The Bran Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Romania. The legend saying that the castle was the famous Count Dracula’s home is definitely the reason why so many tourists visit the castle. Bran is also one of the best conserved and impressive medieval castles in Romania and it served as a regal home. It’s only one step away from Brasov, placed in a dreamy natural setting. The B
ran Castle is surrounded by the crests of the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului massifs. The Bran Pass was used as a place of meeting for the commercial routes and a trouble spot during the army’s conflicts. Bran is located at about 30 km from Brasov on DN 73, at the entrance to the Rucar – Bran couloir. Rising high, on top of a cliff and surrounded by a fir trees forest, the construction dominates the whole surroundings. Dracula’s Castle
The Bran Castle matches all the stereotypes regarding the popular belief. The positioning, the surrounding relief, the never-ending steps from the castle seem taken from the famous Bram Stoker novel. Vlad Tepes, a Romanian ruler and the one known as Dracula, has lived at the Bran Castle as a guest for a short period of time. There are no history connections between Vlad Tepes or Dracula and the Bran Castle. The myth that there was a vampire living in Transylvania still exists and the Bran Castle remains faithful to the story so that anyone can imagine the count’s life between the cold walls of the castle. The medieval building from Bran was built in the 14th century for military purposes and has been altered many times along the ages. In 1920, Queen Mary of Romania receives the construction from the authorities of Brasov. It was given to her as a sign of gratitude for her contribution to the Great Union of 1918. Queen Mary turns the building into the fairytale castle we know today. The construction still has a lot of elements of medieval Gothic architecture which give the castle a mysterious and fascinating flavor. The castle’s visitors can also see ceramics exhibits, hunting trophies, vintage furniture and weapons and armors. Also, you can visit Queen Mary’s bedroom, King’s Ferdinand bedroom, the music saloon and the library, to name some of the numerous rooms open to the public. And the bonus is the castle’s terrace where you can admire a wonderful view over the surroundings. After learning about both history and legends, don’t miss a walk through the Bran resort. You can start climbing the paths that take you to the Bran Pass or you can make a stop at one of the traditional restaurants for a rich meal and a glass of red wine.
