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On the border between Transylvania and Wallachia, along the winding road to the famous town of Brasov is this small village, famous throughout the country for the presence of the famous Castle, whose silhouette stands out from a hill.
Bran Castelul is, indisputably, one of the great attractions of Transylvania: the Castle of Count Dracula. What then, in reality, it was, is just a detail. You can’t go on a trip to Transylvania without going through here.
Built in the thirteenth century. by the Saxon Knight of the Teutonic Order, Dietrich, in 1377 it was entrusted to the inhabitants of the city of Brasov, destined, in the following year, to become an instrument of defense of the Bran pass along the route to Wallachia. At the beginning of the 15th century it became the residence of Mircea cel Batrin, Wallachian voivode. And this is history. And history becomes legend….
What connection would this fortress have with the famous Vlad Tepes, son of Vlad II called Dracul? Almost none, except for the famous Vlad the Emperor, one of the most bloodthirsty medieval rulers in history, fought a series of campaigns in the 15th century in the area around the Castle. The extraordinary and evocative perched position, and the dramatic and spectacular setting, have only increased the aura of mystery and legend around the place. Only a few stones remain of the real Castle of Dracula in a completely different area.
PRACTICAL INFO
HOW TO GET TO BRAN CASTLE
You arrive in Romania, in Bucharest, by plane. From Bucharest Airport, the car is the absolutely recommended way. It is reached through valleys, woods and high mountains; left Brasov, you have to travel about 27 km on the DN73. Leaving the city, there are signs for Bran Castelul along the entire route. There is a large parking lot right at the foot of the castle.
It is not at all difficult to get here; beware of those who only recommend organized tours. It’s not absolutely true.
TIMETABLES AND TICKETS
Bran Castle is open every day of the year.
From October to March, Monday from 12:00 to 16:00 and from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00;
From April to September, Monday from 12:00 to 18:00 and from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00.
Admission costs 45Lei for adults, 35Lei over 65, 25Lei for students and 10Lei for children. from 7 years old. Free for over 7.
WHY VISIT IT
It is true that it is a purely touristic place. And, this is not the REAL Dracula’s Castle at all. However, it is undeniable that it is a truly suggestive place. Try to come in the middle of winter, as you see its silhouette perched from the road, with the trees and leaves in motion; or, in the light of the sunset … The courtyard is beautiful, and the view from up here is splendid. If you are in Transylvania it would be a shame not to come this far. Of course, having to choose, about 50 km from here, there is the unmissable Peles Castle in Sinaia!