jencgeiger's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Walbrzych, Poland

Książ Castle

A fairytale Gothic castle steeped in Nazi treasure conspiracy theories.
Zalipie, Poland

The Painted Village of Zalipie

This uber-quaint Polish village is known for its habit of painting elaborate floral motifs on just about everything.
Ketrzyn, Poland

The Wolf's Lair

This Nazi ruin was the site where Hitler was almost blown up by a suitcase bomb.
Krakow, Poland

Wawel Dragon's Den

This Polish cave has housed a dragon, a brothel, and an enduring legend.
Krakow, Poland

The Bones of the Wawel Dragon

Real bones which are said to have belonged to a Polish dragon.
Curtea de Argeș, Romania

Curtea de Argeș Monastery

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

Chiajna Monastery

Locals believe this abandoned ruin on the outskirts of Bucharest is haunted.
Deva, Romania

Fortress of Deva

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

The House of Ceaușescu

The kitsch mansion of the former Romanian president Nicolae Ceaușescu features a golden bathroom.
Băile Herculane, Romania

Abandoned Baths of Băile Herculane

An old spa town in the mountains of Romania where, according to legend, the great hero Hercules once bathed.
Ozd, Romania

Castle of Magyarózd

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

Sarmizegetusa Regia

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

One Wood Monastery

A Romanian church built from one single oak.
Brașov, Romania

Biserica Neagră (The Black Church)

A fire once nearly devoured this gorgeous 14th-century Gothic cathedral.
Harghita County, Romania

Lacul Sfanta Ana

Romania's only crater lake with water as pure as if distilled.
Municipiul Sebeș, Romania

Râpa Roșie

Romania's "Red Ravine" is a little-known natural wonder that bears a resemblance to the Grand Canyon.
Bușteni, Romania

The Mountain Sphinx

Conspiracy theories and occult legends surround this mysterious natural rock formation.
Șinca, Romania

The Sinca Veche Temple Cave

No one knows who built this strange cave of worship or exactly why.
Wallachia, Romania

Poenari Castle

The legendary cliffside castle of three-time Voivode of Wallachia, Vlad the Impaler.
Bucharest, Romania

Cărturești Carusel Bookstore

This once-derelict building is now one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
Comuna Obreja, Romania

Tunnel of Love

The romantic botanic tunnel feels like a well-kept secret.
Dubova, Romania

Decebal's Head

A giant portrait of an ancient king looms over the river.
Snagov Island, Romania

Snagov Monastery

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

Peleș Castle

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