Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 18, Issue 1, 2018 PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952

THE HERITAGE OF TRADITIONS AND TOURISM FACILITIES IN TRANSILVANIA, ROMANIA

Daniela-Mirela PLEȘOIANU1, Edith GRECU1, Agatha POPESCU2

1Ovidius University, 1, University Avenue, Campus, Building B, Constanta, Romania, Email: [email protected] 2University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Bucharest, 59 Marasti Boulevard, District 1, 011464, Bucharest Romania, Phone: +40213182564, Fax: +40213182888, Email: [email protected]

Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

This paper is an analysis of the Transylvanian region in terms of customs and traditions in this area. Such characterization of an area involves studying the history of this area, which in this case has deepened its mark.Thus, the fact that Transylvania was occupied both by the Ottoman Empire and by the Austro-Hungarian Empire can be seen both in the traditions and customs, in the folk port, the only thing and the most obvious inheritance being the language, that is, the Hungarian language inherited by from one generation to another, studying even at school.The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the traditions and customs of the Transylvanian region by highlighting the folk port and habits that take place every season on different occasions, habits preserved from the estates, ancestors. In this paper we used methods such as cartographic description, analytical method and graphics. These methods helped to translate data into graphs, tables, and charts using EXCEL. The work has gone through three important stages in its development, namely: documentation, analysis of statistical and territorial data research, integration and complex interpretation of information.In the first stage, the documentary we consulted an extensive scientific bibliography which later served as a basis for the present study, providing in particular information regarding the physical-geographic characterization of the study area. The integration of all geographic information allowed, through complex interpretation and their transposition into representative maps, the knowledge and understanding of traditions and customs in Transylvania.As far as the traditions of the most important moments of life are concerned, each of them distinguishes itself from the rest of the regions at different times.As far as the accommodation base is concerned, Transylvania adds approximately 7,000 units with an accommodation capacity of approximately 25,442,084 seats. Although the base of accommodation is quite large, the index of utilization of the capacities in operation is only 23.6%, the region occupying the 4th place in the country.As in the case of the accommodation base, public catering amounts to about 4,000 authorized establishments where tourists can enjoy traditional cuisine specific to the area (Szekler spelled, curtoş kalacs, gulaş, papricaş s.a.). Touristic routes and means of transport are varied, highlighting special transports, namely cable cars, chairlifts, tele-skis.As far as tursim forms are concerned, mountain tourism, cultural-historical, religious, sports, rural, ecotourism, business tourism and conferences, recreation, treatment and weekend tourism are practiced.

Key words: traditions, customs, popular port, heritage, festivals

INTRODUCTION area in relation to the rest of the Romanian regions. Transylvania is one of the richest regions in On the territory of Transylvania itself there terms of cultural heritage, here is a series of are nine counties: Alba, Bistrita-Nasaud, Romanian traditions combined with traditions Brasov, Cluj, Covasna, Harghita, Hunedoara, of Hungarian nature. Mures and Sibiu. So, in each season, there are a series of Besides these, there are also settlements in the traditions and customs that attract tourists counties of Bacau, Caraş-Severin, Maramureş, throughout the year [4]. Neamţ, Sălaj and Vâlcea [5]. As in every region of the country, and in Transylvania, a series of traditions take place MATERIALS AND METHODS in the most important moments of life, traditions that differentiate and highlight the To accomplish this work I used data provided

325 Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 18, Issue 1, 2018 PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952 by the regional develoment plan, 2014-2020, few areas of Romania where traditions have regional development plans and general been preserved intact from their ancestral development strategies of the counties: lands [8]. And now you can see on the streets Harghita, Hunedoara, Covasna, Cluj, Bistrita- of Maramureş people dressed in traditional Năsăud, Sibiu, Alba, Brașov. clothes. At the work of the field, in the center Methods such as cartographic description, of the village, at the holidays over the year, or analytical method and graphics have been at the church service, the Maramures boast the used. These methods helped to translate data national port [9]. The traditions and customs into charts, tables and charts using the here are as alive as a hundred years ago. In EXCEL program. This paper has three this part of Romania it seems that time has important steps in its development, namely: remained, people enjoying the holidays over documentation, analysis of statistical and the year, the important events in the family, as territorial data research, integration and well as the work of the field. Christmas, complex interpretation of information. In the Easter, Rusaliile, Sfânta Maria are occasions first stage, the documentary we consulted an for feasting and hunting, but also for prayer extensive scientific bibliography which later and fasting. served as a basis for the present study, Traditions of the spring season providing in particular information regarding "Mărţişorul" is a small object of the physical-geographic characterization of ornamentation connected to a braided string the study area. The integration of all made of a white and red thread, which appears geographic information allowed, through in the tradition of Romanians and neighboring complex interpretation and their transposition populations. Women and girls receive into representative maps, the knowledge and marches and wear them during March as a understanding of traditions and customs in sign of spring arrival. Together with the Transylvania. marriage, spring flowers are often offered, the most representative of which is the snowdrop. