Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), Bran

Originally built in the 14th century, Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle) draws visitors because of its association with the bloodthirsty 15th-century Romanian ruler, Vlad the Impaler. The castle served as a fortress guarding the mountain pass and was advertised as the home of the ruler--also known as Dracul (the devil), who inspired the legend of Dracula. Perched on a rock above the river, the site offers panoramic views of the mountains. Today, its interiors feature art and furniture that belonged to the last Romanian Queen, Marie. Different rooms house some historical writings and the royal family tree. Check out an open-air museum in the park at the bottom of the hill with traditional Romanian peasant cottages and barns. To visit Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle) and other attractions in Bran, use our Bran trip builder website.