Once the local rulers had gone these enchanting ruins housed common folk in an almost real life fairy tale.

An expansive complex of subterranean tunnels is all that remains of one of Europe's most formidable medieval fortresses.

An ancient Roman snake god, carved expertly into stone.

This fortress-like monastery is covered with intricate frescoes.

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

A chemical factory damaged by two earthquakes and an explosion that became abandoned after bankruptcy.

The kitsch mansion of the former Romanian president Nicolae Ceaușescu features a golden bathroom.

After sitting unused for decades, this abandoned communist infrastructure became a wildlife utopia.

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

This metro station doubles as an unintentional paleontology museum.

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

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

A memorial museum to the political prisoners who were held at Sighet Prison, once one of the most feared places in Romania.

The growing stones of Romania.

This museum offers a journey back to the Belle Epoque era of Romania.

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

A spooky spot along the road where things mysteriously seem to move uphill by themselves.

Check out engineering marvels of the past at this unintentionally retrofuturist museum.

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

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

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

A collection of items from a way of life that no longer exists.

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.