historical region in the northwestern part of Romania

Transylvania is a historical region in Central Europe. In the past, it was a part of Hungary, was an independent principality, belonged to the Ottoman Empire or was a province of Austria-Hungary. It has been part of Romania since 1918.

Map of Romania, the part in yellow is Transylvania
Transylvanian countryside. Near Bicalatu

The borders was made up by the Siret River from east, river Tisza from west of north and south by the Carpathian Mountains.


In popular culture, Transylvania is mainly known as the seat (and origin) of Count Dracula. This vampire story by Bram Stoker is based on a local nobleman Vlad III the Impaler, known for his cruelty. It also was the home of Elizabeth Báthory.