Located at the border between Transylvania and Wallachia, Bran Castle is one of Romania’s most iconic landmarks. Known worldwide as Dracula’s Castle, it attracts thousands of visitors each year, fascinated by its rich history and mysterious legends. But what is the true history of this medieval fortress?
The Origins of Bran Castle
The construction of Bran Castle began in 1377, when the inhabitants of Brașov received permission from King Louis I of Hungary to build a wooden fortress to protect the strategic Bran Pass. This pass was a crucial point of passage between Transylvania and Wallachia, giving the castle significant military and commercial importance.
A Strategic Fortress
Over the centuries, Bran Castle served as a defensive stronghold against Ottoman invasions and as a customs post for merchants passing through the region. Its strategic position allowed for control and taxation of trade between the two provinces, reinforcing its economic and military role.
The Connection to Vlad the Impaler
Although the castle is often associated with Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad Dracula, historical evidence of his stay at Bran is limited. Vlad the Impaler, famous for his brutality and methods of torture, likely passed through the Bran Pass, but he never resided at the castle for an extended period. This association is largely due to the popularity of Bram Stoker’s novel, “Dracula,” which helped fuel the myth.
From Royal Residence to Museum
In the early 20th century, the castle became the royal residence of Queen Marie of Romania, who undertook restoration and modernization works. After Queen Marie’s death in 1938, the castle was inherited by her daughter, Princess Ileana, who lived there until the communist regime seized power and confiscated the property in 1948.
In 1956, Bran Castle was transformed into a museum, open to the public to showcase the history and artifacts of the castle and its surrounding region. Today, visitors can explore the many rooms of the castle, each telling a part of its fascinating history.
A Place of Legends
Bran Castle is shrouded in mysteries and legends, particularly that of Dracula. While the connection to Vlad the Impaler is largely exaggerated, the castle benefits from this mystical aura to attract fans of gothic fiction and vampire stories.
Visit Bran Castle
Today, Bran Castle is one of Romania’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors can admire its medieval architecture, royal chambers, and breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains. Exhibits on the castle’s history and the legend of Dracula add an extra dimension to the visit, offering a unique experience where historical reality and fiction intertwine.
Plan your visit and discover for yourself the enchanting charm of Bran Castle, where history comes to life within the walls of this iconic medieval fortress.
