The mysterious and beautiful Dracula’s castle is a medieval jewel in Rumania. It is a highly attractive touristic place, due to its majestic structure. The true name of the castle is the Bran Castle, and served as an inspiration for author Bram Stoke to write his famous novel “Dracula”.
Abraham “Bram” Stoker was born in 1847 in the city of Dublin, Ireland. His literally life is remembered by tales of horror that he magically described in novels. His most iconic work was Dracula, the count who drank the blood of his victims to survive.
The place that inspired Stoker’s novel is located not too far from the capital of Transylvania, Brasov. Recognized as a national monument, the Castle of Bran represents one of the most popular touristic places in the country. Apart from its extraordinary architecture, Stoker’s novel has turned it into a jewel for intrepid adventurers who love to visit the place that served as an inspiration for the novel.
The Bran Castle is on the borders of Rumania and Transylvania. Part of its original structure was destroyed by Tartars’ attacks, but King Lewis I of Hungary ordered the reconstruction of the affected areas in 1377, to protect the region of Wallachia and to strengthen its commercial activity.
Once the Bran Castle became part of Rumania’s sovereignty, the architectonic jewel became the official residency of Queen Marie of Rumania, who decorated the medieval fortress with some of her most valuable objects. This added even more value to the incredible castle.
Marie had royal architect Karel Liman restore the medieval structure, preserving its military fortress style. Easier access to some places through new stairways, electricity and running water were added to the castle. The queen also ordered the construction of an elevator to access the castle’s impressive garden.
The castle was decorated with Italian Renaissance furniture and objects of great historical value for Rumania. This added a comfortable yet rustic touch to the place.
According to a publication by Forbes, the estimated value of Bran Castle is 140 million dollars, thanks to the touristic income it generates. The current owners, the Von Habsburg family, cooperate with the authorities to keep the castle open to the public, so it can keep amazing those who are interested in visiting it.
ALFA