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Currently, the marriage is worn throughout the month of March, after which it is caught Traditions of the most important moments by the branches of a fruit tree. It is believed of life that it will bring abundance in people's homes. The most important moments of life are It is said that if someone asks a desire while captured in the habits of the area: baptism, hanging the marriage of the tree, it will be wedding, funeral, but also the specific fulfilled at once [1]. traditions of the area pertaining to each In the Transylvanian settlements marquises season. are hung by doors, windows, horns of Dominated by a high relief, the region is domestic animals, as it is believed that they separated from the localities of the former can scare the evil spirits. Wallachian province of the Southern The Daffodils festival "blooms" the Braşovian Carpathians, while Moldova separates the tradition in Şercaia commune, the village of Eastern Carpathians [6]. The name of Vad. The Narcissus Festival takes place every Transylvania comes from Latin, being known year in May in the Dumbrava Vadului from ancient times for the beauty of the Reserve, unique in Europe as a dimension. It forests that covered the surrounding lies right in the middle of the Făgăraș mountains [7] . Exquisite landscapes can be Mountains, an area where daffodils grow in admired in the hilly areas and depressions that large numbers. This reservation is also known accompany the many watercourses. Even as "Dumbrava with coprinas". In fact, the climate is another reason to visit this part of word "coprin" translates into "daffodils." the country if we think summer days are much Easter is a holiday full of meaning and more enjoyable, while the winter snow turns symbols, with beautiful traditions and the region into a true paradise for winter customs, kept with holiness. One of the habits sports enthusiasts. Transylvania is one of the is that every man, however poor he may be, is 326 Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 18, Issue 1, 2018 PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952 taking a new coat [3]. rural region. In the region of Transylvania, on For this holiday the villagers paint eggs, the day of Ascension, men wear walnut leaves prepare pasta and other traditional dishes. On on the girdle, embodying the Christian image this occasion, chigala is prepared. "Chigala" is of the Savior Jesus Christ when he ascended a traditional cake made from Easter, fluffy to heaven. The women share freshly topped with plum jam and poppy. crumbling bread made of unleavened dough, Participating in the Resurrection service is an onion and brandy, because those who have indispensable ritual of Transylvanian families. gone through eternal rest can be spoiled by Children are used to going home from home the meridians sent by the earth to the world and proclaiming the Lord's Resurrection. beyond. From a Christian point of view, it is Instead they get red eggs. Also in these parts said that those who cease to live on the holy of the country there is the tradition that the day of Ascension reach heaven, regardless of men in the village can compete at the collision the sins they have committed during their of the eggs. lives. Tradition also says that on the day of In Cluj and Mureș, each farmer adorns his Ascension it is not advisable to borrow salt gates with fir branches gathered from the from the house, since those who have cows in forests near the localities. the household will no longer enjoy plenty of Also on Saturday before the Resurrection, the milk. It is equally important that on the day of unmarried boys go to the unmarried girls' the Ascension of the Lord you will make red homes with their own trees, so as not to eggs, renewing the tradition of Easter again remain unmarried. Girls give them red eggs [3]. and money in exchange for these habits. It The habit of Căluşul is very common in the may happen that sometimes the young people Transylvanian villages. This custom is related like it and the knife's habit takes place [2]. to the feast of Pentecost. This custom is to Splashing with perfume is another custom practice a traditional dance, imitating the made by the Catholic Easter. As a rule, every walking and treading of a horse. Through the woman in the community is sprinkled with custom of Căluş, each person who participates perfume to keep going all year round, staying celebrates the people who were close to the so beautiful and giving birth to healthy babies. past, being practiced on the Saturday before Initially, women were sprinkling with water. the Rusalii, called the Summer Mothers. The Junii Brașovului is one of the best known Near them is the "Mutul", the symbol of habits of the locality, held on the first Sunday Căluş, who is the god and the protector of the after Easter, also known as "Tomii's Sunday". horses. They wear rags at the top of the pans, This habit, from the early hours of the red ribbons are hung on them. morning, is a true parade. So we can admire Traditions of the summer season the Young Juni, the Dorian Juniors, the The traditions of St. Ilie take place with the Curcant Juniors, the Old Juniors, the Rosy Christian celebration of this holiday on July Juni, the Albiori Juni or the Braşovecheni 20th. It is said that