe malul drept o placă romană îl comemorează. Pe malul românesc, la Cazanele Mici, statuia lui Decebal a fost sculptată în piatră între 1994 şi 2004.

HUNEDOARA

HUNEDOARA

Le judet de Hunedoara est se trouve au sud-ouest de la Transylvanie.Il s'etend sur 7016km² .La forme de relief predominante est montagneuse et dans le massive Retezat on a la chance de voir de nombreaux lacs glaciaires,et de miex comprendre la faune.
Hunedoara avait jadis fait place a de nombreux évènements historiques. Aujourd'hui elle est en plein développement. Sa richesse en vestiges historiques est le potentiel de la vie touristique. Voyager en Hunedoara, c'est prendre part a des danses populaires typiquement roumaines, découvrir des costumes comme on portait autrefois, découvrir la beauté paysagère et visiter des merveilleuses cathedrales anciennes.


THE CASTLE OF THE CORVIN FAMILY







Built in the 14th century, on the place of an old fortification, on a rock at which bottom flows the little river Zlasti, the castle is a great building, with high and diversely coloured roofs, towers, windows and balconies adorned with laces from carvings in stone. Being one of the most important properties of Iancu de Hunedoara, the castle was transformed during his ruling. It becomes an sumptuous home, not only a strategicaly enforced point. With the passing of the years, the masters of the castle had modifyed its look, adding towers, halls and guest rooms.
The gallery and the donjon - the last defence tower (the tower "Ne boisa" = Do not be afraid), remain unchanged from iancu de Hunedoara's time, as the Capistrano Tower (named after the famous monk from the castle court) are some of the most significant parts of the construction. Can be remembered also the Knights Hall (a great reception hall), Clubs Tower and the White bastion which served as food storage room, the Diet Hall, having on the walls painted medalions (among them there are the portraits of Matei Basarab, ruler from Wallachia, and Vasile Lupu, ruler of Moldavia). In the wing of the castle called the Mantle is seen vaguely enough, a painting regarding the legend of the raven from which came the name of the descendants of Iancu de Hunedoara: Corvini (in Romanian raven is "corb") .




In the yard of the castle, near the chapel built also during Iancu de Hunerdoara's ruling, is a well, 30 meters deep. The legend says that this fountain was digged by three Turkish prisoners, to whom their liberty was promissed if they reach water. After 15 years, when they have finished the well, the masters did not kept their promisse. It says that the inscription from the wall of the well means "you have water, but not soul". But the specialist decripted the inscription and it means "he who wrote this inscription is Hasan, who lives as slave at the giaours, in the fortress near the church".

SIGHISOARA

Sighisoara est un ville et une municipalite sur la riviere Tarnava en Transilvanie in Romania.Elle se trouve dans le judet de Mures.
Il est peut-etre la ville medievale la plus enchanteresse de Transylvanie, en raison de la bonne conservation des murs de la vieille ville. L'attraction de la ville est la vieille tour de l'horloge, qui fait 64 mètres, et qui a été construite en 1556.C'est aujourd'hui un musée d'histoire de la ville.
D'autres choses à voir sont les suivantes :
La citadelle medievale du XIVe siecle
La maison de Vlad III l'Empaleur(Vlad Tepes),pres de la tour de l'horloge aujourd'hui un restaurant.


Sighisoara is a popular tourist destination,due to its well-preserved walled old town. The landmark of the city is the clock tower,a 64m high tower built in 1556. It is today a museum of history.
Other interesting sights are:

-the house attributed to Vlad Tepes,close to the Clock Tower, today a restaurant.
Sighisoara Citadel - a 12th Century Saxon edifice, is the historic center of the city.Still occupied,the citadel is listed as a world heritage site.




-Clock Tower - Built in 1360 and standing at 60 meters tall a top the citadel hill. Inside is a museum that finishes in a great view from the top.



-Weapon Museum - next to Vlad's birthplace. Very small, but it contains an interesting selection of medieval weapons (swords, arrows, etc.).

-Covered Staircase - an very old stone staircase with a wooden roof along the whole span. This leads up to the Church on the Hill and the cemetery.

-Church on the Hill - contains many frescoes and a crypt. Built on the location of the roman fort. Close to the cemetery on the side of the hill, which contains many German tombstones.



-Bust of Vlad Tepes - Located around the corner from his birthplace, within sight of the Clock Tower.

