Transylvania is a place suspended over time: mountains often wrapped in fog, dense forests and rural villages in which traditions have been resisting for centuries. It is here, among the carpathians, that one of the most famous and mysterious castles in Europe stands: the Bran Castle, known all over the world as the “Castle of Dracula”.
Arriving in Bran, in the county of Brasov, the profile of the castle appears suddenly, perched on a rock that dominates the valley. With its pointed towers, the secret passages and the rooms in the penumbra, Bran really seems the perfect place to set the Gothic tales of vampires and dark legends.
In reality, the fortress was built in the 14th century with a very concrete purpose: to defend the region from invasions and control the commercial routes between Transylvania and Valacchia. Only later, thanks to the novel by Bram Stoker and the figure of Voivoda Vlad III the Impatore, Bran became the “Castle of Dracula”, transforming himself into one of the most visited places in Romania.
Bran Castle, between history and suggestion
Walking through the corridors and the rooms furnished with period furniture on the floors that creak, you can breathe the atmosphere of a distant time. The legends are mixed with the story, between tales of Vlad Tepes (Vlad III of Valacchia) and curiosities related to Queen Maria di Romania, who made the castle an elegant and welcoming residence.
From the windows, spectacular panoramas are opened on the mountains and surrounding woods: the real Transylvania, wild and authentic, which enchants anyone who visits it.
But why is Bran Castle so famous?
Bran’s castle is mainly famous for its association with Count Dracula, the imaginary character created by Bram Stoker. Stoker based his vampire on Vlad the implair, a notorious Valacco Valacco of the fifteenth century known for his brutal punishment methods, in particular for the implementation of the enemies (engraved: Vlad the impact was a sovereign of Valacchia and the castle is located in Transylvania, who has never been under his dominion. There is no evidence that Vlad has ever set foot in this castle).
Stoker has set the story in Transylvania and, since there is a similarity between Bran and Count’s Castle Dracula depicted in the novel, they are now considered the same thing. The myth has taken hold and people now row to see the legendary house of the count.
Beyond the legend of Dracula who surrounds him, Bran’s castle deserves a visit for its beauty and position among the picturesque carpathians.
What to expect from a visit to Bran Castle?
The fortress is now a museum dedicated to its latest residents, the Romanian royal family, in particular Queen Maria. They are exhibited works of art of the 19th century and furniture that belonged to them, together with information panels that describe in detail the history of the castle from its construction in the fourteenth century.
What about Dracula? Yes, it is actually present at the castle, but perhaps not to the extent that some could expect. There are rooms dedicated to the folklore of vampires and the novel by Bram Stoker, who offer notes to the notorious character almost forcedly, as if the owners had sold to pressure to meet the expectations of tourists.
In short, if you expect to see a “Castle of Dracula” almost as if you were at Disney euros, you could be disappointed. Despite this, you have to fall into this trap for tourists, because the castle is truly enchanting.
Not only Dracula: authentic Transylvania
Visiting Bran also means discovering the territory around. Just next to the castle, on the left side, there is an open -air museum still little known. Here, some traditional houses ritualize in the architectural style of the Bran-Moeciu region and is a great place to take a walk and know the lifestyle of Romanian peasants in the old days. At the entrance of the museum there is a small market where you can buy local products such as cheeses, honey or wool dresses.
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This is a journey that combines history, folklore and nature, perfect for those looking for authentic and sustainable experiences, far from mass tourism.
How to buy tickets for Bran Castle?
The price for a standard tour for an adult is 70 she (about € 14), but you can take advantage of discounts for the elderly, students and children.
In addition to the standard tour, there are two extra activities available at an additional cost: the torture rooms and the time tunnel. Tickets can be purchased on the official website.
