Romania

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Amid the enchanting wine region of Transylvania is the small village of Biert?n formerly known as, Birth?lm, one of the region's oldest settlements. An impressive fortified church rises majestically above the dreamy village, a reminder that Biert?n was once of great religious and political importance. The village is still influenced by its old world charm and its fortified church is an atmospheric gem of a bygone age. The militaristic design of the church was a necessary precaution as in former times the region was far from peaceful and idyllic. Both the Tartars and Turks repeatedly invaded Transylvania and thus made it necessary for the village to have a fortified church that could fend off would be attackers. Biertan's church organ is still regarded as a masterpiece and the sound of its one thousand two hundred and ninety pipes is a truly unforgettable and breathtaking experience. As with the larger part of its historical and cultural treasures the fascinating rural character of this intriguing village has been preserved right up to the present day.

DVD. Passport to Adventure. How does a country recover from decades of oppression &dictatorship? Traveling in Romania is like entering a kaleidoscope of history - the countryside, redolent of times past, the cities exploding with the promise of the future. Though they have suffered through incredibly hard times, it has not dampened the optimistic spirit of the people - capitalism is emerging in Romania. Drivers of shiny new cars talk on their cell phones as they whiz through Bucharest, while in the countryside, peasants work the fields by hand, and transport their crops on horse drawn wagons. In this episode, Julie and Mark explore Transylvania's medieval villages, splendidly preserved castles and cycle the forests of the Carpathian Mountains. They also visit Bucharest, where Roman's, French, Germans and Russians all left their distinctive marks, on the people and the city.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Byzantine Moldavia The world famous Moldau Monasteries, also known as the Bukowina Monasteries, are among the most beautiful examples of Romanian art and have been designated as one of Unesco's architectural monuments. The paintings on the exterior of the Humor Monastery, one of the oldest of the five great Moldau Monasteries, date from the early 16th century. The Voronet Monastery dates back to1488 and was donated by Stefan The Great after a victorious battle against the Turks. First mentioned in 1402, during the 16th century the Moldovita Monastery was destroyed by landslide but rebuilt in 1532. Here, Moldavian architecture combines with elements of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and the majority of Moldau's churches are adorned with colourful frescos. Set in a picturesque location, the Sucevita Monastery is one of the most well preserved churches in the Moldau region. Between 1595 and 1606 the churches? splendid frescos were created under the artistic direction of the artists, Ion and Sofronie. The amazing diversity of the beautifully illustrated individual images of angels and martyrs is considered to be unique in Moldavian architecture. The Arbore Monastery was dedicated to John The Baptist and the portrayal of the Legend Of George on the external fa?ade is particularly noteworthy. Although a number of the wall paintings have not stood the test of time, the Arbore frescos still manage to convey the splendour of Romanian religious art. Massive, well-fortified walls surround the eye-catching Dragomirna Monastery that was built between 1602 and 1609 and its prominent tower is richly decorated with numerous rosettes. Beyond its mighty walls there is a tranquil, idyllic atmosphere. To capture the sacred and historical atmosphere of monastic life, there could be no better destination than the Moldau Monasteries.

DVD. Nature Parks The Danube Delta, the second largest in Europe after that of the Volga, is located in the northeast of the Dobrudzha and covers a total area of 4,152 km?. Two thirds of it is in Romania, the remainder being in the Ukraine. The river, that in some areas is covered by reed, water lilies and numerous plant life, also boasts a large variety of rare birds. The pelican, heron and cormorant live side by side with seagulls, wild duck, geese, falcon and eagles, that live in the willow forests. Since time immemorial, each day the waters of the Danube have washed 185,000 tons of mud into this coastal lake and also into the Black Sea. This has gradually created today's delta that divides into two large sections, the River Delta in the West and the Fluvial Maritime Delta in the East. Protecting the land from the water, the sturdy banks of the river are natural dikes, beyond which the local inhabitants have built their small, reed-covered homes, most of which are located 10 to 15 metres from the water's edge. The Delta's landscape possesses an ever-changing face across which both land and water constantly interact. Each season of the year brings its own special magic to the ever-changing beauty of this richly alluvial region. The tributaries are flanked by rows of willows and poplars and dragonflies vie from side to side of the shallow lakes. The Danube Delta's tributaries, lakes, forests, vegetation, birds and fish combine to create an indescribable feeling of solitude on each of its intriguing watery horizons.

DVD. Nature Wonders. 10 Minutes. Covering an area of around half a million hectares, the Danube Delta is the second largest river delta in Europe, the largest part being in Romania. Following the collapse of the communist regime, the area has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. With its unique network of interconnected eco-systems, the Delta is one of the most important sanctuaries for more than 300 species of bird, as it contains an abundance of food as well as providing a good nesting area in a totally natural environment. The region's most important fish are sturgeon, carp and catfish. Although the fishing methods are somewhat dated, the annual catch is highly impressive. The future of this fresh-water reserve, located on the eastern edge of Europe, appears to be assured as much has been done to protect it for generations to come.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. In the midst of the wooded hills of Oltenia?s Carpathian countryside is the Horezu Monastery that was donated by Prince Constantin Br?ncoveanu. The building was constructed in 1690 to defend the western region of the country and the settlement comprises five churches, a sanctuary for the infirm and various monks' cells. Sculptures of stone and floral motifs decorate the external walls of the monastery?s main church. Its wall paintings were created by twelve artists under the direction of Masters Constantinos and Ioan between 1692 and 1702 and represent the beginning of the Br?ncoveanu Style. The library, the Princes? House that today contains the monastery's art collection, the Refectorium with its old paintings, and finally the Treasury that contains icons and precious silver objects that date back to the Br?ncoveanu period, are each extremely valuable. The Br?ncoveanu style first gained recognition as early as the 18th century. It soon spread throughout Walachia and Transylvania. Thanks to the refined art of this time, the Horezu Monastery has been designated as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. Transylvania boasts in various extremely beautiful landscapes. Its mountaintops are crowned by castle ruins, in its steep creeks rivers are twisting. In the giant wooden lands, caves can be found, while among the alpine snow-capped mountains, tarns are awaiting the tourists. Unique sights are the B?k?s Canyon and the Killer's Lake, which guards the petrified pinewoods. The warm springs feed such spa-resorts as Tusn?df?rd or Szov?ta. The medieval towns surrounded by towers and walls tell us tales of the past. National costumes, carved Sz?kelygates and the works of the Korond potters represent the ancient art of the folks living here. A legend or a story belongs to almost every city, every castle, no matter if it is the tall D?va castle, Hunyadv?r or Br?n, the Castle of Count Dracula.