Beautiful Romania Project

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The photo represents Saint Varvara Church from the Troilus salt mine, at Targu Ocna, near Slanic Moldova. It is unique in Europe, as it is the only orthodox church built in a salt mine. Saint Varvara is considered to be the spiritual patron and protector of miners and every first Saturday of December is the celebration of the church patron.

The Kiss Gate features a kiss motif on the gate pillars, represented by two halves of a circle. The entire structure is supported on a steel axle, set in a concrete foundation of five square meters.

The Gate is full of symbolism in the Romanian folklore. For example, Mircea Eliade said that "the Gate has the role of a magic being that witnesses all the important moments of our existence: the birth, the marriage and the death". Thus, the Gate of Brancusi may be seen as an arch of triumph, symbolizing the victory of life over death.

Carla, we are glad you like the photos! They are from the park situated on Zaharia Boiu Street.

It is indeed the Tower of the City Hall of Brasov! The Council House was built in 1420, but the tower, called the Trumpets' Tower, is in fact much older. What you see today is largely the result of an 81-year renovation after the great fire of 1689.

The Trumpets' Tower was once a watchtower for approaching barbarians before being incorporated into the main building. It was the place where an alarm was sounded when danger menaced the city.

@Margarethe, please let us know if there is any way we could support you in this initiative, if you proceed in making a study on the topic!

We could for instance put you in contact with the UNESCO people in Romania or networking on other institutions that you might consider useful.

This beautiful statue (situated indeed in Cismigiu Park) was created by the sculptor Dimitriu Bârlad (1890-1964) and depicts a mother mourning the death of her daughter, pouring water from a pitcher. The engraving reads "Dedicated to my beloved daughter Sissi Stefanidi".