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Bran Castle - a ghostly castle of Count Dracula in Transylvania
Where is located Bran Castle?
Address of Bran Castle is General Traian Mosoiu Str., nr 24, 507025 Bran, Romania
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When was built Bran Castle?
Built date of Bran Castle is 1377 - 1382
Facts, informations and history of Bran Castle
The Bran Castle is located in central Romania on the border of the historic Transylvanian and Wallachian regions. It is situated on a cliff 762 meters high and surrounded by valleys and hills.
This is a national monument and landmark known under several other names, such as Dracula Castle or Bran Fortress.
The aim of the castle was to develop important customs points in Transylvania and strengthen the southern borders of the emerging state. The strength of this fortress was directly linked to the prosperity of the city of Brasov, and vice versa.
The original name of the castle was "Dietrichstein" and the first mention of it dates back to 1212. This name was probably the name of the builder of the castle, because a historical document from 1509 states that the castle once belonged to the commander with the same name.
The Act of Louis I of Hungary of 19 November 1377 gave the Saxons of Kronstadt the privilege to build a stone castle, which was given the name "Bran Castle".
In 1448, Vlad III (known as "Vlad the Impaler" or "Vlad Dracula") became the prince of Wallachia, and the stories about his cruelty and torture to the people inspired the famous title character of the Gothic horror novel by Bram Stoker - Dracula, who is said to have lived on an empty mountain top, which many people associate with the location of the castle Bran.
In fact, Bram Stocker never visited Romania before or after writing his bestselling novel. This is all the more strange because the book quite faithfully describes the wild and natural scenery of the Carpathians and Transylvania, as well as the castle where Count Dracula is said to have lived.
The castle was pledged to the town of Brasov in 1500 by King Władysław Majgar, the then owner of the castle.
In the 16th century many modifications were made to the castle. Then the castle served as a fortress for several hundred years, and from 1880 it fell into ruin.
During World War II, the castle was run by Princess Ileana, who became his heiress from her mother, Queen Mary.
The castle was turned into a museum in 1948, when, under the control of the communist regime in Romania, the royal family was expelled from it.
Dopiero on May 18, 2006, after a long legal battle, the castle was returned to its rightful heirs, namely Dominic von Habsburg, son of Princess Ileana. Since then it has been renovated and still remains open as a private museum.
The characteristics of the castle include its narrow and winding stairs, which lead through rooms connected by underground passages. This includes a secret passage connecting the second floor of the castle with the third. These were evacuation stairs, hidden in the wall and used by the castle officers if necessary.
The entrance to the castle is not the same as in the past. While today's steep stairs lead to beautiful old doors, in the past it was completely different. The old castle entrance consisted of a small door high above the ground with a drawbridge, which made the fort difficult to reach.
The 60 rooms here are made of wood. While visiting these rooms, we can admire unique architectural elements, as well as numerous collections of important historical furniture, armor and weapons from the 14th to 19th century. The whole is complemented by beautiful and valuable works of medieval art, such as painted icons, statues, ceramics and silver.
In the central part there is a picturesque courtyard. Outside the castle there are towers and turrets.
On the south side of the castle there is a small chapel built in 1940 to commemorate Queen Mary.
Continuously the castle remains a popular tourist attraction, especially during Halloween. Every year it is visited by more than 500,000 tourists and lovers of Dracula's legend.
"[We] pulled up in the courtyard of a vast ruined castle, from whose tall black windows came no ray of light, and whose broken battlements showed a jagged line against the sky… the courtyard looked of considerable size, and several dark ways lead from it under great round arches…" - Bram Stoker's novel
Architect of Bran Castle
Construction/building type
Building Bran Castle is of type Castle
Architectural style
Architectural style of Bran Castle is Gothic
Gothic is an architectural style that developed in Europe during the Middle Ages, especially from the 13th to the 15th century. It was characterised primarily by tall, narrow and upright buildings of brick or stone, which were subordinated to the idea of a light and airy form. Richly decorated arches, vaults and arcades were also a major feature of Gothic buildings, giving them a light and airy appearance. Gothic buildings were also dominated by high, sloping roofs and towers and turrets, which were intended to be visible from a distance and serve as orientation. ... czytaj więcej.
What material is the building made of?
Bran Castle is made of the following materials: Stone
Practical informations
What is the cost of entry for Bran Castle?
Tickets for Bran Castle are available at the following prices and variants:
- Adults: 45 Romanian lei (€9).
- Seniors 65+: 35 Romanian lei (€7).
- Students: 25 Romanian lei (€5).
- Children: 10 Romanian lei (€2).
- Children under 7 years old: free of charge.
At what times is open Bran Castle?
Bran Castle is open or accessible to the public on the following dates and times:
- April 1 - September 30: Monday 12:00 - 18:00; Tuesday - Sunday 09:00-18:00.
- October 1 - March 31: Monday 12:00 - 16:00; Tuesday - Sunday 09:00-16:00.
Other names
The building is also known by other common names or in the original language, i.e. Zamek Drakuli, Törzburg (niem.), Castelul Bran (rum.)
Official website
The official website of the building, where up-to-date information can be found, is http://www.bran-castle.com/
Questions and answers
Where exactly is Bran Castle located in Romania?
Bran Castle is located in the town of Bran in the Transylvania region of Romania, about 30 km southwest of the city of Brașov.
What are the main architectural features of Bran Castle?
The castle is an impressive defensive structure made of red brick, situated on a hill overlooking the area. It features towers, a courtyard, and a drawbridge.
Is Bran Castle open to visitors?
Yes, Bran Castle is open to visitors and is one of the main tourist attractions in the region.
Can you see museum exhibitions inside Bran Castle?
Yes, inside the castle, there is a museum showcasing exhibits related to the history of the region and local culture.
Is it possible to purchase tickets to Bran Castle online?
Yes, it is worth considering purchasing tickets online, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues.
Is Bran Castle accessible by public transportation?
Yes, Bran Castle can be reached using public transportation, but many tourists prefer private means of transport.
Is photography allowed at Bran Castle?
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the castle, but there may be some restrictions in certain museum areas.
Are there other tourist attractions around Bran Castle?
Yes, there are other attractions in the area, such as Rasnov Fortress and the Carpathian Mountains, making the region appealing to visitors.
Did Bran Castle ever play a strategic role in the history of the region?
Yes, Bran Castle served a strategic role by controlling important trade routes and protecting against invasions.
Is Bran Castle associated with the figure of Dracula?
Bran Castle is often associated with the figure of Dracula, although there is no certainty that Vlad the Impaler ever lived in the castle.
Is there parking available for cars at Bran Castle?
Yes, there are parking lots near the castle, making it convenient for visitors traveling by car.
Is Bran Castle well connected to other attractions in the region?
Yes, Bran Castle is often a starting point for visiting other attractions in Transylvania, such as the city of Brașov or Peleș Castle.
Is Bran Castle surrounded by a picturesque mountain landscape?
Yes, Bran Castle is surrounded by a picturesque mountain landscape, adding charm and making it an attractive spot for nature lovers.
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Add date: 09/11/2020 Update date: 10/11/2024 Number of views : 11958
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