Sighisoara

SIGHISOARA este mentionata pentru prima data in anul 1280 sub denumirea ''CASTRUM SEX''. Localizarea acestei cetati o facem pe actualul DEAL al CETATII care are doua platouri:platoul superior spre apus,mai inalt si mai ingust iar spre rasarit platoul inferior-cu aproximativ 40 de metri sub nivelul platoului superior,fiind insa cu mult mai larg. Aceasta configuratie a terenului a determinat atat dezvoltarea urbanistica a orasului-cetate cat si dispozitivul defensiv.
Prima cetate-mentionata la 1280-a fost ridicata pe platoul superior,servind ca loc de refugiu pentru locuitorii unei asezari de la poalele dealului. In secolul al XIV lea s-au stabilit pe platoul inferior un numar mare de mestesugari care la 1376 erau organizati in bresle. Prosperitatea economica a mestesugarilor si negustorilor sighisoreni se vadeste si in mariile resurse financiare ce se presupun a fi fost necesare pentru a ridica un puternic sistem defensiv,inaltat in a doua jumatate a secolului al XIV lea si al XV lea,impunand Sighisoara ca pe una dintre cele mai greu cuceribile cetatii ale vremii din Transilvania. Centura de fortificatii consta dintr-un zid lung de 930 metri,inalt de 4 metri si construit initial din piatra,ce se desfasura pe ambele platouri ale dealului. Aproximativ la mijlocul inaltimii era un drum de straja pentru arcasi. Crenelurile aveau o deschidere larga,pentru a permite folosirea arcului si a arbaletei. Odata cu raspandirea armelor de foc,in secolul al XV lea,zidul a fost inaltat cu inca 3-4 metri,crenelurile largii fiind totodata inlocuite cu goluri de tragere,inguste orientate in jos fapt ce permitea aparatorilor sa traga asupra asediatorilor.De data aceasta alaturi de piatra se foloseste si caramida. In secolul XVI si XVII,zidurile centurii de fortificatie au fost din nou intarite. Unele portiuni au fost suprainaltate pana la 14-15 metri. De-a lungul zidului,in interior,s-a amenajat un drum de streja ale carui contraforturi puternice si console din piatra se mai vad si astazi. Pentru a largi punctul de observatie si de tragere de-a lungul centurii de aparare au fost edificate 14 turnuri, menite sa intareasca sistemul defensiv,in fata unora dintre ele au fost construite bastioane cu platforma deschisa destinate tragerii de artileie. Turnurile si portiunea de zid de la un turn la altul au fost intretinute si aparate de membrii breslelor care le-au ridicat si aparat.Centura de fortificatie se pastreaza aproape in intregime,impreuna cu 9 turnuri,care au rezistat timpului.

TURNUL TABACARILOR

Este unul dintre cele mai vechi turnuri,o prisma patrata de dimensiuni mici avand acoperisul intr-o singura apa cu inclinarea spre interiorul cetatii. Acestui turn ii fusese alipit in anul 1631 noul TURN al BARBIERILOR distrus mai tarziu,ale carui urme se mai pot vedea pe tencuiala zidurilor invecinate.


TURNUL COSITORARILOR


Una dintre cele mai ciudate constructii,puternica din punct de vedere al infatisarii fiind mereu adaptata la tehnica de lupta a trecerii timpului. Pe o baza dreptunghiulara se ridica un trunchi pentagonal, deasupra caruia se largeste, sustinut pe console robuste, intre care se deschid guri de aruncare-un etaj octagonal prevazut cu metereze pentru pusti, intreaga constructie fiind incununata de un acoperis hexagonal cu laturi inegale. Toate aceste schimbari de volume,la care se adauga tencuielile ciuruite de gloante contribuie la expresia de trecere a timpului si de stranie putere in fata acestuia, pe care batranul turn o poarta cu mandrie. Datele istorice in legatura cu aceasta constructie sunt destul de sarace, se stie doar ca in anul 1583 i s-au facut insemnate reperatii. Prin pozitia sa exceptionala, cu larga vedere asupra imprejurimilor, acest bastion,intre timp umplut cu pamant este astazi un admirabil loc de popas pentru calatorul pornit sa descifreze istoria trecutului Sighisoarei.


TURNUL GIUVAERGIILOR sau AURARILOR

Este primul turn mentionat documentar in anul 1511. Construit in punctul cel mai inalt al intregii cetati,in extremitatea de sud-vest a platoului superior,acest turn a fost inconjurat de cele mai multe legende ,locul sau in istoria defensiva a Sighisoarei fiind dintre cele mai importante.In anul 1603 turnul e renovat si intarit cu un sant si un val de pamant. In urma unei explozii care a aruncat in aer zidul de legatura dintre TURNUL AURARILOR si TURNUL FRINGHERILOR, soarta acestui turn care detinuse vreme indelungata o pozitie cheie in sistemul de aparare al cetatii sighisorene,a fost tot mai tragica. In 1809 un trasnet ii distruge acoperisul si etajul superior iar in 1863 batrana zidire e transformata in sala de gimnastica a SCOLII din DEAL,fiind si printre primele din Transilvania, ca apoi si aceasta sa fie transformata in anul 1935 in capela mortuara.

TURNUL FRANGHERILOR

Acesta apara coltul de nord-vest al platoului de sus,avand un plan patrat,suprapus peste un zid mai vechi al cetatii, pentru ca, cu ocazia cercetarilor din 1935,in subsolul sau au fost descoperite urmele unor creneluri astupate. Reparat in anul 1630,el a fost ulterior transformat in locuinta pentru paznicul cimitirului.

