Bran Castle

Overview

Built in the 13th century on a rocky outcrop at the border of Transylvania and Wallachia, Bran began as a defensive fort and customs post. Towers, walls and an inner courtyard frame displays of furniture and art from Queen Marie's time. Although Vlad the Impaler never lived here, the Dracula association has made it one of Romania's best-known castles.

History

Begun by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century and used as a customs and defensive post from the 14th, it became the residence of Queen Marie of Romania in 1920 and was nationalised after 1948.

Highlights

• •The castle towers on their rock outcrop
• •Queen Marie's rooms and furnishings
• •The inner courtyard and hidden stair
• •The market and local crafts below

Practical tips

• •Queues are long in high season — arrive at opening
• •The stairways inside are narrow; mind your step

Practical information

Best time

May-October

Tickets

About RON 70 for adults

Opening hours

9:00-18:00 (earlier closing in winter)

Local food

Romanian cabbage rolls, polenta, cheese pie

Getting around

About 30 km from Brasov, roughly 40 minutes by car.

Visa

A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.

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