Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle)

Bran Castle is widely known as 'Dracula's Castle'. The inhabitants of Brasov originally built it in the 14th century, in order to defend the Bran mountain pass. The fortress and Bran estate were ruled by castle lords who collected taxes and held jurisdictional functions. At the customhouse that used to be nearby, taxes were collected for all goods that passed along the Bran road. This habit continued up to the middle of the 19th century.

On 1 December 1920 the castle was bestowed to the royal family, but with the abolition of the monarchy in 1947, the state became the owner. It has been open to visitors since 1956.

Despite popular myths, Bran Castle has no connections with Vlad Tepes, the medieval prince who is usually associated with Dracula. The myths keep bringing visitors though and now plans are being discussed to build a Dracula theme park in the vicinity.

Most people who visit the castle stay in Brasov, 30 km to the north. Bran Castle is 65 km northwest of Bucuresti (Bucharest).