TURNUL MACELARILOR




Sectiunea urmatoare a zidului de incinta, cuprinsa intre TURNUL FRANGHERILOR si TURNUL MACELARILOR, are o deosebita valoare documentara, intrucat s-a pastrat pe toata inaltimea, lasand sa se citeasca cu claritate fiecare faza de constructie din diferitele etape ale dezvoltarii cetatii. TURNUL MACELARILOR se ridica cu cinci laturi in afara zidului de incinta a sasea constituind-o insusi zidul. Construit probabil in secolul al XV lea,reconstruit in secolul al XVI lea, documentele il amintesc pentru prima data abia in anul 1680. Pozitia sa la poalele celei mei abrupte portiuni ale dealului ce coboara de pe platoul superior spre platoul inferior explica importanta strategica a acestuipost de aparare . Continuindu-ne drumul dupa cativa pasi zidul e strapuns de un chochet arc de poarta numita de localnici ''torle''. Aceasta denumire se crede ca provine de la cuvantul romanesc tirla,referindu-se la o portita prin care se ajungea la tirla cu oi a locuitorilor din cel mai vechi cartier romanesc al orasului, Cornesti situat inapropierea portii.

TURNUL CROITORILOR




Ajungem la cea de-a doua poarta de acces a cetatii,prima ''Poarta din fata'' fiind strajuita de TURNUL CU CEAS . Datand probabil din secolul al XIV lea TURNUL CROITORILOR se infatiseaza cu o arhitectura de o nobila simplitate, cu un puternic acoperis,de plan dreptunghiular,el este strapuns in fata inferioara de doua ganguri boltite in cruce,odinioara prevazute cu porti in ambele extremitati. Deasupra portilor turnul creste cu inca doua etaje prevazute cu ferestre de tragere. Pe langa ferestrele de tragere cu care este prevazut fiecare nivel,cel superior are pe laturile lungi cate trei guri de pacaura. Incendiul din Aprilie 1676 in urma caruia au ars in 6 ore trei sferturi din oras,i-a cazut victima si TURNUL CROITORILOR,din cauza focului a explodat rezerva de pulbere care era depozitata in turn,distrugand nivelele superioare si un mare numar de arme precum si rezervele de grau. Turnul a fost in intregime reconstruit in anul 1679, cand a fost dotat si cu armamentul necesar.Cu acest prilej gangul de nord-vest a fost inchis,fiind transformat in depozit de pulbere pana in 1935,cand a fost restaurat,revenindu-se la forma initiala.

TURNUL CIZMARILOR



La aproximativ 180 metri de-a lungul zidului refacut ulterior,ne intampina TURNUL CIZMARILOR pe care documentele il amintesc pentru prima data in anul 1594.In forma actuala este unul dintre turnurile recente,fiind reconstruit in anul 1650. Relativ scund el se prezinta ca o prizma hexagonala cu laturi inegale,incununat cu un prelung coif de tigla,din masa careia se desprinde spre sud [spre interiorul cetatii],un mic turnulet de observare,ceea ce-i ofera turnului un pitoresc aparte.


In secolul al XIX lea partea de vest a sistemului defensif a suferit cele mai multe transformari. O furie distructiva s-a abatut parca asupra cetatii, privandu-ne astazi de posibilitatea de a admira monumente cu arhitectura impresionanta. Timp de 50 de ani au fost daramate : TURNUL LACATUSILOR la 1894 si manastirea franciscanilor, pentru a creea spatiu necesar actualei biserici catolice; in 1886 a fost demolat TURNUL DOGARILOR pe locul caruia a fost ridicat palatul administrativ. Din informatiile pastrate,se poate afirma ca TURNUL DOGARILOR era unul dintre cele mai vechi turnuri. Pe locul vechiului TURN al BARBIERILOR daramat din ordinul primarului Martin Eisenburger, in anul 1631 a fost construit TURNUL FIERARILOR.

TURNUL FIERARILOR




Este adosat zidului de incinta,datorita adosarii,turnul pare mult mai inalt vazut de la exteriorul cetatii,latura lui rasariteana fiind cu adevarat impozanta.Sub acoperisul abrupt in patru ape fatadela celor doua nivele sunt prevazute cu ferestre de tragere,cu goluri de tragere si guri de pacura,creand astazi un efect decorativ deosebit. De aici ajungem din nou la ''Poarta din fata'',intrarea principala in superbul paradis al unei lumi pierdute,unde inca astazi vegheaza falnic si brav in fata tuturor timpurilor,cel mai de seama turn TURNUL CU CEAS.

