A Journey Through History

Originally built as a wooden fortress by the Teutonic Knights in 1211, the stone structure we see today was authorized in 1377 by King Louis I of Hungary. Its purpose was strategic: defending the border between Transylvania and Wallachia and serving as a vital customs post.

• The Royal Turning Point (1920): After centuries of military use, the city of Brașov gifted the castle to Queen Marie of Romania as a token of gratitude for her role in the Great Union of 1918. The Queen transformed the austere fortress into a fairytale summer residence, filled with art, traditional furniture, and beautiful gardens.

Dracula vs. Reality: The Link to Vlad the Impaler

While Bran Castle owes its international fame to Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula, the historical truth is a bit more nuanced:

• Bram Stoker never actually visited Romania. He described the fictional Dracula’s castle based on descriptions and sketches available in 19th-century Britain.

• Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Țepeș), the ruthless ruler who inspired the character, passed through the area many times. However, he never officially lived at Bran; historical records suggest he may have been imprisoned there for only a few days.

Did you know? Bran Castle is the only fortress in Transylvania that perfectly matches the description in Stoker’s novel, which is why the world knows it as "Dracula's Castle."

What to See Inside

Today, the castle operates as a private museum where you can explore:

• The Royal Apartments: Discover rooms filled with period furniture, ceramics, and costumes belonging to the Romanian Royal Family.

• The Secret Staircase: A narrow, hidden passage connecting the first and third floors, once used by soldiers for quick tactical movements.

• The Time Tunnel: A modern multimedia experience located in the castle’s old well. An elevator takes you underground for a high-tech show about the history and legends of the site.

• The Courtyard: The heart of the castle, featuring a picturesque well and Mediterranean-style balconies, perfect for photography.

Practical Tips for Visitors

If you're planning a trip, keep these details in mind:

CategoryDetailsLocationBran, Brașov County (approx. 30 km from Brașov city)Best Time to VisitEarly morning or weekdays to avoid the large crowdsTop EventThe annual Halloween Party (world-renowned)Tour DurationApproximately 1.5 to 2 hours

Final Thoughts

Bran Castle is much more than a marketing legend. It is a place where stone walls whisper stories of knights, monarchs, and the mystical fog of the Carpathian Mountains. It rem