St. Ilie is a rain raid, thus Juniors. They ride the most beautiful horses, increasing the harvests of the households. anchoring national flags across the city, However, traditions begin to be prepared on stopping for a few minutes in Council Square. the eve of this holiday when households begin Later on, he continued his journey to to get wet which more to call the rain. A Solomon's Stones, where the habit of series of popular sayings are said for St. Ilie to throwing his bucket is taking place. endure and to send the rain to the earth. During the scroll, the Junii Brașovului cried Inborn ox is a feast that takes place in the "Christ Risen!", The crowd answering them summer, usually very close to Sânziene or every time "True Risen!" Rusalii [1] . The Ascension Day, celebrated 40 days after This tradition is preserved for rich crops in the the Resurrection, has a fairly large Orthodox agricultural year, the harvesting of storms and significance, but also a series of traditions and hail. Tradition embodies a very beautiful ox customs respected by the inhabitants of the adorned with flowers, bells and fabrics made 327 Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 18, Issue 1, 2018 PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952 by village women. The ox was worn on every two days, during which tourists will be scared, street in the village, accompanied by a rather Bran Castle becoming the perfect place for large number, usually disguised with certain mystery seekers. The most foreign tourists looks surprised by mythologies. According to are. the popular beliefs, the inbuilt ox shows a Traditions of the winter season deity that helps every village farmer, Cumulus of Romanian, Hungarian and Saxon protecting his crops and households [2]. beliefs and legends, Transylvania offers the In July, the Carta celebrates the "Harvest traveler some of the most beautiful and House". On this day, the oldest villagers teach animated traditions and customs of the year. the youngest to cut wheat spikes and to bind Practiced to bring good luck, health and rich wheat sheaves. Women bind wheat sheaves in fruits to the entire community, these traditions the form of a cross. They are placed one are preserved with holiness from their above the other, forming a bucket. The ancestors and are unique in Romania and harvest house is a popular event in the Sibiu Europe. The casting of evil spirits, the revival region, the entire Carta village being dressed of nature and life, survival and soul in a feast, going through the village center to purification are some of the most important the homes of the households. The builder of meanings of these traditions. Steaua is a women in wheat sheep is carried through a winter habit, preserved from ancestors and village of two little girls accompanied by a lot held every year on December 25, Christmas. of people. The housewives sit at the gates, The chariots walk through the village with waiting for the glass to splash it with fresh Star and proclaim the birth of the infant Jesus. water, fountains, a sign of welfare and Usually, the carols go in four, with the angel freshness. Those attending the event are and three rays. For their carols, the children welcomed by the hosts who went to harvest receive nuts, apples, or colognes. wheat with traditional Romanian dishes. The girls' call to juni. It's an annual custom, During the event, the song "Wheat Song" is which takes place on Christmas Day, on rumored, and the two-eyed maid is left to the December 25th [2] . church. The goat is another winter habit that takes Traditions of the autumn season place on the Christmas holiday. The habit of The wretched Sheep is one of the habits of the this carol has a special significance: the goat inhabitants of Bran, symbolizing the end of a brings abundance and health in the coming pastoral year. The Shepherd of the Sheep year. The carols get dressed and start dancing takes place in Bran at the moment when each the goat all over the village, wishing the shepherd descends with his feet from the villagers wealth, work and health. mountain to the village to leave every Butea Junilor. "This custom is specific to shepherd to his sheep with important pieces of winter holidays, but preparations start as early cheese. as October. The "junkyard" is formed and The Wailing Sheep is a joyful celebration that hosts during the holidays. Then, a week tells the arrival of the cold season. On this before Christmas, sons of the village bring day, every shepherd is so glad to see his their homemade dishes for Christmas. On relatives and friends whom he has not seen for Christmas Day, the sons are dressed in some good months. Each shepherd boasts the holiday clothes and start walking around the fruits of his labor, turning with fat males and village. After the caroling, the virgins head for chocolate cheeses made by traditional recipes. the house of the host, where they will eat" The Shepherd of Sheep has become a true (according to: www.turism-transilvania.ro). popular festival taking place in October every Meteleaua. This habit is pagan, being year. celebrated each year at the winter solstice. On The Halloween holiday at Bran Castle takes this occasion, the villagers fired fires to drive place on the night of October 30 and is away the evil. Later the shots were replaced becoming more and more a true tradition of by a meteu (straw dolls). The fire of myth the inhabitants and tourists. This takes about symbolized the rebirth of nature and life. 328 Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 18, Issue 1, 2018 PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952

