The region of Țara Românească—or Wallachia, as it was called—was founded between the Danube and Carpathian Mountains during the 13th and 14th centuries. During the reign of Mircea cel Bătrân, the borders of Wallachia expanded to reach as far east as the Danube, south toward Olt River and northward beyond Orastie. The westward expansion reached Portile de Fier while its eastern border extended past Nistru (Black Sea). Today, the historical region of Wallachia encompasses parts of Oltenia and Muntenia.

In 1291, Basarab I founded Wallachia. In 1304, Campulung became its capital city; in 1369 the administrative political capital moved to Curtea de Arges; and 50 years later—in 1396—Mircea Cel Batran relocated it to Targoviste. During the reign of Vlad The Impaler, diplomatic missions from throughout Europe visited Targoviste. Cetatea Poienari (the second residence of Vlad Tepes) was a popular stop on these missions due to its location along the trade routes between Romania and Hungary.

The capital of Wallachia moved to Bucharest over time, as Curtea Domneasca from Targoviste was destroyed by the Ottomans. However, Constantin Brancoveanu (1688-1714), who rebuilt the voivodeship palace in Targoviste, constructed new churches and gardens—all of which bear his mark through their architectural style. One of the most beautiful palaces built by Constantin Brancoveanu—Palatul Mogosoaia and Palatul Potlogi, both near Bucuresti—can still be found today.

In 1877, Wallachia was freed from Ottoman domination during the Russo-Turkish War under the lead of Prince Carol I of Hohenzollern. During the 48 years reign of Carol I, Romania was modernized with railway infrastructure, and Bucharest acquired a more Western image—many started to associate it with Paris. Thus came about its nickname: Little Paris!

In 1947, Romania gave up its monarchy and became a communist state. This period in history saw the destruction of many historic buildings—such as churches

and monasteries—and their replacement with Communist-style structures. Casa Scanteii and Casa Poporului are examples of the architectural style that was favored by communist regimes.

“Why is this region called Wallachia?” There are several theories about the origin of Wallachia’s name. For example, in ancient times Romanians were called “wallachians” by other European populations because their language sounded similar to Italian. Some historians believe that the word “Wallachia” derives from a Thracian word meaning wolf (or shepherd), while others assert that it comes from Flaccus, a Roman general who defeated Dacians in battle. After his victory in Dacia, the new population was a mix of Romans and native peoples, who were called “flacci” due to their Roman garb. Later on they became known as “vlacci” because of their language (similar to Latin). Finally it is from this word that we get today’s name for inhabitants of

Wallachia—walacchians.

Bucharest. Romania’s bustling capital city is a treasure trove of eclectic architectural styles and preserved communist-era buildings. If you have five or seven days to spare in this charming metropolis, it would be worth your while exploring this bewitching place. For a quick visit, you can see the highlights in just three days. Begin with a stroll through the Old Town—full of gorgeous buildings, cafes and bars on every corner. Don’t miss a visit to The Village Museum in Bucharest, which is truly outstanding—one of the best museums of its kind in Europe. Other excellent museums include: Romanian Peasant Museum; National Art Museum; and National History museum. Also visit the Palace of the Parliament, walk along Calea Victoriei and explore Cismigiu Park, check out Townhall and Arcul de Triumf monument—and don’t forget to eat “mici” at Hanul lui Manuc.

Targoviste, was the royal residence of Wallachia’s rulers and capital from 1396 to 1714; for three centuries, it held the status as that country’s most important economic, political-military and cultural center. The city has a significant potential for tourism, given its many historically valuable buildings and monuments, such as Curtea Domneasca and Turnul Chindiei.

Curtea de Argeș. The medieval capital of Romania, Curtea de Argeș is home to

the country’s most important remaining Byzantine structures—including numerous churches and monasteries, like the royal necropolis: Mănăstirea Curtea de Argeș. 

Ploiești. Ploiești is a city in Prahova County, Romania. It has many popular attractions, including The Clock Museum—making it well worth a visit! The city is not only an industrial center of over 150 years and the first city in Romania to host a jazz festival, but also the only one that has been dedicated to a symphony. Although it was known as ‘Bomber Cemetery’ because of the air strikes that took place in WWII, the city offers today an unique experience.