TURNUL CU CEAS





Turnul numit ''TURNUL PORTII'', este cunoscut de la inceputul secolului al XVIII lea sub denumirea de TURNUL CU CEAS. . La 1604 turnul a fost dotat cu orologiu al carui mecanism era din lemn,iar in 1648 ceasornicarii sighisoreni,in frunte cu Jhonn Krischel,au inlocuit vechiul mecanism de lemn cu unul din metal.. De atunci limbile ceasului indica si minutele. Sistemul de semnalizare sonora,care anunta si astazi scurgerea orelor,a fost si el perfectionat, batand si sferturile de ora.Langa cele doua cadrane ale orologiului,unul e orientat spre Orasul de Jos, iar celalalt spre Cetate, Jhonn Kirschel a montat doua a grupuri de statuete sculptate in lemn, actionate de mecanismul ceasului la anumite ore. Langa cadranul din cetate ele sunt dispuse in trei registre. In registrul intai,doua figurine reprezinta JUSTITIA si DREPTATEA;ele aavertizau,ca si cele patru turnulete ale acoperisului,ca Sfatul orasului beneficiaa de autonomie judiciara,deci putea sa aplice pedeapsa capitala.
In nisa deschisa se vede figurina zilei in curs de desfasurare;cand orologiul anunta prin cele 12 batai ale caldararului inceputul unei noi zile,la a sasea bataie discul se invarteste,zeul zilei urmatoare aparand pentru urmatoarele 24 de ore in nisa (in registrul al II lea un caldarar anunta si locuitorii din Orasul de Jos scurgerea orelor).Langa caldararul dinspre Orasul de Jos se afla o figurina reprezentand un om disperat,condamnat la moarte.Credem ca ea aminteste de asemenea celor care urca spre Cetate ''DREPTUL DE SABIE'',JUS GLADII,de a aplica pedeapsa capitala.



Construit cu siguranta inca in a doua jumatate a secolului al XIV lea,TURNUL CU CEAS ,un urias paralelipiped vertical a dobandit actuala infatisare a partii zidite la sfarsitul secolului al XVI lea.Acoperisul turnului,clopotele,statuetele si mecanismul ceasului,unic pe atunci in Transilvania,au cazut prada in timpul groaznicului incendiu din anul 1676.Importanta deoosebita a ''Portii Principale'',a impus refacerea grabnica a partii arse, cea ce s-a si petrecut un an mai tarziu cu acoperisul turnului.
In registrul al doilea sunt doua nise mici;prin cea din stanga,iesa o figurina la orele 6 dimineata,marcand inceputul zilei de lucru a mestesugarilor; l a orele 16 prima figurina se retrage si din nisa dreapta iese alta figurina,avand in mana doua lumanari;ea anunta incetarea lucrului si totodata sosirea serii.
In al treilea registru se afla un caldar care marca,prin batai in caldarea pee care o are in fata,scurgerea orelor.Langa el o alta figurina reprezinta PACEA. In partea dreapta a cadranului dinspre Orasul de Jos, statuetele sunt dispuse in doua registre. In primul registru, sapte figurine asejate pe un disc reprezinta zeii patronimici ai zilelor saptamanii: D I A N A (LUNI) , M A R T E (MARTI) , M E R C U R (MIRRCURI), J U P I T E R (JOI) , V E N E R A (VINERI) , S A T U R N (SAMBATA) , si S O A R E L E (DUMINICA).

LES BOISSONS TRADITIONNELLES

TUICA



This is a traditional Romanian alcoholic beverage,usually made from plums.It is very popular among Romanians as,according to tradition,no meal may start without a shot of tuica.Traditionally tuica is prepared from early October until early December(after winemaking is complete).The process must generally be finished before Christmas as not leave unfinished business for the next year.If using plums,they must be left for fermentation for 6-8weeks,in large barrels.
According to both the tradition and the Romanian standards distillation must be done in a brass still,using a traditional fire source(generalle wood but also charcoal)Distillation can be done inside a specially built barn(this is practiced especially in Oltenia and Valahia)or outdoors,usually on a hill(in Transylvania).
The temperature is controlled traditionally by interpreting the sound that the still makes and by tasting the brew at different points in the process.Usually this process results in three grades of tuica:
a).Very strong-usually distilled twice,generally a quarter of the production and the first to come out of the still about 45-55% alcohol by volume,fairly similar to “palinca”(another Romanian drink).
b).normal-the common grade of tuica about one half of the production and what most Romanians would recognize as proper tuica about 30-40% alcohol by volume
c).weak-the last to come from the still between 5-15% alcohol.


PALINCA


Is a traditional type of brandy that is produced in Transylvania a region of Romania.It is usually made from plums,apples,pears,apricots and sometimes cherries and is double distilled.The alcohol content varies,with 40% or less being the norm as required by law,for stamped bottle available in stores.



VISINATA



Is a Romanian alcoholic beverage produced by filling a jar with sour cherries,they filling the rest of the jar with alcohol(tuica or palinca),adding sugar and leaving it in the sun for a while.It is very flavorful and sweet.

