When exploring Bucharest, many tourists are drawn to the iconic "Dracula Castle," a symbol that epitomizes Romania. Situated in the picturesque Carpathians, just a 2-hour drive from Bucharest, the castle captivates visitors with its medieval charm
However, upon reaching the castle and delving into the historical context, I discovered that Dracula's castle is more of an imaginative fairy tale than a historical reality. Contrary to popular belief, the real Dracula never set foot in this castle. The Dracula legend, which has been an integral part of Romanian culture for about three centuries, is a composite of three unrelated stories
And here are the stories:
The first story traces back to the 12th century when German knights erected fortresses along the Transylvania-Wallachia border. One of these fortresses, situated in the town of Bran, is now known as Dracula Castle. Over time, the castle expanded with additional rooms and turrets
In the 17th century, a Romanian tyrant named Ţepeş, nicknamed "Dracul" (meaning "Satan" or "Dragon" in Romanian), ruled the land. His son, Vlad, earned the moniker "Drăculea" ("Little Dracul"). Vlad inherited his father's throne and infamous cruelty, becoming renowned for a particularly gruesome act. Faced with an impending Turkish invasion, Drăculea ordered the impalement of Turkish prisoners on spears, a brutal method meant to demoralize the approaching soldiers. This macabre strategy succeeded, and Drăculea gained worldwide fame as a strategic commander
Despite the tales, there is no evidence that Dracula ever visited Bran Castle; some sources even suggest he was briefly imprisoned there during his youth
Jumping ahead three centuries, Irish writer Bram Stoker crafted an imaginary storyline based on the historical figure of Vlad, intertwining events before and after the conflict with the Turks. Stoker, driven by a feverish imagination, portrayed Dracula as a bloodthirsty, psychotic character who derived pleasure from sucking the blood of victims. The writer also embellished Drăculea's impalement tactics, presenting them as routine procedures for both enemy soldiers and various offenders throughout his reign
In essence, while Dracula's Castle may not have a direct link to the historical Dracula, the rich tapestry of stories surrounding it continues to capture the imaginations of visitors and adds to the allure of Romania's cultural legacy
The novel "Count Dracula" was first published in 1897 by Bram Stoker, a gifted painter who also illustrated his book. In one of his paintings, he depicted an imaginary castle with Romanian-Transylvanian turrets, where the infamous Dracula resided. Interestingly, this castle bore a striking resemblance to Bran Castle. However, it's essential to note that Stoker had never visited Romania nor laid eyes on Bran Castle; everything he wrote and illustrated stemmed from his vivid imagination
In subsequent years, Hollywood produced a feature film based on Stoker's book, "Count Dracula," with Bran Castle serving as a filming location. This cinematic adaptation, combined with the popularity of the book, led to Bran Castle being christened "Dracula Castle." Despite lacking any historical basis, this fortress became a global tourist attraction and a symbol of Romania
Situated in Transylvania amidst the scenic Carpathians, the journey from Bucharest to Dracula's Castle unfolds breathtaking landscapes of mountains, forests, and rivers. These landscapes hold a personal allure for me, as they mirror the surroundings of my father's childhood, a narrative I heard extensively as a child but only recently witnessed firsthand
The name Transylvania, meaning 'seven cities,' encompasses gems like Brasov and Sinaia. En route, consider stopping at picturesque villages and towns. Notably, Sinaia, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Carpathians," boasts the splendid Peles Palace, a summer residence for the Romanian royal family and a European architectural gem. Here are some of the most beautiful sights to visit: i
The town of Sinaia is also called, "Pearl of the Carpathians". There is the beautiful Palace of Peles, built by King Charles I, and it is the summer residence of the Romanian royal family, and one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe.
In the heart of Transylvania lies the charming town of Brasov, a favorite vacation spot for many Israelis. Its picturesque central square, adorned with cafes and shops, provides a delightful ambiance. Additionally, atop a mountain on the city's south side stands a sign reminiscent of Hollywood's iconic landmark
For us, the pinnacle of the Brasov and Carpathian experience was the visit to the Brasov synagogue, a subject I dedicated a special article to on Judaism in Transylvania
If you're considering a family trip from Bucharest to Transylvania, "Authentic Romania" offers minibuses with English-speaking drivers. Priced at 350 euros per family per day, the package includes the option to visit your ancestral hometown for immigrants from Transylvania. Reach out to them at info@authentic-romania.com, and mentioning this post may earn you a special discount when contacting Alina Baidoc
The information and images for this article were obtained by the Bucharest Expirience organization and especially by its managers Tudor & Anda Maxim
