Website. Source: Susan Sims. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: Email (Address never made public) Name. Bran Castle, which was once an occasional home for Vlad III, was built in the 14th century by Romanians as a fortress to protect against the invading Ottoman Turks. The best part? However, the castle in his "Dracula" is best depicted by Bran Castle, which leads people to believe that they’re one in the same. Inside ghostly Bran Castle where guests can explore secrets behind 40,000 murders. Building off of the legend of Vlad Ţepeş and his status as a national hero, one can find vampire mugs, shirts and posters. To enter, visit the Bran Castle listing and tell Stoker in no more than 550 characters what would you say to Count Dracula if you were to meet him in his castle. Or, visit Brasov, the second largest city in the country, for its sweeping views from the top of Mount Tampa and more than 500-year-old gothic-style Black Church. A glimpse inside Bran Castle Photo source: https://www.roportal.ro Bran Castle is mostly attracting tourists from far and wide due to the famous vampire story of Bram Stoker. There is no definitive evidence that suggests Vlad even stayed at Bran Castle during his travels. Similarly, his infamous character is believed to have been modeled after the actual prince of Wallachia, Vlad III (or Vlad Tepes in Romania). Secret Transylvania, Cisnadioara Picture: Inside Bran Castle - Check out Tripadvisor members' 583 candid photos and videos of Secret Transylvania He spent most of his time between Bran Castle and Peles Castle. Queen Marie joined the Romanian Orthodox Church in 1926 converting from Anglicanism, citing her desire to be closer to her people. In 1920, this cavernous safehold became a royal residence for the Kingdom of Romania. The castle depicted in the Dracula novel matches some parts of Bran Castle – but as Dracula is a fictional vampire, so it’s his castle. Popularly—if inaccurately—identified with the fictional Castle Dracula, Bran Castle is one of Romania’s top tourist attractions. Bran Castle in Bran, at Transylvania Region of Romania, was widely thought of as the castle of Count Dracula in Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula. www.greatdays.co.uk. Source: Susan Sims, Constructed in a strategic location, the castle has purview over the mountains, town and countryside. The castle was used as a defensive post against the Ottoman incursion that lasted from 1438 to 1442. Inside 'Dracula's Castle', the Romanian fortress which sparked a very bloody legend. Source: Given the popularity of vampire movies, books and bands, it’s no wonder that the village below Bran Castle take the opportunity to sell vampire related items. We go inside the inspiration for Bram Stoker's "Dracula", which more than anything is a symbol of Romanian resilience. Near the village of Bran and close to the city of Brasov, the fortress commands attention as it rises over the Bran Gorge, a historically strategic pass through the Carpathians. Source: Susan Sims, Queen Marie’s apartment was composed of a bedroom, bathroom, dining area, a hall, a dressing room and two salons. From a fortress to a castle to a royal residence and a communist holding, Bran Castle has remained a towering example of Romanian fortitude and heritage, bringing in 500,000 visitors a year. www.ibtimes.com 'Dracula’s Castle' For Sale In Transylvania: Tour Inside Bran Castle In Romania [PHOTOS] 3292 x 2289 jpeg 708kB . Source: Your curiosity knows no bounds. Among the 57 rooms inside, there was a stone secret passage that was so narrow you could only travel through it in a single file. Inside, the castle is filled with huge customized stoves to keep its residents warm and doors that still retain their original stone work. 14:41, 24 FEB 2020; Travel. Leave a Reply Cancel reply. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. Take a photo tour inside Romania's Bran Castle, nicknamed “Dracula’s Castle,” in Transylvania, which is now on the market. Beyond the castle, Romania — much like its neighboring, often-overlooked countries like Bulgaria and Serbia — has plenty to do and see, making it one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Share ; Comments; By. 28-gen-2012 - Questo Pin è stato scoperto da Dhiraj (Patience). Inside Bran castle, home of Dracula, Brasov, Transylvania The medieval Bran Castle, which was once besieged by Vlad the Impaler, is a popular tourist destination, partly because it resembles the home of Dracula in Bram Stoke s famous novel. The entrance to the castle sits atop a large, stone staircase. Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle) can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. Their high altitudes and mesmerizing scenery of rolling hills and stunning lakes make both roads worth braving. Still, while history tells us that he could be shockingly cruel as a ruler, he was certainly not a blood-drinking vampire. We head to Bran Castle, aka Dracula's castle for a special access night shoot in Transylvania, Romania for a once in a life time video! What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch, the story of Vlad the Impaler, history's real Dracula. See all 434 Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle) tickets and tours on Tripadvisor 2816 x 2112 jpeg 2988kB. 7 Reasons Why Budapest Is Better in the Winter, 8 Fun Hotels for the Cheesiest Valentine’s Day Getaway EVER, 8 Underrated U.S. Source: The castle was later seized by the communist regime in 1948 and the royals were expulsed. Source: No trip up the mountain is complete without grabbing a kürtőskalács, a sweet, yeast dough treat that is spun around a