Surrounded by an aura of mystery and fear, born of the most eerie legend of our time, Dracula's castle rises on a cliff in the heart of the mountains of Transylvania. The majestic towers of the Bran Fortress attract explorers and tourists thanks to the myth that Bram Stoker created around it, giving mankind the image of a demonic count, supposedly living in these places. In reality, it is a citadel that defended the southeastern borders of the country and held back the onslaught of the Cumans, Pechenegs and Turks. The main trade routes passed through the Bran gorge and therefore the territory needed protection.
Count Dracula's castle: historical facts and legends
The Teutonic Knights erected the Bran fortress in 1211 as a defensive structure, but they settled there for a short time: 15 years later, the representatives of the order left Transylvania forever, and the fortress turned into a dull, gloomy place among the rocks.
Only 150 years later, the Hungarian King Louis I of Anjou issued a document giving the people of Brasov the privilege of building a castle. The abandoned fortress has become a powerful citadel at the top of the cliff. Two rows of stone and brick walls covered the rear from the south. Bran's windows offer stunning scenic views of the nearby hills and the Moechu Valley.
Initially, mercenaries and soldiers of the local garrison lived in the citadel, who fought off numerous attacks from the Turks. Over time, Bran Castle turned into a luxurious palace, which served as the residence of the princes of Transylvania.
The year 1459 came, which forever linked two concepts: "Bran Castle" and "blood". Viceroy Vlad Tsepis ruthlessly suppressed the Saxon uprising, exterminated hundreds of disaffected and burned all suburban villages. Such tough measures did not go unnoticed. Through political intrigue as compensation, the castle passed into the hands of the Saxons.
Gradually, he fell into decay, a bad reputation was entrenched behind him, and a bloody trail was drawn. Local residents cursed the fortress and did not want to be hired as a service. Numerous sieges, wars, natural disasters and simply the negligence of the owners threatened to turn Dracula's castle into ruins. It was only after Transylvania became part of Romania that Queen Mary made it her residence. An English park with ponds and a charming tea house was laid out around the castle.
An interesting detail that added a mystical subtext to the history of the castle: during the occupation, a precious sarcophagus was transferred to the crypt of Bran, which contains the queen's heart. In 1987, Dracula's castle was officially entered on the tourist register and became a museum.
Count Dracula - a talented commander, tyrant or vampire?
In 1897, Bram Stoker wrote a chilling story about Count Dracula. The writer has never been to Transylvania, but the power of his talent made this land the abode of dark forces. It is already difficult to separate truth and fiction from each other.
The Tepes clan originated from the Order of the Red Dragon, and Vlad signed himself with the name "Dracula" or "Devil". He never lived at Bran Castle. But the ruler of Wallachia often stopped there, deciding his affairs of the governor. He strengthened the army, established trade with neighboring countries and was merciless with those who went against him. He ruled totalitarian and fought against the Ottoman Empire, winning many victories.
According to historians, Vlad was cruel to both enemies and subjects. Murder for fun was not uncommon, as was the Count's strange addiction to adding blood to the bath. The locals were very afraid of the ruler, but order and discipline reigned in his domain. He eradicated crime. Legends say that a bowl of pure gold was placed at the well in the main square of the city for drinking, everyone used it, but no one dared to steal.
The count bravely died on the battlefield, but the peoples of the Carpathians believe that after death he became a demon. Too many curses lay on him during his lifetime. It is reliably known that the body of Vlad Tepes disappeared from the grave. When Stoker's novel made a splash in the literary world, numerous adventurers flooded into Transylvania. Bran seemed to them similar in description to the dwelling of a vampire and everyone unanimously began to call it Dracula's castle.
Bran Castle today
Today it is a museum that is open to tourists. It has been restored and looks, both inside and outside, like a picture from a children's book. Here you can admire rare works of art:
- icons;
- statues;
- ceramics;
- silver;
- antique furniture, which was carefully selected by Queen Mary, who was very fond of the castle.
Dozens of log rooms are connected by narrow ladders, and some even by underground passages. The castle contains a unique collection of ancient weapons made in the period from the 14th to the 19th century.
We recommend that you look at the Nesvizh Castle.
In the vicinity is a picturesque village, in which an open-air museum was made. Tours often take place and tourists forget about reality when they find themselves among village houses that look the same as in the days of Count Dracula. The local market sells many souvenirs that are somehow associated with an old legend.
But the most spectacular action takes place on the "Eve of All Saints Day". Hundreds of thousands of tourists go to Romania for adrenaline, vivid emotions and terrifying photos. Local traders willingly supply everyone with aspen pegs and bunches of garlic.
Castle address: Str. General Traian Mosoiu 24, Bran 507025, Romania. An adult ticket costs 35 lei, a child ticket costs 7 lei. The road leading to the cliff to Dracula's castle is lined with stalls selling vampire lighters, T-shirts, mugs, and even artificial fangs.