These shots are now associated with they were no longer allowed to descend. Christmas, in every village in Ardeal burning However, by Santilie, the village goes up to the moth in the center of the village. This the sheepfold. The Wheel in Flames. This feast takes place on December 28, and the habit takes place annually by Easter for Easter bunch of sons have their thematic costumes fasting. It takes place during the night, when [3] . rolled up by the village sons are rolled up in Boriţa. "It is a Christmas tradition specific to the valley. The wheels are for young girls who the Csango Hungarians in Transylvania. have not yet married. This custom announces Borita is a mask carried by a virgin from the the coming of the spring and the end of the group of carolites who dance and play songs marriage period. designed to cast out evil spirits. Dance is done In traditional culture, on the eve of the New only by the boys and it also signifies the cycle Year or the New Year, a habit called "sowing" of life "(according to: www.turism- is practiced. When they come to the sowing, transilvania.ro). the sowers say that in the evening they walked Sumedru's fire takes place annually on with the plow and they looked, and now they October 26 by St. Dumitru. Both adults and must resemble the furrows. Those who children dress up in a popular harbor and participate are children, flames or men. The dance around a fire. St. Demetrius is the sowers have a handful of rice, wheat, rye or protector of the shepherds and the rich fruits, corn for sowing in their pockets. They tell the and the coals of fire are taken by the villagers lyrics of a popular poem, hating the and used for the fertilization of fields and households to have health and abundance. The gardens. seeds are thrown into the house, over people, Farsang is a spectacular custom, specific to and after sowing the house is not matured the Saxon community. This custom takes anymore. There is the belief that if the first place before Easter and is the last Easter person to enter the door is a girl or a boy, the party. It marks the beginning of a better year, farmer will have the birth of female or male full of fruit, wealth and health. The feast of offspring in that year. Only cheerful and the feast consists of the most colorful healthy ladies are allowed to married girls. costumed sons and gets to the courtyards of The Lole fleeing is a habit dating back to the all the villagers to rid the evil spirits of last Middle Ages in Agnita fortress in Sibiu year and bring freshness to a new year with County. The legend says that a young woman luck. known as Ursula came out of Agnita's fortress The cock roar is a 400-year-old tradition from time to time, cracking whips, making specific to the Hungarian community in deafening noises, thus banishing the Transylvania. This habit takes place every frightened Turks. Until recently, the tradition year on the first Easter day and the of the Agnita lollies was related to the participants are children and adolescents. The protection of the handicraft handbag, which legend says that during the invasion of the had the role of protecting these boxes. "Run of Tatars, the inhabitants housed the Black Lollies" is a parade open to shoemakers. Lolls Fortress, but they were discovered after the run on the streets to drive out bad spirits and cock crow. Those who survived the slaughter protect guilds from parades. If they are decided to shoot the cock. This habit signifies recognized by the passers-by in the area, they survival. offer as a reward a donut. The "Run of Santilia takes place in the first week after St. Lollies" custom takes place at the end of the Elijah and has a peculiar character, cool season in February [1]. celebrating the fire and the sun. On this day, The Ionian Udine is one of the often used the sons are giving gifts to the girls with traditions of Tălmăcel, celebrated annually on whom they will be married with torso and Saint John the Baptist Day. curls. This day was long awaited by the Each year, on the feast of St. John, dozens shepherds, who throughout the summer gather in church to celebrate this feast. The climbed to the hill with the sheep, from where feasts dressed in the feast of the feast, specific 329 Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 18, Issue 1, 2018 PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952 to the popular harbor, riding on white horses (December 6) is preserved especially in the accompany a car with oxen adorned as a feast. areas of the Transylvanian villages. The girls Behind them there are several donkeys, the are all gathered on December 5 to knead the old man and the maid made of straw, but dough for the pies. In the evening all the boys beautifully arranged and adorned. Everyone in the village gather together with the girls seems to be heading to the river to wet all and start to spend the next day. The traditions those named "Ion". After being wet, all the of the snakes trap. In the old days, when the Ions in Talmacel are served with coils, wine Saxon population of Transylvania was still and brandy. The joy of this tradition is passed large, on December 12 a tradition was on to the inhabitants of the entire village, its practiced that required the father to walk with origins being heard throughout the country. a tray on his head, in which a few twigs were The Feast of St. John the Baptist is celebrated laid. He had to walk around the house to on January 7, right after the new year. protect the house from all the bad things. The Turks from Holbav are one of the Tourism infrastructure customs that have been preserved since the The tourism infrastructure of the region is ancient times and made known the region of very wide, the quality of services being Transylvania both in the country and abroad. different from one locality to another. The Turks of Holbav are playing on St. The tourist base of the Transilvania Region Nicholas on December 6, wishing to included in the year 2016 6,946 announce the arrival of Christmas holidays. accommodation units, of which 1,748 hotels Bear's Day is part of the traditions and and motels, 266 hostels, 194 cottages, 923 customs of the