cone, rolled in sugar and baked over coals. The property, which is well-known as Dracula's Castle, is widely believed to have inspired Bram Stoker's famous novel. Another secret tunnel links the fountain in the interior garden to the castle. Look Inside Bran Castle, the Real-Life “Dracula’s Castle” | Teen Vogue. Communism fell in 1989 but the castle wouldn’t be returned to the royal family until 2005. The prince of Wallachia also went by the names Vlad the Impaler and Vlad Dracula and was well known for fending off the Ottoman Turks. Explore Bran Castle and discover the history of Dracula and the serial killers who inspired Stoker — from a Prince who killed 40,000 to a Countess who ate her victim's flesh . The castle belonged to the Hungarian kings but due to failure to pay on a loan, it was repossessed by the city of Brasov in 1533. Near the village of Bran and close to the city of Brasov, the fortress commands attention as it rises over the Bran Gorge, a historically strategic pass through the Carpathians. Bran, the surrounding commune is actually comprised of five small villages, Bran, Poarta, Predluţ Şimon and Sohodol. Both cities are a short car ride (Brasov is about a half-hour away, while Bucharest is under three hours) from Bran Castle. Appropriately, his nickname Vlad the Impaler is said to depict his preferred method for killing foes. Source: King Ferdinand’s room displays ornate furniture and beautiful views of the commune below. Instead, he modeled Dracula’s castle after the information he’d read about Romanian castles as well as the blood-sucking vampires and evil spirits in Romanian folklore. Scopri (e salva) i tuoi Pin su Pinterest. Bran Castle was first documented in 1377 when Louis I of Hungary gave the Saxons of Brasov (known as Kronstadt in German) the right to build the citadel. King Ferdinand’s collected daggers are on display in Bran Castle. roxanaelenaf.wordpress.com. Source: Susan Sims, A luscious courtyard graces the center of the castle, a common feature of edifications of the time. Outside of Bran Castle sits a dark stone cross with runic writing. When finished, it can also be rolled in cocoa, nuts or cinnamon. Sophie Foster Lifestyle & Travel Reporter. There’s something spooky about Bran Castle, a gothic fortress built atop a cliff in Romania. 4928 x 3280 jpeg 1682kB. His apartment also features a dining room, working area and royal treasures. Source: Set among a palatial garden at the foot of Bran Castle is the tea house. Strangely enough, Bran Castle has extremely limited ties to Vlad Tepes. Interestingly enough, Stoker never visited the castle, let alone Romania. Source: Susan Sims, The round tower of Bran Castle can be seen from the loggia with the lush Carpathians providing an ideal backdrop. Source: Susan Sims, Bran Castle also features a small torture museum in a private area on the second floor that coils up into smaller rooms and a private balcony. It is known that Vlad Tepes had passed through the valley, which surrounds Bran Castle, multiple times during his life. From the moment I stepped onto the grounds -- and meandered my way through the castle's 57 rooms -- I felt something eerie blanket my skin. There’s something spooky about Bran Castle, a gothic fortress built atop a cliff in Romania. Source: Susan Sims, King Ferdinand and Queen Marie had eight children, some of whom lived in the castle, including Princess Ileana. Destinations That Should Be on Your Radar in 2021, How to Pick the Perfect Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort: What to Ask Yourself and the Hotel. Source: Susan Sims. It was positioned on top of a cliff, so that one could keep watch for approaching enemies along the crucial highway that lay below (the highway connected Transylvania to southern Romania). All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. • The property has a spooky and mysterious feel to it. Dracula's Castle Walk - through 2017 in Bran Transylvania Romania.Dracula is an 1897 Gothic horror novel by Irish author Bram Stoker. Source: Susan Sims, The torture museum displays an iron maiden, a chair of torture and the rack, among others. A short drive away are the hotel’s Inn Nature villas, which offer a gym, sauna and tennis courts, mountainous views and excellent access to Bran’s ski slopes. bran-castle_ova2011-bran-castle - … Situated in Transylvania, the property draws over half a million travelers each year, and is the number one (and perhaps only, save for the restaurants and markets doling out local meats, cheeses, and mulled wine) tourist destination in the village of Bran. Inside Bran castle. Inner yard in a summer rainy day. An Inside Look at Dracula’s Bran Castle in Romania. The first known fortress near Bran Pass (now called Rucăr-Bran Pass), a trade route across the Carpathian Mountains , was erected after 1211 by … Romanian pottery and painting is highly valued as a part of its cultural identity. Source: Susan Sims, The wooden framed window looks into a sitting area from a loggia used as a dining room in the summer. So whether you’re a history buff, castle enthusiast, or simply a tourist looking to see something unique, Bran Castle makes for a fascinating visit for all ages and interests. Located on the border of Transylvania and Wallachia in Romania is the impressive Bran Castle. Neither do we. A combination of medieval strategy, local construction and creative ingenuity has blended to create an icon of Romanian culture: strong, resilient and proud. DRACULA BRAN CASTLE | ROXANA. She amassed many sets of china, statues, icons and books. Source: The citizens of Brasov gifted the castle to Queen Marie, wife of Ferdinand, who stuffed the sweeping halls