Craiova. In southern Romania, the city of Craiova has a long history as an industrial and commercial center. It is also home to many cultural institutions. Art lovers should not miss the Craiova Art Museum, housed in Dinu Mihail Palace—a spectacular mansion designed by French architect Paul Gottereau (who employed neo-classic and late-Baroque styles). The Nicolae Romanescu Park located in Craiova, is the second largest park in Romania and third largest in Europe. Its 22 miles of walking trails are home to several beautiful gardens, along with a zoo and a racetrack that’s larger than any other found within Romanian borders

Targu Jiu. Targu Jiu is home to Constantin Brancusi, the artist whose works are celebrated around the world. The city’s Infinity Column is considered a masterpiece of modern art. Targu Jiu is a mandatory stop on any tourist’s itinerary of Oltenia, due to the unique nature of its architecture and places of worship.

The cultural life of Bucharest is a blend between traditional or elitist culture, represented by a consistent sector of performing arts and festivals, concerts and outdoor events which are increasing in number. Bucharest is home to many cultural festivals, but the most popular ones are held during June, July and August.

The George Enescu Festival is an internationally renowned Romanian music festival which began in 1958 as a tribute to the memory of composer and violin player, George Enescu. The Festival is a musical event held in September that presents an extraordinary variety of music and artistic experiences for its audience.

The International Poetry Festival. In 2010, the National Museum of Romanian Literature launched a poetry festival that has become an important venue for international poets.

Summer Well Festival takes place in the summer months outside of Bucharest, Romania. It is a music festival that features indie rock and pop artists from around the world each year.

Anim’est, the Bucharest International Animation Film Festival (BIAFF), is a non-profit cultural association that was created in order to promote films made with animation throughout the world and encourage Romanian filmmakers—both amateurs and professionals—making their own cartoons.

The National Theater Festival, one of the most important events in Romania dedicated to theater activities.

Bucharest International Experimental Film Festival; 

The European Film Festival. 

Some traditions from Wallachia’s rural past are still practiced today, while others have been revived. Throughout the year, residents of this region mark various religious or archaic events with customs that celebrate their heritage.

Feast of Dragobete. In Romania, Dragobete is a celebration for lovers—like Valentine’s Day. Some people believe that if one steps over their partner’s foot during the day, it will lead to dominance in the relationship. However customs vary from region to region; some communities celebrate by planting tree saplings while others throw pots against walls or play practical jokes on each other.

“Căluş” or “Căluşarii”. The Căluşari, a traditional Romanian dance group that wears colorful hats and jingling bells on their trousers, performs complex dances combining stamping, clicking of heels and leaping. According to tradition, groups of chanting and dancing men would travel from house to house promising villagers good health. Until today, Căluşari gather every year on Whit Sunday to celebrate their dancing and musical prowess. The Căluş ritual is widely promoted at Romanian folklore festivals such as the one held in Caracal, Olt County.

“Sanzienele” or “Dragaica”. On June 24, Romanians celebrate Sanzienele (also known as Dragaica), a pagan tradition that coincides with the Orthodox holiday of St. Ioan Botezatorul (St John the Baptist). Sacred to the sun, Sanzienele are beautiful priestesses who live in forests or fields unexplored by humans. They grant special powers to wildflowers and weeds, enriching them with exceptional healing properties on June 24th—the celebration of their patron deity.

Caroling. Wallachian traditions for Christmas focus on “caroling.” Specific carols such as the “Star” (which celebrates Jesus’ birth) and pre-Christian archaic ones like Plugusor (“shepherd’s staff”) reflect Wallachia’s agricultural and pastoral history.

Traditional loom weaving, known in Oltenia as the “bark” technique and included in UNESCO heritage on Romania’s National Day of 2016, is a special skill popular craftsmen are trying to revive. Thanks to Mrs. Antoneta Nadu, a former teacher and popular craftsman in southern Oltenia, this craft has been revived. She opened a workshop in Bechet; Dolj County is home to her work and that of many others she initiated which can be seen on https://www.artalasat.ro.

Also in the UNESCO World Heritage has entered the famous Romanian ie. The traditional Romanian blouse, called the “ie”, is one of Romania’s most important pieces of folklore. With its wide sleeves and intricate embroidery, this blouse has been inspiring fashion designers around the world for years. In Oltenia there is a special kind of ie, called “Borangic ie”. You can see some gorgeous examples at Niculescu farm, in Stoenesti https://www.borangic.ro.

Borangic Niculescu is a family business in which the owners try to transmit traditional weaving skills and knowledge to their children. Each member of the family has clearly defined tasks—from weaver, worm-caretaker or store manager—and everyone works hard together toward one goal: preserving an art that’s almost lost amidst modernity.

