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The Sphinx of Bucegi
Most travellers who come to Bucegi Mountains have heard about the Romanian Sphinx, a strange configuration of rock high on the mountain. People are drawn to its human appearance: proportionate face, distinct lips, cheeks and large eyes beneath a wide forehead. The sight is a thrilling image for the imagination.
It is believed the Sphinx, which stands 2,215 meters high, is a representation of the supreme divinity of an ancient people, the Pelasgi. They were a pre-Indo-European tribe who lived near the Aegean Sea, until the Greek tribes’ migration up to Eland, Asia Minor and Egypt.
Historians believe the Egyptian Sphinx in Gizeh is a copy of the Sphinx from Bucegi Platform because of its resemblance to Zeus. Also, the fact that both sphinxes measure have the same height is curious, as is the fact that all Egyptian deities have human bodies and animal heads, except for the Egyptian Sphinx, which has a human head on a lion's body.
Babele rock formation
Near the Romanian Sphinx on the Bucegi Platform, there also stands a group of stones known as "Babele", or “The Old Women”. The rocks look like giant mushrooms. Their presence has produced many legends and theories.
According to some researchers, the rocks were moulded by water and wind and permanently maintained by the process of freezing and thawing. The alternation between grit stone and limestone in the platform also must be taken into consideration. Yet, researchers cannot totally exclude human involvement in shaping the more or less regular forms; scientific proof cannot thoroughly explain these phenomena. That’s why, the legends continue to thrive and the existences of these rock formations have been connected with the supernatural.
The Peles Castle
Another worth-visiting sight is Peles Castle, located in Sinaia - 44 km from Brasov city. Peles Castle is considered by many one of the most beautiful castles in all Europe. It was the final resting place for several Romanian monarchs, including King Carol the First who died here in 1914.
By form and function, Peles is truly a palace but, instead, everybody consistently call it a castle. Its architectural style is a Neo-Renaissance of romantic inspiration that can find a correspondent in 19th century ideals with the monumental Gothic Revival of Schloss Neuschwanstein in Bavaria. A Saxon influence can be observed in the interior courtyard facades similar to northern Europe alpine architecture. Interior decoration is mostly of Baroque influence with heavy carved woods and exquisite fabrics.
Many parts of the castle are accessible to the public. However, an important area in the upper levels is off limits. The visiting hours are from 9 am to 5 pm Wednesday through Sunday. On Mondays the castle is closed and on Tuesdays the hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. These visiting hours are subject for change due to tourist seasons. In November the castle is closed to the public for the whole month.
The Bran Castle
is located less then 30 km from Brasov, on the road from Brasov to Campulung Muscel, at the border of the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains.
Commonly known as "Dracula's Castle", it is marketed as the home of the titular character in Bram Stoker's Dracula, which has led to persistent myths that it was once the home of Vlad Tepes, ruler of Wallachia.
http://www.brancastlemuseum.ro
The Heroes' Cross
Atop Caraiman peak lies the Heroes' Cross, a memorial of World War I.
The Caraiman is a 2,260 m mountain peak located in the Bucegi Mountains.
The monument was erected between 1926 and 1928, at the initiative of Queen Maria of Romania. The material needed for construction was carried up using a funicular, as well as carts carried by oxen. The monument's height is 29.5 meters and the arms' length is 14 meters.
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