A Dracula fan? Visit the mysterious Bran Castle in Romania

Bran Castle, the name alone is enough to send shivers up your spine! Also known as the Dracula Castle, this castle atop a rocky hill in the heart of Transylvania, is a symbol of mystery, folklore, and the legend of Count Dracula.

This grand fortress has been attracting eager travellers from across the globe, wanting to unravel the roots of the blood-sucking vampire legend.
Here, we try to unfold the mystery of the (forever) dracula!

History

Bran Castle, undoubtedly, is an imposing sight! The castle, with its towering stone walls and awe-inspiring architecture, was constructed during the 14th century. Since then, the castle has served various purposes. It has been a royal residence to a military fortress. Its remote location, in the Carpathian Mountains, only adds to the mystery.

The Dracula connect

Here is what makes this castle famous is its connection with the legendary vampire, Count Dracula. The connection between Bran Castle and Count Dracula goes back in time. In 1897, Bram Stoker, a famous novelist, published his bestseller Dracula, which introduced and made the concept of vampire more famous. The world was perplexed to know that Stoker never himself visited Transylvania but his writing was exceptionally authentic.

Instead, Stoker was inspired from several sources, such as medieval European history, Eastern European folklore, and the infamous Vlad the Impaler.

So, who was Vlad the Impaler? He was also referred to as Vlad III or Vlad Dracula, and was a ruler of Wallachia, a 15th-century region in today’s Romania. The king gained a negative reputation for his brutal torture and execution methods, which also included impalement.

While Vlad's connection to Bran Castle is minimal, his reputation as a heartless ruler associated him with the vampire legend. There is no evidence to suggest that he actually lived in Bran Castle.

A prominent attraction

Despite its haunted legend, Bran Castle is a popular tourist attraction in the country, drawing visitors from around the world. Its beauty lies in the vampire myth, well-preserved architecture, and stunning mountain views. The castle also hosts various events and exhibitions related to the Dracula legend from time to time.

So, visitors must appreciate Bran Castle for its architectural beauty and rich history instead of searching for a haunted past!