Romania is a country with a rich history, well-known for its beautiful castles, fortresses, and manors that take tourists back in time. And some of these old buildings have passed the test of time and are now welcoming tourists from all over the world, offering unique accommodation and experiences. We've listed below a selection of manors to try in Romania if you're looking for places where you can enjoy a traditional vacation with a modern twist:

Conacul lui Maldar

Conacul lui Maldar is the perfect place to discover the noble charm of the old life in Romania's Oltenia region. It is one of several fortified mansions built by local noblemen in the village of Maldaresti in Valcea county. These constructions, generically known as cule oltenesti, were built both for shelter and defense against Ottoman invasions.

Today, the manor keeps the aristocratic atmosphere of a traditional cula, each of its 18 rooms (double or single) telling its own story with authentic, historical furniture, traditional rugs, and many other elements. And, as you would expect, the chefs used the old, noble feasts as inspiration for the restaurant's menus.

Further details are available here.

Conacul Polizu

This is probably one of the most beautiful manors in the historical region of Moldova. Built by Ghika Deleni between 1880-1887, based on Italian architects' plans, the mansion had important guests over time, including Queen Marie of Romania. Like other similar constructions in the country, the building was re-purposed and destroyed during the war and then the communist regime, but it was later restored to its former grandeur. 

It now welcomes tourists with stylish accommodation and noble gastronomy, and can also host private or corporate events.

Find out more here.

Apafi Manor

In the small Transylvanian village of Malancrav, tourists can spend their vacation in a centuries-old manor that has kept its elegant charm. The Apafi Manor was built by the Hungarian princely family of the same name - Apafi and, in the late 18th century, it passed to the Bethlen family. Things changed during communism when the building was confiscated and misused for many years. However, after an ample process of recovery carried out by the Mihai Eminescu Trust, the manor got back its charm and has been receiving guests since 2007.

Today, its rooms that combine traditional furniture pieces with more modern ones offer tourists memorable experiences. More details are available here.

Conacul Nagy

Built in 1802, the Nagy Manor invites tourists to spend a few days in the ambiance of the early 19th century. It is found in a quiet location in the small village of Coseni, in Covasna county. The building was completely refurbished and arranged for its new destination, offering tourists accommodation in deluxe, double, and twin rooms equipped with bathroom, TV, minibar, air conditioning, and internet access. 

Further details are available here.

Conacul Gaal

Those who want to discover the Transilvanian life should consider spending a few days at the Gaal Manor in the village of Dalnic in Covasna county. Built in 1844 and renovated in 2014, the mansion is located about 40 km from Brasov, in a picturesque rural area. Not far, tourists can also find the Baile Tusnad thermal spa resort and the St. Ana Lake, and Baile Sugas resort.

Visitors can choose accommodation in the mansion or the rebuilt barn. Find out more here.

Conacul Secuiesc

Inspired by the traditional architecture of the Rimetea-Coltesti area, in the famous Transylvania region, Conacul Secuiesc benefits from a fantastic location, at the foothills of the Piatra Secuiului Mountains. It awaits visitors with cozy rooms and traditional dishes and plenty of outdoor activities such as hikes, bike tours, or paragliding. The rooms (double, triple, or studios) combine the traditional charm with the modern facilities for a unique stay in a Transylvanian village. 

Further details are available here.

Casa Timis

"Born in 1925. Reborn in 2015." That is, in short, the story of the Casa Timis manor, a beautiful building designed by a disciple of one of Romania's most famous architects - Ion Mincu. A representative example of the Neo-Romanian style, the manor underwent an extensive renovation. Two Romanian architects worked to restore the building's noble spirit. 

Tourists can book double or twin rooms or apartments at Casa Timis, all the accommodation spaces incorporating the timeless elegance of the mansion. Plus, they can enjoy traditional dishes with a gourmet touch at the restaurant or terrace.

Find out more here.

Conacul Archia 

Located in the quiet countryside 5 km from Deva, Conacul Archia is a place for "contemporary boyars." Its story started in 1994 when the Szabo family bought the land on which the mansion is located. In the following years, they turned the property into a domain reviving the long-gone era of the great boyars. 

Today, each of the rooms at Conacul Archia has its own theme. For example, tourists can choose to stay in the Hunting Room, the Lavender Room, the Forest Room, the Traditional Room, or the English Room. Some of the domain's many leisure activities available include horse riding, tennis, or hiking.

More information here.

newsroom@romania-insider.com

(Opening photo: Conaculmaldar.ro)