Bran Castle
Castle · Bran ·
14th-century fortress, Dracula legend, medieval residence, museum
14th-century fortress, Dracula legend, medieval residence, museum
"Perched atop a dramatic rocky promontory in the Transylvanian Alps, this medieval fortress embraces Dracula lore with exclusive private tours guided by Count Dracula through hidden rooms and dim passageways." - Nicole Kliest
"Known popularly as "Dracula's Castle," this Transylvanian fortress is famed for being the only castle in the region that fits Bram Stoker’s description of the fictional vampire’s abode. The original structure was built of wood in 1212 and destroyed by the Mongols before being rebuilt in stone; it became the residence of Romanian royalty in the 20th century and now functions as a museum documenting the region's history and the site's cultural importance as the reputed "home" of Count Dracula." - Steven Casale Steven Casale Steven Casale is a New York City-based freelance writer and digital strategist. He specializes in food, travel, and lifestyle content for publications like Tasting Table, Travel + Leisure, The Lineup, and amNY.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Reputed as the home of Count Dracula, Bran Castle offers daily tours and goes all out for Halloween with a yearly bash that includes a nighttime tour, a party, and an open bar." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A 14th-century fortress perched on a rocky bluff that, despite a relatively thin historical connection to the Dracula legend, has been marketed and embraced as a spooky, romantic attraction. The site pairs atmospheric exterior views with more modest, whitewashed interior living spaces, and its forecourt is ringed with tourist stalls selling kitschy vampire-themed souvenirs; the dramatic setting can be used for special events, such as private dinners on a balcony overlooking turreted ramparts." - Maggie Shipstead Maggie Shipstead Maggie Shipstead is a New York Times best-selling and prize-winning novelist, essayist, and travel writer. She has covered destinations and topics ranging from cities to wilderness, tropics to polar regions, and luxury hotels to tents. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"In Transylvania, I enjoyed Brasov and its history, and I think Bran Castle — the infamous 'Dracula's Castle' — is a notable, must-see historic site." - Matthew Kepnes