TRADITIONAL ROMANIAN'S FOOD

LE DOLMA(OU FEUILLE DE VIGNE OR FEUILLE DE …SAUERKRAUT(IN ENGLISH)OR CABBAGE.SARMALE(EN ROUMAIN)




Le dolma de feuille de vigne(ou bien de courgette,d’aubergine),de viande de mouton hachee,de riz et d’epices.Les feuille de vigne sont fourrees avec un mélange de viande hachee et de riz cru,puis roulees.On les dispose ensuites dans une grande casserole en les arrosant d’eau et d’un peu d’huile.Puis on cuit pendant une bonne dizaine de minutes.On peut les manger nature,marinees dans l’huile d’olive,ou avec du citron.Ce plat est servi comme entrée et le plus souvent froid.Si le dolmas contiennent de la viande,ils ont servi chaud avec du yoghourt.



MAMALIGA




Mamaliga is one of the main traditional dishes of Romania.Historically a peasant food,it was often used as a substitute for bread or even as a staple food in the poor rural areas.Traditionally “mamaliga “is cooked by boiling water,salt and cornmeal in a special-shaped cast iron pot called “ceaun”.When cooked peasant style and used as a breat substitute,Romanian “mamaliga”is supposed to be much thicker that the regular Italian polenta to the point that it can be cut in slices,like breat.
Mamaliga is often served with sour cream and cheese on the side(mamaliga cu branza si smantina)or crushed in a bowl of hot milk(mamaliga cu lapte).Sometimes slices of “mamaliga”are pan-fried in oil or in lard,the result being a sort of corn pones.


BALMOS


Balmos is another mamaliga but is more elaborate.Unlike mamaliga(where the cornmeal is boiled in water)when making balmos the cornmeal must be boiled in sheep milk.Other ingredients such as butter,sour cream,telemea(a type of Romanian cheese),cas(a type of fresh curdled ewe cheese without whey,which is sometimes called”green chesse”in English),urda(another type of Romanian cheese)…are added to the mixture at certain times during the cooking process.


MITITEI OR MICI(THE LITTLE OR SMALL)



Is a traditional Romanian dish,a kind of grilled minced-meat rolls made from beef(usually mixed with mutton and pork meat)wich contain garlic,black pepper,savory and sometimes a touch of paprika.Sodium bicarbonate is also added.It is best served accompanied by mustard and beer.


ZACUSCA



The main ingredients are roasted eggplant or cooked beans,roasted red peppers(belonging to a local cultivar called “gogosari”)and chopped onion.Some add tomatoes,mushrooms,carrots,beans or celery.Others ingredients are also added according to taste,including spices.every cook seems to have his/her own recipe.Traditionally a family will cook a large quantity of it after the fall harvest and preserve it in sterilized jars.It used to be a popular winter backup when food was scarce before 1989.


CIORBA DE PERISOARE



Soup de legumes un peu aigre au son fermente avec des boulettes de viande de porc.


SOUP DE TRIPES(CIORBA DE BURTA)



Preparation:coupez la viande et les tripes en petits morceaux et mettre a bouillir dans de l’eau avec la feuille de laurier,sel et poivre.Ajouter les carottes,le celery et l’oignon entire.Melanger les jaunes d’oeuf avec 2 cuilleres de vinaigre et ajouter a la soupe hors du feu.L’ai hache et du vinaigre peuvent etre ajouter selon votre gout.


COZONAC



Le dessert traditionnel de Noel est le Cozonac.C’est une brioche farcie de fruits secs au de chocolat.


GELEE DE VIANDE(PIFTIE OU RACITURI)



Pieds,oreilles et tete de cochon en aspic,accompagnes d’un salade de betterave et de raifort rapes,conserves dans un mélange d’eau sucree et de vinaigre.Des saucisses fraiches de porc,qui seront ulterieurement grilles ou frites,garnies de muraturi(legumes in vinaigre ).

BUCURESTI.BUCHAREST.BUCAREST.

ROMANIAN ATHENEUM(ATENEUL ROMAN)



This is Bucarest’s most prestigious concert hall and one of the most beautiful building in the city.It was built in 1888 in neo classic style after a design by the French architect Albert Galleron.The money for the completion of the building were gathered in a public collection in which people were asked to “give a leu for the Atheneum(the “leu”being the currency of Romania).With it’s 40m high dome and the Doric columns it resembles an ancient temple.The beautiful façade is adorned with mosaics of five Romanian rulers.On the inside there are scenes from Romanian history.This is the place to hear classical music in Bucharest.



NATIONAL THEATER(TEATRUL NATIONAL)



The stocky building sitting on one of the corners of University Square is the National Theater.It was build in 1973 after plans by a group of Romanian arh..The old building of National Theater was destroyed during the WWII.Originally the building had a different façade ,modeled after the architecture of Moldova’s monasteries but in 1984 it was remodeled and got its present massive shape.The theatre had 4 performance halls.
If u feel like having a refreshment,you’ll find two bars located on top of the National Theater.One is a open terrace bar called “La Motoare”,open only in summer,while the other one called “Laptaria lui Enache” is open during fall,winter and spring.



THE OLD COURT(CURTEA VECHE)




The olders part of Bucarest lies around The Old Princely Court(Curtea Veche)at the end of Str.Franceza.Archaeologists belive that this area was inhabitated long before the 14th century because of pieces found here.But this area’s time of glory came in the 14th century when the reigning prince of Valahia,Vlad the Impaler build his fortress here.



