Dracula: This legendary figure that was an invention of Bran Stoker is everywhere in global popular culture. But there was a real historical figure who was also called Dracula: Vlad III Dracula also referred to as Vlad the Impaler. He built Bran Castle which is now world-famous. I had a chance to visit the castle in 2015 with my husband when we visited what is now Romania and the Czech Republic. I’ll share my experiences.
Location of Braun Castle
Bran Castle is located on the border with Wallachia (the area that Dracula ruled) deep in Romania’s Carpathian mountains. Its address is Strada General Traian Mosoiu 24, Bran 507025 Romania. I visited the castle in October of 2015 with my husband to commemorate our 9th wedding anniversary. My husband hired a private car. We were driven to the castle and given a tour by a private tour guide. Our journey started early in the morning and we took a long drive up to the mountains.
Ways to reach Bran Castle
You have the option of hiring a private car and tour guide for an exclusive tour of the area. However, if you are more adventurous or you are frugal, there are other travel options. These are traveling by bus, train, taxi, or airplane.
Overview of the Castle
Bran’s castle has a majestic appearance when seen from outside. Since we visited during the low season (from October 1 to March 31), we did not see throngs of tourists there. The castle is open on Monday from 12 PM to 4 PM. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Bran’s castle began as a Medieval fortress in the 13th century. It was constructed by the Knights of the Teutonic Order. Construction on the castle began in 1377 when King Louis I of Anjou commissioned the project. It was finished in 1388.
The castle has a majestic appearance as it almost scrapes the sky with its many Tourettes. It is well fortified because it was initially used to defend the people of Wallachia from attack by the Ottomans. It has been converted into a museum meant to educate tourists on the history of Romania. Interestingly enough, Vlad the Impaler never set foot in the castle even though it is currently named after him!
More about Bran’s castle
The castle has many winding steps that lead to the upper area where prisoners were kept.. I was squeamish about climbing up and down many steep stairs so my husband helped me. I reached the area where Vlad’s enemies were imprisoned, tortured or both at the top of the stairs. We had to climb a long and winding staircase to access Bran’s castle. It was an overcast day when we visited and I was nervous about climbing those stairs so my husband helped me once again.
Bran’s castle from the interior
The castle has a simpler appearance when viewed from inside. One of the rooms we visited was Queen Marie’s apartment. Her apartment had royal flair. I could tell this by looking at the furniture in the rooms. They were imported and looked very beautiful. Her apartment consisted of a bedroom, a bathroom, a dining area, a hall, and two salons. She spent most of her life living comfortably in the castle. My husband and I marveled at the many items she collected during her life. She was an avid collector so many china sets, statutes, books, and icons were on display.
King Ferdinand’s room
My husband and I were equally impressed by King Ferdinand’s room. His room was filled with furniture that was beautiful and elegant, yet had a simpler tone to it. For example, his poster bed was made out of the finest wood in the world. He lived in the castle and had an apartment that housed expensive artifacts from around the world.
The museum
I mentioned earlier that Bran’s castle is now a museum. My husband and I visited the museum and we marveled at the many items on display. These included daggers from King Ferdinand’s private collection. Many other items that Romanian kings used to torture prisoners were on display.
About Vlad the Impaler
Vlad the Impaler is known as a merciless historic figure who went to extremes to protect the Wallachian kingdom. He is currently a hero for the Wallachians. Being an avid fighter, he once scared the Ottomans by impaling his prisoners. He was known for impaling dissidents. He also hated the poor. In fact, he is known for holding a sumptuous banquet for them in a farmhouse. He then burned the building. All of the inhabitants died a horrible death and Vlad solved his problem of having poor and homeless people in Wallachia.
My thoughts
I was quite impressed by Bran’s castle and felt as though it was a great experience. I encourage all of you to visit Bran’s (Dracula’s) castle at least once in your life!