How did Romania blend East and West in its royal palaces? | Tourism and travel

In a new episode of the “The Traveler” program – which is broadcast on the “Al Jazeera 360” platform – the camera travels on an exciting exploratory journey across Romania, revealing the treasures of this charming European country that has long been overshadowed by the reputation of its neighbors.

Through the program’s lens, the viewer gets to know another side of Romania, a face full of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant life in its modern cities.

The program’s presenter, Hazem Abu Watfa, begins his tour by describing Romania as “a land of exciting contrasts and eternal beauty.” Through its valleys and majestic mountains, Romania appears as if it were a mysterious ancient story waiting to be discovered, making it a unique tourist destination worth discovering.

The program then moves on to exploring Romanian cities, and Abu Watfa describes how “Romania’s pulse quickens in its cities, and each city has its own unique rhythm,” where cafes are full of enthusiastic conversations and the smell of fresh coffee, while public squares embrace ancient history, rich folklore, and original arts that are difficult to disappear.

Belish Castle

Belish Castle – which is located in the folds of the Great Carpathian Mountains – represented a major stop on the “traveller’s” journey. It was built in the late 19th century to be the summer residence of King Carol I, and its strategic location between the mountains gave it stunning views that captivated the attention.

The castle’s architecture is a unique blend of several styles, including Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance.

It was decorated with wooden frames, exquisite carvings and decorations that reflect the ingenuity of Roman craftsmen, and was built to mimic the style of beautiful German and Austrian castles overlooking the Bavarian mountains.

The castle includes more than 160 rooms, each of which has its own unique style and character, and is decorated with unique sculptures, decorations and furniture that is unparalleled anywhere else in Romania.

One of the most notable things that draws attention in the palace is the Hall of Honor, which is the main reception hall that was established at the beginning of the 20th century, but with the elegance of the Renaissance era.

The program’s camera conveyed the splendor of the decorations engraved on walnut wood and the reliefs on alabaster, which form a masterpiece that captivates the eye. The Hall of Honor is also distinguished by being covered with an electrically sliding colored glass roof, allowing the entry of sun and air.

The traveler continues to explore the various rooms of the castle. There is the Moroccan room, which King Carol decorated with gold-plated plaster and authentic Moroccan furniture dating back to the 19th century.

Royal Suites

As for the dining room, it amazes with its elegance. The table is made of walnut wood and can be extended to accommodate 36 people, with chairs made of Cordoba leather.

Abu Watfa points out that some levels of the room are decorated with silver and crystal with touches inspired by the Ottoman era, which reflects the diverse influences in the interior design of the castle.

The episode devoted a special segment to visiting the royal suites, most notably King Carol I’s room, which is considered the most private in the castle. It is actually a group of 9 rooms that include a sitting hall, a worship room, a sleeping room, a guest room, and a corridor for conversation, in addition to external balconies.

The program also draws attention to the Turkish Room, where the influence of Ottoman arts is clearly visible. Silk embroideries cover all pieces of furniture, walls and ceiling, with stained glass windows bearing Qur’anic inscriptions, which reflects the cultural and artistic diversity in the design of the castle.