Transylvanian people from the villas and bungalows, 1530 boarding houses mountain peak. Bear's Day is celebrated 40 and 2028 boarding houses, the rest being days after Christmas, exactly on February 2, other types of tourist units (Table 1. Fig.1.) when every Christian celebrates the Lord's [11]. Encounter. According to customs, Bear's Day Table 1. Transylvania Travel Receiving Structures in coincides with this Orthodox ritual feast, also 2016 called Stretenie. According to the elders, on Type of structure No. Winter's Bear Day he meets with the summer, Hotels 1,748 Hostels 266 and there is a real fight between the cold and Apartment hotels 21 the hot season. Also on Bear's Day people can Motels 218 Inns 3 make predictions about the weather look over Tourist villas 635 the year. Following the bear, named Martin, Tourist cottages 194 people could know how it would be in the Bungalows 288 Holiday villages 7 winter or summer. Campgrounds 61 The customs of Saint Basil in Hunedoara aim Tourist stops 38 Touristic houses 59 to find begging by unmarried girls. This habit Camps for pupils and preschoolers 58 in Hunedoara was called sanvasai. This habit Tourist guesthouses 1,530 consists in the fact that the girls and the boys Agrotourist hostels 2,028 Accommodation spaces on river and 10 gathered at the home of one of those present. sea vessels In a dark room 9 or 12 plates were placed on Source: National Institute of Statistics, 2017 the table with the bottom up. Under the plates were placed various items such as comb, spin, bread, basil, mirror, bread, knife, scissors, etc. The girls chose a plate, interpreting the nature and qualities of the future husband according to what was under the plate. Such a habit of Saint Basil takes place every year in the area of Orăștie, but also in the land of the Forestry. Fig.1.Transilvania Tourism Reception Structures in Saint Nicholas' plaques. Just like the tradition 2016 of fasting, the tradition of St. Nicholas' pies Source: Own determination. 330 Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 18, Issue 1, 2018 PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952

The Transylvania Region holds 37.9% of owns approximately 660 authorized units and Romania's agro-touristic pensions, 34.4% of is distributed as follows: - Bar & Bistro - 1 the tourist boarding houses and 33.6% of the unit; - Day Bar - 233 units; - Brasserie - 1 chalets. Braşov County is one of the six unit; - Buffet bar - 6 units; - Buffet-bistro - 1 holiday villages of Romanian tourism. unit; - Cafe bar - 71 units; - Cafe bar - café 5 However, it should be mentioned that the units; - Cafe - 13 units; - Confectionery - 6 tourist base in the region is partially obsolete, units; - Fast food - 47 units; - Summer Garden the lack of modernization affecting the quality - 1 unit; - Pizzeria - 17 units; - Snack bar - 9 of services offered to tourists. The network of units; - Self-service restaurant: 8 units; - tourist accommodation units is unevenly Classic restaurant: 153 units; - Restaurants distributed, the highest concentration being with artistic program - 1 unit; - Restaurants registered in Brasov County (881 units, with specifics: - national (Romanian) - 7 representing 36% of the total number of units; - local - 1 unit; - Austrian - 1 unit; - tourist units in the region), the opposite is Irish - 1 unit - Italian - 3 units - Mexican - 1 Covasna County, with only 97 units unit; - Chinese - 1 unit; - Hungarian - 1 unit; - accounting for 4% of the total (Table 2, Family-friendly restaurant (hostel) - 1 unit in Fig.2.) [12]. Mount Cold; - Restaurant - 3 units [13]. Travel routes and means of transport Table 2. Distribution of tourist accommodation One of the essential premises for the facilities in Transylvania in 2016 County Number of structures development of tourism is the provision of Alba 159 access to the objectives and areas of tourist Bistrița-Năsăud 43 importance. The areas with the highest Brașov 881 intensity of tourism are the major cities of the Cluj 192 region, the tourist resorts in the mountain Covasna 97 Harghita 371 areas and the spa resorts, the agrotourism Hunedoara 125 areas (Mărginimea Sibiului, the Bran-Moeciu Mureș 291 Sibiu 295 area, the Arieş valley, certain settlements in Source: National Institute of Statistics,2017 Szeklerland), most mountain areas and the areas with scattered cultural and tourist attractions (Saxon fortified churches, peasant castles, etc.)[14]. The main tourist areas in the Transylvanian region (except the cities of tourist importance) and the related road infrastructure: - the Apuseni Mountains area, a tourist area in Alba County with various tourist resources (special karst phenomena, ski resort, Fig.2. Distribution of tourist accommodation facilities agritourism, cultural tourism). Main roads: in Transylvania in 2016 DN74, DN75, DJ762, DJ750 DJ108, DJ107K, Source: Own determination. DJ 750C, DJ107M. Catering In order to increase the accessibility to many In Transylvania, gastronomy characterized by mentioned tourist areas, which in turn will be Transylvanian and Hungarian dishes. From felt in the economic development, it is potato bread to meat and smoked food, from necessary to develop and implement teleme to pies, the food in the heart of investment projects for the rehabilitation and Transylvania is diversified and very tasty. modernization of some road sectors As for this sector, there is a conspicuous (especially county roads). At the level of the presence both in number and type, in Center Region there is a relatively large Transylvania being found over 4,000 number of road sectors that provide authorized units. Only the city of Cluj-Napoca accessibility to areas or tourist attractions and require rehabilitation, upgrading or extension 331 Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 18, Issue 1, 2018 PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952 work. Regarding