Inside Bran Castle

Many scholars and avid fans alike at some time have wondered what setting inspired Bram Stoker's Castle Dracula from his famous 1897 novel, Dracula. Contributing to the legacy that the novel created, one fortress, Bran Castle, stands tall in its Romanian home.

History of Bran Castle

A View of Bran Castle (5)

Before Bran Castle became "Dracula's Castle", the stronghold thrived in its rich culture.
Located on the historic
border of Transylvania and Wallachia, Bran Castle saw its beginning in 1377 (4). Standing in the crosshairs of battle, Bran Castle spent several decades serving as a prime war setting. Since this fortress was the perfect method of travel, many European powers fought over its possession.

In 1836, the border between Transylvania and Wallachia moved, leading Bran Castle into a more peaceful time (4). Unfortunately, this peace left the castle to decay for years. In 1920, Bran Castle was given new life as Romania became ruled by Queen Maria (3). After intense restoration, the castle served as a residence for the royal family.

Princess Ileana (4)

Since the castle was boastfully Queen Maria's, she left it to her family after she passed. Princess Ileana planned an extraordinary future for the castle, as she renovated it into a hospital for wounded soldiers (3). Once more housing military personnel, Bran Castle remained a hospital until 1948: under communist control, the royal family abandoned the castle and fled Romania (4).

With the communist government in power, Bran Castle became a museum with three distinct sections: royal artifacts, medieval artifacts, and cultural artifacts (4). After some time belonging to state officials, Queen Maria and Princess Ileana would have been proud to see the family regain ownership. Both women strongly influenced the historical relevance of the fortress. In 2009, ownership of Bran Castle was finally returned to three of Queen Maria's direct relatives, and today still remains with them (4).

Becoming "Dracula's Castle"

In 1897, Bram Stoker's famed Dracula reached the public. Since then, critics and fans have searched for a home to suit their favorite undead character. Count Dracula hails from Transylvania, according to Bram Stoker's novel; therefore, there is no better setting for the castle.

Bran Castle through the forest (5)

In the novel and it's many screen productions, Dracula's castle sits at the top of a steep cliff. Although there is no record of Stoker visiting Romania, the setting from the novel to Bran Castle reality cannot be simply coincidence (6). Given the description from Stoker, one can draw on the similar landscapes: "on the very edge of a terrific precipice…with occasionally a deep rift where there is chasm...where the rivers wind in deep gorges through the forests" (1).

Another strong connection linking these two castles together is Vlad the Impaler. Vlad the Impaler was a warlord and Prince of Wallachia. Since Bran Castle bordered Wallachia, few historians contemplate if Vlad the Impaler had visited and fought at the castle. (6) This is an important note because Vlad the Impaler is often viewed as the inspiration for the character Dracula.

Even though many historians have debunked connections between Bram Stoker's and Romania's castles, the unsolvable riddle plagues many readers and scholars. Having the right setting, Bran Castle became the symbol for the undead and its legacy.

Modern Bran Castle

A bedroom inside Bran Castle (1)

After being returned to the descendants of the royal family, Dracula's Castle opened its doors. Now serving as a tourist museum, the castle offers a full vampire experience to its guests (1). Showcasing Queen Maria's personal items and furniture, Bran Castle relishes in the rich history surrounding it. Each of the four floors of Bran Castle holds a collection of costumes, armor, furniture, and weaponry that all hold cultural significance. As many visitors describe it, the strongholds interior is "homely" (5). 

However, before Romania increased contact with the western world, the people and government had very little idea about Dracula. Upon discovering the legacy that brought travelers, Romanian government was unsure if they wanted to stick with the image of the supernatural (1). Many fans of vampire culture were turned away disappointed due to lack of Romanian interest into the folklore (5). Eventually, Romanian government saw a way to capitalize on Stoker's novel by advertising and encouraging vampire travelers (1).   

The museum town surrounding
Bran Castle (1)

Romania took advantage of the fame from Stoker's novel and made the town surrounding the castle a hotspot for activities. Hosting ski slopes, hiking trails, mountain biking, and several museums, the area encourages tourism (1). The town around the castle even celebrates a Halloween party, embracing the fame that Stoker provided. 

Dracula's Castle and the surrounding mountain towns have so much to offer to the avid readers of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Bran Castle has two seasons for tours: April-September and October-March. April begins the high traffic season and the castle extends its hours to accommodate the influx of travelers (2). In the beginning of October, the low season begins and the visiting time shortens by two hours. With many modes of transportation, the Carpathians mountains that house the castle is calling for visitors (2). 

To plan your visit, go to the Bran Castle official website. 

(1) Cretu, Bogdan. “Discover Bran Castle beyond the Myth of Dracula.” Rolandia, Rolandia Travel, 18 May 2018, rolandia.eu/bran-castle/.

“Directions // Plan Your Visit.” Dracula - Bran Castle, www.bran-castle.com/directions.html.

Gheorghe, Georgeta. “A Brief History of Bran Castle.” Culture Trip, 25 Jan. 2017, theculturetrip.com/europe/romania/articles/a-brief-history-of-bran-castle/.

“Historical Timeline // 1211 - 2009.” Dracula - Bran Castle, www.bran-castle.com/history.html.

O'Malley, Kate. “The Myth and Mystery of Bran Transylvania.” Vagrants Of The World Travel, Vagrants Of The World Travel, 3 Nov. 2018, vagrantsoftheworld.com/bran-transylvania/.

RFE/RL. “Romania: Did Dracula Ever Set Foot In Dracula's Castle?” RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty, RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty, 2 Feb. 2012, www.rferl.org/a/1068701.html.

(2) “Directions // Plan Your Visit.” Dracula - Bran Castle, www.bran-castle.com/directions.html.

(3) Gheorghe, Georgeta. “A Brief History of Bran Castle.” Culture Trip, 25 Jan. 2017, theculturetrip.com/europe/romania/articles/a-brief-history-of-bran-castle/.

(4) “Historical Timeline // 1211 - 2009.” Dracula - Bran Castle, www.bran-castle.com/history.html.

(5) O'Malley, Kate. “The Myth and Mystery of Bran Transylvania.” Vagrants Of The World Travel, Vagrants Of The World Travel, 3 Nov. 2018, vagrantsoftheworld.com/bran-transylvania/.

(6) RFE/RL. “Romania: Did Dracula Ever Set Foot In Dracula's Castle?” RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty, RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty, 2 Feb. 2012, www.rferl.org/a/1068701.html.