Monday, May 22, 2017

Bran Castle, Transylvania


Kerry Hammond, our blogger and world traveler, is here today to tell us about her trip to Transylvania.


It’s always been a dream of mine to visit Romania. Transylvania has always been especially mysterious. In 1897 Bram Stoker immortalized the region when he wrote Dracula. There is a lot of speculation surrounding the author’s choice of settings. Some say that Count Dracula is modeled after Vlad the Impaler and set in Bran Castle, located near Brasov in Transylvania. 


Many skeptics claim that Stoker never visited Transylvania, and relied on written descriptions and tales from colleagues to give him the information he needed to write his novel. There are several other locations that lay claim to the inspiration for Stoker’s vampire, but Bran Castle is one of the most famous and well worth the trip.


Regardless of the background, the Transylvanian region of Romania continues to be associated with Stoker’s creation. It holds a romantic and macabre connection to many a reader. Bran Castle is steeped in history that spans a period of at least eight centuries. Vlad the Impaler’s reign began in 1448 and dealt, in large part, with the anti-Ottoman resistance.



The castle displays furniture from the era of Queen Maria of Romania at the turn of the last century. The interior is beautiful, but the courtyard is one of the highlights of any tour.


As a testament to its ghoulish visitors, the castle even displays medieval torture devices.


Whether or not Stoker's vampire can be traced to Bran Castle, it's a definite must see attraction for anyone finding themselves in the Transylvania region of Romania.


                                                                                                                                                                                                 




2 comments:

  1. Vlad the Impaler (the model for Count Dracula) was born in what is now the Romanian (until after WWI Hungarian) town of Sighisoara. My grandfather was born in a village right outside town. We visited Bran Castle and found it as interesting as you say. Fantastic pictures, Kerry! Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh wow, what a connection you have to the area. I bet your trip was that much more personal. It's amazing to read all of the history surrounding that part of the world. Thanks so much for sharing!

    ReplyDelete