An absolute must. Far more than just a village museum, the ASTRA is a place that seeks to preserve centuries-old traditions and educate people in them. In that regard it is a genuine Skansen, much like the famed Stockholm original. Beautifully set over 96 acres around a huge lake four kms along the Rasinari road (take bus N°13 from the railway station) the main part of the ASTRA Museum is home to almost 340 houses, churches, water mills (even floating ones!), windmills, stables and workshops designed to show off the technological skills of the Romanian peasant. Some of the exhibits can be entered and explored (providing hours of marvellous fun for children of all ages). You can also (in good weather) hire rowing boats on the lake, and, depending on numbers, pony trek around the museum (ask at the ticket office if there will be any trekking that day). There are regular festivals of Romanian folklore, as well as demonstrations of craftsmanship, animal husbandry, cooking and such like. Simply walking around the place is a pleasure, and there are three restaurants - one a traditional Romanian cârciuma - as well as refreshment kiosks. Whatever time of year you come, allow yourself the luxury of a full day to enjoy it all.
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