the special transport means, contrast therapy (sauna), collective sprays, dry within Braşov County there is a good cable massage services and cervical and lumbar transport network. Here, there are 4 cable elongations, procedures with low-, medium- cars, 2 of them link foot and peak of Tâmpa and high-frequency currents treat subacute mountain, and the other 2 are located in and chronic inflammatory disorders of the Brasov, one in Kanzel and the other two annexes and sterility. connects Capra Neagra to Mount Postavarul. Praid is recommended for treating respiratory Also in Braşov are telegondole and 6 tele-skis diseases. in Poiana Braşov and Predeal. Patients spend a number of hours as the Another cable car is the one present in the doctor visits while visiting the mine. By the Fagaras area connecting Balea Waterfall conditions in the saline the tonus of the neuro- Balea Lake which stretches over 3700m. vegetative system is restored. Inside the salt Within the Bucegi Mountains there are 3 mine there is a museum, a church, a wine cable cars, one connects Babele Buşteni, cellar [16]. another connects Gura Ialomiţei Cave to Borsec, one of the oldest and most famous spa Babele, and the other connects the 1400 share resorts in Central and Eastern Europe, located of 2000 Sinaia. The counties of Harghita and in the same name. Here are procedures like Covasna have a number of ski slopes for internal and external mineral water, which tele-skis were placed on different electrotherapy,physiotherapy, electropuncture, routes, depending on the length and difficulty ionization, balneophysiotherapy and medical of the slope [15]. recovery. Facilities for treatment and recreation At Harghita Baths tourists have inhalations, In this respect, Transylvania has a number of internal and external cures with mineral resorts where mineral resources are used for waters, relaxing conditions and special rest. both curative and recreational purposes. This The Homorod Spa has ski slopes. type of tourism offers a wide range of options At Balvanyos tourists can enjoy mofetes, and addresses people of all ages. Sovata is one electrotherapy, aerosols, thermotherapy of the most important spa resorts in Romania (paraffin wraps), kinetotherapy, Besides the complex treatment infrastructure, aeroheliotherapy, carbonated baths, medical the Sovata resort has several possibilities for gymnastics and maintenance in the gym. In- recreation, including in the cold season, where house treatments including underwater two ski slopes are arranged here. massage. In Covasna, the present resources make Malnaş, Vâlcele, Miercurea Sibiului, Bazna possible a series of procedures such as heated are spas of local importance. mineral water baths, mopeds, aerosols, The spa tourism is very likely to develop in inhalations, paraffin wraps, electrotherapy, the following years due to its strengths, and galvanic baths, massage, medical gymnastics. the existing baths are in competition with the Băile Tuşnad is a resort of national well-equipped thermal baths in Hungary. In importance recommended for treatment of these potential resorts there is not yet special various diseases such as cardiovascular, medical or balneo-therapeutic treatment, digestive, endocrine. And here are a series of medical care being provided in school camps procedures such as paraffin wraps, herbal where it exists or in the medical cabinet of the baths, galvanic baths, massage, internal locality. These resorts generally have open mineral water therapy, magnetotherapy, lagoons in degraded condition. medical physical culture, reflexology. Auxiliary equipment The Ocna Sibilului resort has a permanent Concerning recreational means, they differ in character and is known for its salty waters typology and number in each county of the with healing properties. In the resort there are region. These consist of parks, cinemas, sports procedures such as baths, underwater halls, summer gardens, horse riding, etc. In massage, whirlpools for upper and lower the county of Cluj there is a slight limbs, mud and paraffin treatments and development and diversification, the county 332 Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 18, Issue 1, 2018 PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952 being represented by only a few classical gymnastics. products destined either for the summer Types and forms of tourism practicable in season (ponds and swimming pools - Cluj- Transylvania Napoca - Clujana, Sun, plus the Olympic With an extremely generous natural potential basin, Iulius Mall, Hotel Belvedere, Dej - and a valuable cultural heritage, the Toroc spa park, Gherla - Tehnomedical Transylvania region has a high and diversified Complex, Turda - Durgauvalea Sărată from tourist potential. Regional studies and studies the Spa Complex Cojocna) or hibernal (the ski show that tourism with the highest slopes from Băişoara, Dângău - Căpuş, Feleac development potential is mountain tourism, and Mărişel) such as the theme parks, spa tourism, cultural tourism and rural thematic festivals, business meetings and tourism. congresses or others, are also well below the Mountain tourism is most favored due to the level at which the resources can foster their existence of mountainous masses spread over development [17]. large areas, the presence of mountain huts, the In 2012 in Bistrița-Năsăud county there were presence of marked trails and the promotion 183 cultural homes, increasing compared to of these areas as perfect for practicing winter 2001 when there were only 53 such units. sports, mountaineering, hiking, speoturism. There is only one cinema in the whole county, Transylvania is the first region of the country Dacia, but no films have been projected in in terms of mountain tourism potential due to recent years. In the county there are no landscape diversity and numerous endemic amusement parks, botanical gardens or zoos. flora and fauna