Photo Gallery: Transylvania -- National Geographic Traveler

Piata Mare
Photograph by Catherine Karnow
In the Transylvanian city of Sibiu, many baroque buildings rim the expansive Piata Mare (main square). Sibiu was named European Capital of Culture in 2007.
Read “At Home in . . . Transylvania?” in the October 2010 issue of National Geographic Traveler.
Shepherds and Sheep
Photograph by Catherine Karnow
If there's one thing you'll see in Transylvania, it's sheep. Here, a shepherd tends his flock in the mountains above the town of Bran. The marks on the sheeps’ backs identify their owners. Rich, wildflower-filled pastures make for flavorful sheep's milk cheese, such as the strong-tasting, salty brinza de burduf.
Read “At Home in . . . Transylvania?” in the October 2010 issue of National Geographic Traveler.
Village Pub
Photograph by Catherine Karnow
Early on a Sunday morning, a local in the Transylvanian village of Aita Seaca/Szarazajta (pop. 900) stops at the pub for a beer before heading off to church. This area of Transylvania is known as Szekelyfold (Szekely Land), where many people are ethnically Hungarian, reflecting a time when Transylvania used to be part of the Austro-Hungarian empire.
Read “At Home in . . . Transylvania?” in the October 2010 issue of National Geographic Traveler.
Romanian Orthodox Wedding
Photograph by Catherine Karnow
In the spa town of Baile Tusnad, a couple gets married in the Romanian Orthodox tradition at the intimate and ornate church Biserica Adormirea Maicii Domnului.
Read “At Home in . . . Transylvania?” in the October 2010 issue of National Geographic Traveler.
Village of Sibiel
Photograph by Catherine Karnow
In the village of Sibiel, houses often sport colorfully painted facades in shades of salmon, hospital green, and Donny-and-Marie-Osmond purple. Sibiel, located in the Marginimea Sibiului region, is particularly known for its museum of painted glass icons.
Read “At Home in . . . Transylvania?” in the October 2010 issue of National Geographic Traveler.
Atrium Café in Sibiu
Photograph by Catherine Karnow
Locals enjoy jazz music at the Atrium Café in Sibiu. With its smoky bars, chic restaurants, polished museums, and outdoor rock concerts, Sibiu is one of Eastern Europe's liveliest cities.
Read “At Home in . . . Transylvania?” in the October 2010 issue of National Geographic Traveler.
Town of Brasov
Photograph by Catherine Karnow
Cradled on three sides by mountains, Brasov made for an ideal medieval fortress-town. German-speaking Saxon settlers influenced the architecture, from the orange-tiled roofs to the steepled churches.
Read “At Home in . . . Transylvania?” in the October 2010 issue of National Geographic Traveler.
Village of Simon
Photograph by Catherine Karnow
The strength of old traditions and an unchanged landscape give this scene of an old woman in the village of Simon a medieval feel.
Read “At Home in . . . Transylvania?” in the October 2010 issue of National Geographic Traveler.
Romania Wedding Party
Photograph by Catherine Karnow
Wedding guests gather in front of the Evangelical Cathedral in Sibiu. A variety of faiths worship in Transylvania, including Romanian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Lutheran.
Read “At Home in . . . Transylvania?” in the October 2010 issue of National Geographic Traveler.