The value of an Ie is never lost, on the contrary, the older it is—the more valuable it becomes. IIBreaza uses traditional Romanian embroidery techniques to create gorgeous ii, folk costumes and traditional clothes. For ii and costumes, they respect the authentic patterns inherited from grandparents while bringing out their meaning. They also create Modern Ie by drawing inspiration from local tradition. Each item is hand-stitched thread by thread on cotton canvas with love and skill. We invite you to visit their shop in order to feel the energy of this family business. https://www.iibreaza.ro

The gastronomy of Muntenia and Oltenia has been influenced by the cuisines of peoples who passed through these lands—particularly the Turks and Greeks.

The “borchs,” or boraches, which are a staple of Romanian cuisine, were likely adopted from the Turks. In fact, Oltenian crayfish soup is not made with crustaceans but rather stuffed red peppers. Giblet soup is a hangover cure that dates back to the old days, when it was served at parties held by the bride’s family before or after her wedding.

Oltenians eat especially sour foods and drink “cabbage juice” (pickled cabbage) or buttermilk in summer. In summer, they prepare light soups of greens such as stevia soup—which is flavored with the leaves from the Stevia plant—or dredge: boiled dough mixed with herbs, garlic chives and pepperoni . They also enjoy dried plums baked over coals during these hot months. If you think about it for a moment, these are two unique gems that define Oltenian culture!

In Muntenia, there are several different kinds of borch prepared specifically for “ciorba de burta”. “Micii” also come in a wide variety and can be found throughout the country—but those from Dedulesti have earned fame as the best! We cannot fail to mention Magiun (sweet bread), papanasii(another sweet bread)—as dessert treats that everyone loves.

The most famous wineries in Oltenia and Muntenia are Crama Oprisor (Mehedinti), Crama Stirbey (Dragasani), Crama Bauer (Dragasani), Crama 

Budureasca(Prahova), Crama Serve- Ceptura (Prahova) , Crama Ferdi(Prahova).

Wallachia is rich in both historical landmarks and unmissable natural treasures. Muntenia, the lesser part of Wallachia, is a visually stunning land with different scenery at every turn.

Meanwhile, the charm of Oltenia, the other Wallachian half, comes from its many architectural and historical monuments, including old churches and monasteries. Oltenia has become a popular travel destination for the treatments offered by its

spas. The area’s unique landscape offers a pleasurable experience to tourists, who sometimes visit just for that reason.

Some of Romania’s most beautiful castles are here in Wallachia: Peles Castle and Pelisor. These two tourist attractions are among the country’s top natural draws: Pestera Dambovicioara, Cheile Argeșului, Rezervatia Naturala Iezer, Peştera Ialomiței, Cascada Ialomitei, Parcul Naţional Munții Bucegi, Parcul Național Munții Făgăraș, Vulcanii noroiosi from Berca, Lacul Vulturilor or Lacul fără Fund, Parcul National Domogled, Transfagarasan, Babele and Sfinxul. 

In the Mehedinti Mountains, at Ponor, tourists can visit The Bridge of God—a large arch carved from limestone. In the area there’s also the Lily flower forest, in the Prislop Valley, a botanical reserve located 4 km from Baia de Arama.

The Porţile de Fier Natural Park is the second largest protected area in Romania after the Danube Delta. The Cernei Valley is home to the country’s greatest concentration of caves, with more than 2,000 existing here. The lake in Zaton is small and shallow, but it fills up with water at certain times of the year—and then drains away after a few days.

Tismana is located at the foot of the Southern Carpathians, in western Romania. It has a Mediterranean climate and houses the largest natural forest of edible chestnuts in the country as well as a reserve for Turkish hazelnut.

We also recommend visiting Muierii Cave, Polovragi Cave and Cozia National Park – where you can admire gorgeous rose collections, ivy forests, edelweiss fields or mottled tlain meadows.

Don’t miss the ‘living stones’ of Costesti, sandstone formations which stand out in all their glory amongst the green surroundings for visitors to enjoy and discover. The Amber Museum at Colti in Buzau is one of the most important and largest collections of its kind in Romania, as well as being among a handful to be found

anywhere else.

Mountain lovers will find many places of interest in this region: Busteni, Sinaia and Predeal are known for their resorts; Ranca is famous among rock climbers. Here you can engage in winter sports and spa treatments: Calimanesti-Caciulata, Baile Olanesti, Baile Govora. These localities are good for treating ailments of all kinds.

If you are looking for raw, untouched nature, visit Wallachia’s many national parks—Fagaras National Park, Cozia National Park, Buila-Vanturarita National Park and more.

Wallachia is a land of contrasts. From the north, with its mountainous peaks, to the south—where travelers can explore all that lies along the banks of Europe’s second-longest river: The Danube. The changing landscape of valleys, waterfalls and caves enriches the journey on these lands. No matter how many times you travel them—you’ll never get bored!