17th century palace once a meeting place for politicians.

This solitary monastery may hold the remains of Vlad the Impaler (but probably not).

A Romanian church built from one single oak.

According to a gruesome legend, an architect sacrificed his wife to build this spectacular, 16th-century cathedral.

This eccentric folly house was designed by Romanian thinker Bogdan-Petriceicu Hasdeu, with a helping hand from his deceased daughter's spirit.

This elaborately decorated, fairytale-like Romanian royal palace is one of the most striking castles in Europe.

A fire once nearly devoured this gorgeous 14th-century Gothic cathedral.

The possible imprisonment of Vlad the Impaler here earned the medieval castle its nickname, "Dracula's Castle."

An ancient Roman snake god, carved expertly into stone.

One of the oldest churches in Romania is believed to have been built on the site of a pagan temple.

This fairy-tale castle would make Dracula (who is said to have been imprisoned there) jealous.

Visit an imposing 13th-century Transylvanian citadel lurking not far from the region's more heavily touristed attractions.

Once the legendary capital of the Dacian Kingdom, this city has been reduced to mere ruins.

Packed to the ceiling with antique taxidermy and hunting arms.

A stunning 18th century pharmacy and medieval chemist's collection.

Home of the first female Hungarian poet, where her secret writing lay hidden for over a century.

Nine centuries-old fortresses guard the walls of this medieval Romanian city.

A medieval church built up to defend its village.

Gigantic Romanian salt mines used to heal respiratory conditions.

Known as the Hintz House, this medieval pharmacy has been an apothecary's haven for nearly 450 years.

This bone-filled cave got its name after they found 140 bear skeletons inside.

This castle was designed to have as many windows as there are days in the year.

The ruins of an early 1900s neo-Baroque mansion sit nestled in a local park in the Hungarian plains.

This fortress-like monastery is covered with intricate frescoes.