Bran Castle (Castelul Bran) rises dramatically from a rocky bluff in the Carpathian Mountains, guarding the pass between Transylvania and Wallachia. With its imposing turrets and towering walls, it is the quintessential medieval fortress. While globally famous as "Dracula's Castle," it is also a place of genuine history and royal elegance, having served as a beloved summer residence for Queen Marie of Romania.
The Dracula Connection: Myth vs. Reality
Bran Castle is inextricably linked to Bram Stoker's 1897 novel, Dracula. Although Stoker never visited Romania, his description of the vampire's lair—"on the very edge of a terrific precipice"—matches Bran perfectly.
What about Vlad the Impaler? Vlad Tepes, the historical inspiration for Dracula, had only a loose connection to the castle. He likely passed through the gorge and may have been briefly imprisoned here, but he never lived in the castle. Despite this, the legend draws fans of horror and literature from around the world.
History: From Fortress to Royal Home
The castle's history is far richer than just vampire lore.
- 1377 - The Beginning: King Louis I of Hungary granted the Saxons of Kronstadt (Brașov) the right to build a stone castle at their own expense to defend the mountain pass against the Ottoman Empire.
- Strategic Defense: For centuries, it served as a customs post and a fortress. Its massive walls and strategic position made it nearly impenetrable.
- 1920 - A Royal Gift: After World War I, the city of Brașov gifted the castle to Queen Marie of Romania. She fell in love with the rugged fortress and, with the help of architect Karel Liman, transformed the cold medieval stronghold into a warm, romantic summer residence.
- A Queen's Heart: Queen Marie loved Bran so much that she requested her heart be buried in a chapel nearby after her death.
Architecture & Interiors
Inside, the castle is a maze of narrow winding staircases, timber-framed rooms, and intimate nooks.
- The Secret Passage: One of the highlights is a narrow secret staircase carved within the thickness of the stone walls, connecting the first floor to the third floor. It was rediscovered in the 1920s during renovations.
- The Inner Courtyard: The castle is built around an asymmetrical courtyard with a deep well. The wooden balconies overlooking the courtyard add a touch of rustic warmth to the stone structure.
- Collections: The rooms are furnished with Queen Marie's personal collection of art, furniture, and traditional Romanian textiles, preserving the atmosphere of a royal home from the 1920s.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive Early: Bran is Romania's most visited tourist site. Arriving at opening time helps avoid the midday crowds.
- Halloween at Bran: For a spooky experience, the castle hosts massive Halloween parties every year, which are incredibly popular.
- Explore the Surroundings: Don't miss the open-air Village Museum at the foot of the castle, which showcases traditional Romanian peasant architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the castle wheelchair accessible?
- Due to its medieval construction with many stairs and narrow passages, the castle interior is not wheelchair accessible. However, the park and the outer grounds can be visited.
- Can I take photos inside?
- Yes, amateur photography and filming are allowed without an extra fee.
- How far is it from Bucharest?
- It is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Bucharest. Most visitors take a day trip from the nearby city of Brașov (30km away) or combine it with a visit to Peles Castle in Sinaia.