and grand rooms with artwork, finely sculpted cabinetry and updated hearths. The dark Castle of Count Dracula Brasov, Romania - Buy this stock photo and explore similar images at Adobe Stock Bran Castle “The castle is on the very edge of a terrible precipice,” wrote Bram Stoker—as solicitor Jonathan Harker—in his legendary 1897 novel, Dracula. During the Second World War, Ileana turned the grounds of the castle into a hospital to care for the wounded and sick. Your Bran Castle Inside stock images are ready. A black building with a moss-covered peaked roof, Queen Marie enjoyed her daily tea in this location, nestled among the many trees and shrubs she had planted. Plus, its home to two of the most spectacular (and dangerous) roads in the world, Transalpina and Transfagarasan (both cut through the Transylvanian Alps). However, in her later writings, she claimed that the Bahá’í Faith was a true path. There were also winding wooden staircases that felt as if they were leading to nowhere and a large courtyard in the middle that was equipped with a cauldron. Stoker, however, was careful to never state that his character was connected to a real, historical figure. Since being restored in the late 1980s and becoming a museum that celebrates Romanian folklore, Bran Castle has been filled with unique art and furniture that once belonged to Queen Marie of Romania as well as medieval torture weapons. Source: Susan Sims, Connected to the King’s bedroom, the living and dining area centers around a hand painted hearth. • It's … As of 2009, it is rumored to be for sale. If the rooms weren’t so frightening, guests might notice the stunning view of the hamlet surrounding the castle. King Ferdinand became ruler of Romania on October 10, 1914 and ruled until his death in 1927. We invite you to experience the history, the myth, the intrigue and the magic of this wonderful place of Transylvania, the Bran Castle...commonly known as Dracula's Castle Photography By Bran Castle If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. Source: Vlad Ţepeş, a Wallachian ruler famous for his use of impalement against his enemies, was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s. Large, metal door knobs clang and the old, dark wood floors creak, while being bathed in the light of Romanian lanterns and candelabras. The village even has a vampire themed haunted house attraction. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL. This secret passage connects the first and third floors of the fortification and was first “discovered” in 1927 during renovations. Bran Castle (Romanian: Castelul Bran; German: Schloss Bran; Hungarian: Törcsvári kastély) is a castle in Bran, 25 kilometres (16 mi) southwest of Brașov.It is a national monument and landmark in Romania.The fortress is on the Transylvanian side of the historical border with Wallachia, on road DN73.. Source: Susan Sims, Costumes from King Ferdinand and Queen Marie are on display, along with suits of armor, ancient weapons and heraldic banners from the nearby cities and communes. Royal crown and scepter displayed inside Bran Castle. Dubbed “Dracula’s Castle,” it is a striking destination and provides visitors with a fantastic glimpse into the past: And if you liked this post, be sure to check out these popular posts: If you liked this look inside Bran Castle, check out our posts on Neuschwanstein Castle and the story of Vlad the Impaler, history's real Dracula. Inside Bran Castle in Transylvania. Located on the border of Transylvania and Wallachia in Romania is the impressive Bran Castle. We invite you to experience the history, the myth, the intrigue and the magic of this wonderful place of Transylvania, the Bran Castle...commonly known as Dracula's Castle While there, visit Romania’s capital, Bucharest, which is home to one of the world’s largest parliament buildings, exciting nightlife, hidden churches, and tasty food. Source: Susan Sims, Throughout the spacious castle, hand carved and intricate fixtures adorn the walls and ceilings. Google Tag Manager Jan 12, 5:32 PM EST When not decorating, Marie filled the imposing halls with kindness and laughter until her death in 1938. Queen Marie, the last queen consort of Romania, was quite fond of Bran Castle … Casa din Bran is just a five minute walk from the castle, and its Inn Center terrace is open to fresh mountain air and beautiful views. Toss in a vampire legend, and the rest is history. INSIDE DRACULA'S CASTLE in Transylvania, Romania This is Bran Castle. The country is also brimming with friendly locals, medieval towns, and other gorgeous castles. Bran Castle was completed by 1382, in record time, and was built for the purpose of defending Transylvania’s border and included a customs station. Take a look inside “Dracula’s Castle,” also known as Bran Castle, located just outside Brasov in Romania. The twisted, open passageways snake around the central patio. Published August 20, 2013 at × in Romania IV: from Dracula castle in Bran to night walk in Bucharest ← Previous Next → Exposition inside Bran castle. Autumn is arguably the best time to visit, when the fall foliage decorates the landscape and the Carpathian Mountains aren’t yet covered in snow. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission. dailystar. The INSIDER Summary: • Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle, is built atop a cliff in Romania. Upon entering the building, the images I had seen of the castle during my research played through my mind as if on a movie reel. In 1438–1442, the castle was used in defense against the Ottoman Empire, and later became a customs post on the mountain pass between Transylvania and Wallachia.