species. Within the According to available information, the Transylvania region there are a number of possibility of spending leisure time using the locations such as Predeal, Poiana Braşov, existing infrastructure is low. Buşteni, Azuga, Sinaia locations that have a In Harghita County for tourists who prefer high tourist potential in both seasons. sports-extreme activities, they have adventure Poiana Brasov ranks first in terms of shi and fun parks: Harghita Băi - Balu Park resorts in the country. It has 12 slopes of Adventure Park, Salt Praid Club Adventure varying degrees of difficulty, 17 km long Park, which was the first underground slopes and cable cars. The Predeal locality adventure park in Europe opened in 2012, includes 10 ski slopes on a 8 km long ski run. Ciumani adventure parks with water slides, The counties of Covasna and Harghita have Club Aventura Park in Băile Tușnad. approximately 23 approved ski slopes and In Harghita County there are more than 20 totally have a length of 13,583 m, the longest equestrian and hippie centers in Miercurea ski slope is 1,149 m and is located at Pasin Ciuc, Gheorgheni and Odorheiu Secuiesc as Bucin, of which 19 are managed by well as in other localities such as Homorod commercial companies and 2 are managed by Băi, Subcetate and Iacobeni. Bicaz Canyon associations that are also equipped with cable and Red Lake provide the conditions for transport installations. practicing more activities from climbing to Harghita County has a favorable context for boating. Canyoning can be practiced in the practicing outdoor sports: mountain biking, Seacă Valley and off-road turns can be made cross-country cycling, nordic walking, caving, with off-road cars, motocross or enduro. hiking, skiing, escalade, tyrolean, hippie, Within Brasov County, recreational river-rafting, canoying, enduro, moto-cross infrastructure has grown more and more. etc. Swimming pools, cyclotourism trails, pistes, Within Cluj County, the ski slopes are scarce ski slopes built to the highest standards, tennis and poorly diversified, the only place that has courts, mini-golf and paintball, horse riding, ski slopes is Băişoara, a medium-sized slope. amusement parks, etc. were built. At the same The county of Cluj is highlighted due to the time, a number of private sports halls speoturistic potential given by the presence of appeared due to the increasing interest in a large underground cavities (about 160), martial arts, fitness and maintenance including the second cave in Romania, the 333 Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 18, Issue 1, 2018 PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952

Humpleu Cave (with over 40 km of Mare, Someş, Arieş, in the area of the development and some of the most grandiose Transylvanian Plain, Ţaga, Geaca, Cătina, halls in Romania European endocarst: 250- Câmpeneşti, Mărtineşti, which are important 300 m long, 100-150 m wide, over 100 m areas for a great variety of species which can high), respectively the Altar Cave, considered be harvested or accumulation lakes in to be the most beautiful natural underground Someşul Cald basin or Drăganului Valley. cavity in Europe [18]. Cultural and historical tourism is favored by Mountaineering is another form of mountain the numerous architectural and historical recreation that can be practiced in several monuments and, of course, the many customs areas of the Transylvanian mountain range, and traditions. Most of the events are such as Cheile Turzii, Someşului Cald and supported or even organized by local Turenilor, which have a series of high- authorities. Relatively low distance between difficulty routes (IV-VI) but and some objectives favors their integration into initiation routes (grade II-III). However, it is different thematic circuits. necessary to have an adequate endowment of Religious tourism. In Braşov County this is the routes, the development of the climbing especially practiced at Sâmbăta de Sus areas, the building of some tourist bases for Monastery, where the religious services hosting the practitioners. Hiking is primarily during the great holidays attract a great flow stimulated by the morpho-seismic value of the of people. Also within Braşov county there mountainous area where the spectacular and are 7 monastic complexes and a series of varied morphological landscape is a major churches with special values. attraction. The high and prolonged peaks of In Cluj County this form of tourism is favored Mount Mare or Trascau, the pyramid dome of by the existence of important places of the Vlădeasa Massif, the key sectors and worship, the most representative objective of gorges (Turzii, Turenilor, Someşul Cald, this type, the Nicula Monastery is celebrating Arieş, Hășdatelor, Crişul Repede) are frequent its patrimony as an event that attracts visitors landmarks for those who follow such a on August 15 not only from the county but depravity of tourism. also from the entire Transylvanian area and In the county of Harghita numerous tourist even from the extra-Carpathian regions (in routes offer the possibility of hiking (eg the 2015 the number of participating pilgrims was Maria Route) as well as cycling or equestrian estimated at about 600,000) [19]. tours: Giurgeu Mountains - 6 trails, Hasmas Sports tourism. In the counties of Braşov, Mountains - 14 trails, Harghita Mountains - Harghita, Covasna there are practiced alpine 10 trails, Gurghiu Mountains - 3 trails. In skiing, cross-country skiing, mountaineering, spite of the net advantage of the mountainous mountain biking, horseback riding, gliding area from this point of view, even the and gliding, hunting and sport fishing in hilly depression area itself is not deprived of the and mountainous areas. The most effcetive hiking, on the contrary, especially as the solutions for harmonizing tourism mountain routes have as a starting point the requirements with the requirements of