Bran Castle (Dracula Castle)
Have you always wondered where the famous Count Dracula is said to have lived? Then you should visit Bran Castle, better known as the home of Count Dracula. Immerse yourself in the dark atmosphere and discover the place that became famous through the books of Bram Stoker.
The history of Count Dracula
Learn more about the real-life inspiration for the fictional character Count Dracula: Vlad III Drăculea. But why was Vlad III Drăculea so fearsome and the perfect model for a vampire? The answer is simple: as a Wallachian prince, Vlad III Drăculea spread fear and terror among his enemies by openly displaying his preference for impalement.
Even if you are not particularly interested in the legendary Count Dracula, you should still give this impressive building a chance and visit the castle in the town of Bran in Transylvania. To this day, it remains unclear whether Bran Castle is truly the place described in Bram Stoker’s books. What cannot be denied, however, is that it is the only castle in all of Transylvania that closely matches the descriptions from the Dracula novel.
The history of Bran Castle (Törzburg)
The origins of Bran Castle date back to the year 1377. At that time, Louis I of Hungary authorized the construction of a new stone fortress in Bran to replace a border fortification that was presumably made of wood. In 1407, the complex was handed over to Mircea cel Bătrân, one of the most important military leaders of Wallachia. After his death in 1419, the castle returned to the possession of Sigismund of Luxembourg.
Vlad III Drăculea came into possession of the fortress in 1459. Under the name Vlad the Impaler, he gained grim notoriety through countless executions by impalement. His cruelty made him one of the most feared figures of his time and the perfect inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Bran Castle today
Bran Castle stands impressively atop a rock above a gorge and was originally built as a border and defensive fortress. Its imposing appearance continues to fascinate visitors to this day.
In 1920, the castle was handed over to Queen Marie of Romania. Under the direction of court architect Karl Liman, the former fortress was transformed into a representative castle. Today, Bran Castle is one of the most popular attractions in Romania.
The museum inside the castle
Inside the castle there is a museum spread over four floors. Visitors can explore collections of historical armor and weapons as well as personal items belonging to the Habsburg family, including crowns, daggers, and scepters.
The museum in the castle courtyard
Another small museum located in the castle courtyard showcases the traditional way of life of Transylvanian farmers and offers fascinating insights into the past.
Highlight for Dracula fans
A special highlight for fans is the Bram Stoker Room, which provides detailed information about the famous Dracula novel by the Irish writer.
The DMC team wishes you a pleasant journey
Bran Castle is definitely worth a visit, not only for Dracula fans. We wish you a pleasant trip to Romania and lots of enjoyment on your road trip. You can find more information about the toll regulations in Romania in our guide. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your journey optimally. If you have any questions, please contact us at any time via email.