NATIONAL ART MUSEUM(MUZEUL DE ARTA)



The imposing building which used to be the Royal Palace is located in the Revolution Square(Piata Revolutiei),in the northwestern corner.It was first build around 1815 by prince Dinicu Golescu and it underwent changes over several decades.The building was remodeled in 1882-1885 after plans by the French arh.Paul Gottereau only to be rebuild in 1930-1938 after being damages in a fire in 1926.

THE VILLAGE MUSEUM(MUZEUL SATULUI)

The Village Museum was established in 1936 and it contains over 300wooden houses,windmills,churches etc.from all over the country.If u don’t plan to visit Romania’s rural areas-and even if u do-u shouldn’t miss this museum which is one of the largest of it’s kind in Europe.Many of the buildings are originals which were brought here in pieces and reassembled.









MANUC’S INN(HANUL LUI MANUC)

Manuc’s Inn is the best preserve of Bucarest old inns.It was build around 1808 to shelter traveling merchants.The inn is also one of Bucarest’s historical building.It’s owner.an influential Armenian called Emanuel Marzaian(better know as Manuc Bey hence the name of the place)offered the building for the signing in 1812 of the treaty that ended the russo-turkish war and resulted in the gain of Basarabia by Russia.Today,Manuc’s Inn functions as a hotel-restaurant and winecellar.



CISMIGIU GARDENS PARK(GRADINA CISMIGIU)

In the very center of Bucarest there is a place where one can take a break from Bucarest for few hours.Cismigiu is located close to Universitatii Square,across the City Hall building.It is Bucarest oldest park and great place to stroll and enjoy the peace that one can feel finding such a place in the middle of a hectic city.Among the lawns and trees and the winding paths you’ll find a lake with rowboat rentals,a beer garden, a playground for children,a chess area where old people play tournament and plenty of park benches for relaxing and people watching.Sometimes there are Sunday concerts at the gazebo.






CENTRAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY(BIBLIOTECA CENTRALA UNIVERSITARA)

The Central University Library is a beautifully ornated building located opposite the Royal Palace in the Revolution Square.The library was founded by king Carol I and the building was designed by the French arh.Paul Gottereau,who also designed the National Saving Bank building.The building was heavily damaged during the December 1989 movement but was later restored and noi it looks really pretty.



ROMANIAN SAVINGS BANK OR CEC BUILDING(CASA DE ECONOMII SI CONSEMNATIUNI)



This beautiful building was designed in eclectic style by the French arh.Paul Gottereau.It’s construction began in 1894 on the side of a 16th century monastery Sf.Ioan cel Nou.This was the only bank that was allowed to do bussines during communism.



BUCAREST SCHOOL OF ARHITECTURE ION MINCU(UNIVERSITATEA DE ARHITECTURA ION MINCU)

A few steps away from University Square,behind a little square with a fountain lies the building of the school of architecture.Grigore Cherchez conceived this building in 1912 and it took five years to complete it.By circling the building you’ll notice that it is a hybrid.This building was dedicate to Ion Mincu ,which is considered to be one of the greatest Romanian arh..



HERASTRAU PARK

Is a large park on the side of Bucarest around lake Herastrau.
The park has area of about 1.1km² of which 0.7km² is the lake.Initially the area was full of marshes but these were drained between 1930 and 1935,and the park was opened in 1936.The park is divided into two zones:a rustic or natural zone(the Village Museum),which is left more or less undisturbed and a public/active domain with open areas for recreation activities.Small boats are allowed on the lake.







ARCUL DE TRIUMF

Est un arc de triomphe situe dans la partie nord de Bucarest,sur la rue Kiseleff.
Le premier arc de triomphe fut erige rapidement en bois après l’acces de la Roumanie a l’independence(1878)afin d’y faire defiler les troupes victorieuses.Un autre arc proviso ire lui succeda sur le meme emplacement en 1922,après la Premiere guerre mondiale.Detruit en 1935 il fut remplace par l’arc de triomphe actuel,inaugure en Septembre 1936.
D’un hauteur de 27 m,Arcul de Triumf a ete construit par l’arhitecte Petre Antonescu sur des fondations de 25m par 11,50m.Des sculptures realisees par des artistes roumains celebres tells que Ion Julea et Dimitrie Paciurea ornent les facades.




LE PALAIS DU PARLEMENT(en roumain,Palatul Parlamentului)




Est situe a Bucarest abrite la Chambre des deputes et le Senat roumains.Avec sa surface au sol de 350 000m carres,il est un des plus grands batiments du monde et le plus grand d’Europe.Il fut d’abord appele la maison du People(Casa Poporului),puis le Palais du Parlament après la chute de Ceausescu en 1989.Les roumains l’appellent souvent encore par son premier nom.
Le palais mesure 270m sur 240m,et a une hauteur de 86m.Il contient 1100 pieces reparties sur 12 etages,avec quatre niveaux supplementaires en sous-sol actuellement accesibles et utilizes(il en existe quatre autres encore plus ou moins acheves).
On estime que le palais du Peuple est le deuxieme plus grand batiment du monde juste derriere le Pentagon a Washington DC.

