Located just outside the Romanian city of Brasov, Bran Castle was made famous by Irish author Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula," published in 1897.
Bran Castle —
Located just outside the Romanian city of Brasov, Bran Castle was made famous by Irish author Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula," published in 1897.
Bran Castle
Stoker never actually visited Bran Castle. But because it's the only castle in all of Transylvania that actually fits Stoker's description of the famed vampire's home, it's known throughout the world as Dracula's Castle, say local tourism officials.
Dracula's Castle —
Stoker never actually visited Bran Castle. But because it's the only castle in all of Transylvania that actually fits Stoker's description of the famed vampire's home, it's known throughout the world as Dracula's Castle, say local tourism officials.
Bran Castle
Visitors to Bran Castle can join a tour or explore some of its former occupants' rooms on their own, including King Ferdinand's dining room, the music room and Queen Marie's bedroom.
Inside the castle —
Visitors to Bran Castle can join a tour or explore some of its former occupants' rooms on their own, including King Ferdinand's dining room, the music room and Queen Marie's bedroom.
Bran Castle
Construction on the castle was completed in 1388. Standing at the Eastern border of Transylvania, it was once used as a fortress to block the Ottoman Empire's expansion.
Former fortress —
Construction on the castle was completed in 1388. Standing at the Eastern border of Transylvania, it was once used as a fortress to block the Ottoman Empire's expansion.
Bran Castle
The castle also features displays of the armor and weapons used throughout the region's history.
The armor collection —
The castle also features displays of the armor and weapons used throughout the region's history.
Bran Castle
Stoker's Dracula is based on the 15th-century ruler, Vlad the Impaler, who ordered the brutal torture and death of tens of thousands of people during his reign. Though he did attack the village of Brasov, historians say he never actually lived in the castle.
Aerial view —
Stoker's Dracula is based on the 15th-century ruler, Vlad the Impaler, who ordered the brutal torture and death of tens of thousands of people during his reign. Though he did attack the village of Brasov, historians say he never actually lived in the castle.
Bran Castle
Drinking coffee out of one of these Dracula mugs -- on sale at a Bran Castle souvenir shop -- is sure to wake anyone up in the morning.
Local souvenirs —
Drinking coffee out of one of these Dracula mugs -- on sale at a Bran Castle souvenir shop -- is sure to wake anyone up in the morning.
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