localities located in the depression area or the environmental protection and sustainable contact with it. development are rural tourism and agro- Piscine leisure tourism has favorable tourism. conditions of affirmation due to the existence Transylvania has a rich and varied tourist of a dense and mostly unpolluted potential, only partially capitalized. Rural hydrographic network, but with a drainage tourism has witnessed spectacular dynamics regime strongly affected by the massive in the last 20 years, the number of tourist and deforestation in the last century and agrotourist guesthouses in Transylvania being accentuated in the last two decades, which has over 1,000, and that of the offered a negative impact on the potential biological accommodation places reaching almost 19 fish, much diminished. It can be practiced thousand. The Transylvanian region owns along the main rivers, Someşul Mic, Someşul 37.9% of Romania's agro-tourism pensions 334 Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 18, Issue 1, 2018 PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952 and 34.4% of the tourist boarding houses. In Harghita Băi s.a. This type of tourism attracts Braşov County one of the six holiday villages a large number of tourists of all ages. In some of Romanian tourism is found. In Brasov cases, lower investment in infrastructure has county, agrotourism is practiced in Poiana led to a decrease in the number of tourists. Mare, Fundata, Moeciu, Bran, Sacele- Tarlungeni. In Cluj county agrotourism is CONCLUSIONS practiced in many localities of Huedin Depression, Someşan Plateau and Transylvania is the geographical region Transylvanian Plain. located within the Carpathian Arch being also The agrotouristic areas of Transylvania are: - one of the historical regions of Romania. On Sibiu's border. -Areaş area superior (Albac - the territory of Transylvania itself there are Gârda - Arieşeni - Avram Iancu - Vidra). - nine counties: Alba, Bistrita-Nasaud, Brasov, Rimetea. -Corund- Sovata. - Săcele area – Cluj, Covasna, Harghita, Hunedoara, Mures Întorsura Buzăului. and Sibiu. Besides these, there are also Ecotourism is the form of tourism where the settlements in the counties of Bacau, Caraş- main interest of the tourist is nature, namely Severin, Maramureş, Neamţ, Sălaj and the observation and appreciation of all nature- Valcea. related objectives that meet several As far as the traditions of the most important conditions: educational character, moments of life are concerned, each of them conservation and nature protection, negative distinguishes itself from the rest of the regions impact on the natural and socio-cultural at different times. environment. In the county of Brasov there As far as the accommodation base is are guest houses and eco-certified tours concerned, Transylvania adds approximately present in the Zărneşti area where tourism is 7,000 units with an accommodation capacity in the most advanced stage in Romania, due of approximately 25,442,084 seats. Although both to the natural environment (Piatra the base of accommodation is quite large, the Craiului National Park) and to the promotion index of utilization of the capacities in and organization activity; the Vama Buzaului operation is only 23.6%, the region occupying area; Buneşti-Viscri area; Făgăraş area [20]. the 4th place in the country. As in the case of Business and conference tourism has the accommodation base, public catering developed especially in major cities and amounts to about 4,000 authorized several resorts that offer great accommodation establishments where tourists can enjoy comfort and have the necessary technical traditional cuisine specific to the area (Szekler facilities. In Braşov County, this type of spelled, curtoş kalacs, gulaş, papricaş s.a.). tourism is constantly growing, which is Touristic routes and means of transport are favored by the better facilities, namely well- varied, highlighting special transports, namely equipped conference rooms. Recreational cable cars, chairlifts, tele-skis. tourism is taking place in several resorts, In terms of facilities for recreation and leisure, namely Predeal, Bran-Moeciu-Fundata, Transylvania dispose of a series of resorts Poiana Brasov, Covasna s.a. Traffic tourism is (Sovata, Covasna, Băile Tuşnad, Borsec, practiced in both forms of transit and Balvanyos s.a.) where natural resources traveling. Weekend tourism is also practicable (mineral waters, sapropelic sludge) are used in mountain and sub-Carpathian areas, with for curative and recreational purposes. rare occasions when a tourist's stay exceeds In addition to the facilities, there are a number the weekend. The treatment / spa tourism is of recreational facilities such as parks, favored by the existence of important mineral cinemas, botanical gardens, zoos, amusement resources such as springs and mud with parks, horseback riding, etc. curative properties. Thus, in Transylvania As far as turism forms are concerned, there are a number of resorts where these mountain tourism, cultural-historical, resources are utilized such as Baile Turda, religious, sports, rural, ecotourism, business Someşeni, Băile Tuşnad, Sovata, Covasna, tourism and conferences, recreation, treatment 335 Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 18, Issue 1, 2018 PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952 and weekend tourism are practiced. http://www.cjsibiu.ro/wp- content/uploads/2015/10/Strategia-de-dezvoltare-a- judetului-Sibiu-pentru-perioada-2012-2020_finala.pdf, REFERENCES Accessed January 10, 2018. [18] Strategia de dezvoltare a judetului Alba, 2014- [1]Analiza ADR Centru "Turism balnear-Domeniu 2020, Consiliul Judetean Alba, economic cu potential de dezvoltare in regiunea http://www.cjalba.ro/wp- Centru”. content/uploads/2014/08/Strategiadedezvoltare2014- [2]Avramescu Elena, Florescu, F. 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