FETES ROUMAIN(SARBATORI ROMANESTI)

MARTISORUL(1 martie)




Is the traditional celebration of the beginning of the spring in Romania and Moldova,on 1 March.The day’s name is the diminutive of March(in Romanian lang. Martie),and this means something like “little”or “dear March”.In this day,men offer women a talisman object also called Martisor,consisting of a jewel or a small decoration like a flower,an animal etc …tied to a red and white string.However,giving a little nickel tied to a red and white string is an old custom and was originally designated for both men and women.It was believed that the one who wears the red and white string will be powerfull and healthy for the year to come.The decoration is a symbol of the coming spring.A women wears it pinned to her blouse on this day and up to two weeks after.Occasionally ,women also give such gifts to men.In some parts of Romania such as Moldova or Bucovina the symbol of spring was a gold or silver medal which was worn around the neck.After wearing the coin for twelve days,they bought sweet cheese with the medal,because it was believed that their faces would remain beautiful and white the entire year.

DRAGOBETELE

Dans la mythologie roumaine,Dragobetele represente un personage celebre,fils de Baba Dochia.Les rites de Dragobete sont similaires au jour de Saint-Valentin en occident,mais est de moins en moins suivie de nos jours.

MUCENICII

It’s the celebration of the 40martyrs who sacrifice their lives for Jesus’learning.
For this celebration,40knot-shaped breads are baked,also called “martyrs,being given for charity in the name of the dead.

FLORIILE

This feast does not have a fixed date, being kept a week before Easter. The name of “Florii” reminds Jesus’ entering in Jerusalem , when the people welcomed Him with blossomed branches of willow tree and palm tree. At the same time, this name is linked to the Romans’ pagan feast Floralia, organized for Flora goddess who reigned over all the flowers and announced the spring . On the Palm Sunday, people take care of their souls, confessing their sins and receiving the eucharist, and take care of their dead, too, by making alms and cleaning the tombs . In Romania , people pick up willow branches for this feast. According to the tradition, when Virgin Mary wanted to cross a river, a willow tree bended over the water to help Her cross easier. Then, Virgin Mary blessed the willow tree, foredooming it to never become ember and to be brought to the church every year. With these holy branches people go home and touch their children, in order to grow harmoniously, then they put the branches at the icons and above the doors. The branches put at the icon are kept the whole year and are used as remedies against the bad that could harm their house and family. In some regions of the country, on the Palm Sunday morning, a group of children, holding willow branches, sing the Palm Sunday carol. The carol is sung at the host’s window, and after they finish singing, the children put willow branches at the window and receive money and eggs in exchange. The Saturday before the Palm Sunday is dedicated to the commemoration of the dead. This day is also called “Mosii de Florii” or “Lazarul”; women usually bake pies, which they give for charity. It is also the name day for the people who wear the name of Florin , Florina, Floarea, Florentina but also for the ones whose names represent flowers. It is good to plant trees on this day, but not earlier, so that they easier grow and bear fruit It is said that the weather on the Easter Sunday will be as it is on the Palm Sunday.

EASTER(PASTELE)

