Sunday, June 28, 2009

#61 - The Bran Castle


Deep in the Carpathian Mountains, in the heart of rural Romania is Transylvania, where perched atop a rocky peak, there has been a fortress of some kind for nearly 1,000 years and the fortress that stands here today is now known as Dracula's Castle (the actual Castle Dracula is in ruin on a secluded site near the Arges River).

Bran Castle was originally a stronghold built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order in 1212. At that time it was called Dietrichstein. (Thank goodness they changed they name cuz there's no way I can say..Die..Dietrichstien. Never mind, I just said it!)

As residents changed throughout the years, one has gained significant importance: Vlad Tepes III or "Dracula" which translates to "Son of the Dragon". (Vlad's father was known as The Dragon).

It is believed that Bram Stoker based his character and story Dracula, upon the life of Vlad Tepes III.


1 comment:

  1. He only stayed there for a few days, apparently, but it's a great place to visit, as I did while growing up in Transylvania, Romania. :)

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