Brasov, Romania

We left Sighișoara and did another detour on our way to Brașov, visiting Viscri. Viscri is home to the Viscri fortified church which is set right in the heart of Romania's scenic countryside with rolling hills. From there we drove to Brașov, a city of 275,000 people that is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains and is part of the historical region of Transylvania.

Brasov is one of the most visited places in Romania with some impressive gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture, as well as a number of significant historic attractions.

Be sure to check out:

• The Council Square: Located in the heart of old medieval Brasov and lined with beautiful red-roofed merchant houses, it's a great way to soak up the scenery.
• The Black Church: Towering over other buildings, the Black Church is the largest Gothic church in Romania.
• Watchtowers: The 15th century White and Black Towers form part of the city's historic fortifications.
• Prima Școală Românească: Romania's oldest school, filled with interesting artefacts.
• Biserica Sfântul Nicolae: A fine Romanian Orthodox church.
• Șchei Gate & Poarta Ecaterinei: Historics gates that date back to 1559.
• Muzeul de Artă: An impressive art museum.

There's also some great food throughout the town and loads of options in the historic centre. Make sure you try their delicious Iahnie cu ciolan, which combines beans with a large chunk of a smoked pork hock and Papanași which is a dessert made from fried dough and sweet cheese, with fruit jam and sour cream. Delicious!

A trip to this part of the world would not be complete without a visit to Bran Castle or Dracula's Castle (created by Bram Stoker). It's a national monument and landmark in Romania, located high above a valley perched on a rock. It's a wonderful sight set amongst mountains and a flowing river.