Easter, the most important feast of the orthodox Christians, is the feast of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection .At the singular, the “pasca” designates a very thin un-leavened bread, which is baked for this feast, and also the Eucharist bread soaked in wine, given by the priest at the divine service on the Resurrection Sunday .For the Catholics and Protestants, this feast does not have a fixed date, taking place between the 22nd of March and the 25th of April. The Easter is established in the first Sunday after the full moon preceding the spring equinox (21st of March). There is an interesting connection between the Christians’ Easter and the Jewish feast “Pesach”. The Pesach is a very important feast in the Judaic calendar, which lasts eight days and celebrates the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt ’s occupation. The orthodox Easter is celebrated at the same time as the Jewish Pesach. The Easter period is favourable to many archaic rites: before sunset, the young bathe in a river in order to liberate from magic and be successful in the future .According to the popular belief, during the liturgy, those who wash with water where red eggs have been put, will be protected from diseases. It is also good to wear new clothes at the divine service in the Resurrection night The un-burnt part of the candle lit during the Easter service has magical powers and is re-lit in case of danger Romania takes pride in the skill of Easter eggs dying, a very complex and meticulous technique known in the world under the name of Psanki One of the numerous Easter customs is announcing Jesus’ Resurrection by the boys at the girls’ houses; in exchange of their greetings, they receive “cozonac” (“sponge cake”) and red eggs In the villages and communes from the north of Suceava various sweets are prepared for the occasion, such as “Babele” (made of “cozonac”, baked in special shapes, filled with nuts, Turkish delight and raisins). The “Babele” are brought to the Resurrection service to be blessed. After the end of the service, the believers go the cemetery, with their candles lit, to bring light to the people gone to the eternal life. These cakes will be given to the poor. In the Bucovina region, in the Resurrection night, girls go to the steeple and wash the bell’s tongue with spring water. With this water they will wash their face early in the Easter day, so as to be beautiful the whole year In Campulung Moldovenesc region, at Sunday’s dawn, the believers go out in the church’s yard, carrying the lit candles, waiting for the priest to bless the food in the paschal basket. This basket contains the symbols of joy for the entire year: poppy seeds (they will be thrown into the river in order to cast out the draught), salt (will be kept to bring wealth), sugar (used when the cattle will be sick), flour (for rich wheat), onion and garlic (with role of protection against insects), Easter cake, bacon, cheese, red eggs, but also the dyed eggs, money, flowers, smoked fish, red beet with horseradish, and cakes. After the blessing of this paschal basket, the Easter ritual continues in the family. Before eating, every member of the family “washes” his face with a red egg to be healthy, then with money to have money the whole year, and finally - with flowers, to stay beautiful. In Maramures, in Lapusului region, on the first day of Easter, children go to their friends and neighbours to announce Jesus’ Resurrection. The host gives a red egg to every child. Before leaving, the children thank for the gift and wish “Happy Easter” to the householders. At this feast, so as not to be discord in the house during the rest of the year, a boy must firstly pass the doorstep. In Banat region, at breakfast on the first day of Easter, the food is incensed. Then, everybody receives a spoonful of “pasti” (blessed wine and bread). The menu of this festive meal includes boiled pork bone, white eggs, traditional food and lamb steak. On the Easter Sunday it is not good to sleep, because otherwise people will be lazy the whole year; duties are not paid, people do not borrow things; the borrowed things must be returned before the feast At Easter, the dead are reminded; the Heaven’s Door is open and the souls of the dead are allowed to spend a period of time in Heaven The Easter period is adequate for the love spell, and living ghosts can be recognized.

RUSALIILE

The feast doesn’t have a fixed date, taking place every 50 days after Easter “Rusaliile” are mythical beings, similar to the fairies, but older and uglier, which fly, sing and dance at the fountain, at crossroads and in glades and punish those who don’t celebrate them In the “Rusalii” week, people should not work, so as to be protected from dangers On the day before, people put wormwood, lovage or garlic on the bed, the roof of the house or at the door, so as to be protected from danger The “Rusalii” have a strong connection to the dead, which are allowed to visit heaven and their families in the period between Easter and “Rusalii” For the souls of the dead, people give red eggs and milk for charity .

SANZIENELE


This feast coincides to the summer solstice and is considered the day of birth of St. John the Baptizer .According to the Romanian folk tradition, the “sanziene” are fairies of the night, who have the power to influence future marriages .In this night, huge purifying fires are also lit and healing herbs are gathered.

SF.NICOLAE(6th of December)

It is the first of the winter’s feasts .In the Romanian tradition, St. Nicholas appears on a white horse – sign of the first snow – and guards the Sun, so that the world should not be deprived of light and warmth .He continues the activity of Poseidon, Neptune and Hermes, being one of the most important saints .He is responsible for the waters; he ended the flood. He is the protector of the seamen whom he saves from drowning, of the unhappy – widows, orphans – and of the poor girls. At the same time, he helps the merchants and even the thieves .He is generous, bringing presents to the children, whom he also punishes with the switch, when they are bad and naughty. The role of family protector gives him the right to interfere in this way in the children’s education .His icon is worn as amulet.

LE NOEL(CRACIUNUL)

Voila une petite description de ce qui se passé en Roumanie a l’occasion des fetes d’hiver.Cette fete a garde toute sa tradition religieuse at son folklore.L’arbre de Noel este decore avec des noix,des marrons,des noisettes,des bonbons et chocolates emballes dans du papier colore et des pommes.Le sapin est conserve jusqu’a la Jean-debut janvier. Apres avoir decore le sapin les enfants partent dans leur quartier ou village,pour chanter de maison en maison.Ils s’appellent des “colindatori”.Ces chants de Noel sont toujours de caractere religieux et annonce la nativite du bebe Jesus Christ.De porte en porte,ils recoivent selon la tradition soit des gros bretzels,des beignets,des bonbons,des pommes,soit de l’argent.Ensuite ils vont a l’eglise pour participer a la messe de la Nativite.Les petits vont dormer en attendant la venue du Pere Noel.

THE FASTS

The fast means renouncing meat, eggs and milk. A real fast means renouncing physical love, drink and people must pay all their duties and return the borrowed objects. In the villages, people don’t turn on their radios and TV-sets and don’t party. The Orthodox have 4 great fasts: the Lent – lasts 7 weeks; the Fast of St. Apostles Peter and Paul – lasts 3 weeks (7-28 of June); the Fast of the Assumption of the Virgin – lasts 2 weeks (1-14 of August); the Advent – lasts 6 weeks (15th of November-24th of December) .