Bran castle, brasov- Romania. A history of over 600 years. (The myth of Count Dracula, the oxygen bubble of Bran Castle)

One of the most imposing historical monuments of Romania is in Bran-Rucar Pass. Bran Castle is located about 30 km away from the city of Braşov, on the road that goes through the old Bartolomeu neighborhood and connects Braşov to Campulung Muscel, the first capital of Wallachia, where the Piatra Craiului Mountains meet with the Bucegi Mountains.
Built on a cliff, the castle now houses the Bran museum, a museum that stretches over its four floors. And although foreign tourists come annually in search of Count Dracula's legend, and the guide emphasizes his mythical side, the history of Bran Castle fascinates them alike.
A history of over 600 years

The first documentary attestation of the Bran Castle is represented by an act issued on November 19, 1377, to the King of Hungary, Ludovic I of Anjou. By this document, the Braşovians were given the privilege to build a stone fortress at Bran.

Between 1419-1424, the fortress becomes the property of another Hungarian king, Sigismund, this being the ally of the Wallachian king, Mircea the Elder, against the Turks.

At the end of the fifteenth century, the fortification was subordinated to the authority of the Szeklers' committee, under the leadership of the Transylvanian voivodeship during the reign of Iancu of Hunedoara. Vlad Tepes's connection with the Bran was also recorded during this period. More precisely, Iancu de Hunedoara commissioned the loss of the throne to Mr. Wallachia with the defense of the passers-by to Transylvania, passing through the fortress.

After the Great Union from 1918 to the present

The history of Bran Castle continues and on December 1, 1920, the City Council of Brasov donates this castle to the Queen Mary of Great Romania as a symbol of gratitude due to its contribution to the achievement of the Great Union in 1918.
The castle was restored between 1920-1927 under the guidance of the Royal Court architect, Carol Liman. During the Queen Maria, Bran Castle has known its period of glory as a royal residence, being one of its favorite places. The guide also informs tourists eager for stories that the heart of Queen Maria has been buried for a short time at Bran.

Although in 1938 Queen Mary's daughter Princess Ileana receives this castle by testament, in 1948 the royal family was banished from the country by the communist regime, and the Bran Castle became the property of the Romanian state.

Ten years after the establishment of the communist regime in Romania, Bran Castle was opened as a museum of feudal history and art. The state of degradation of the Castle led to its closure in 1987 and its reopening only in 1993 as a result of the restoration works.

At present, Bran Castle is the property of the successor of Princess Ileana, Dominic of Habsburg.
The myth of Count Dracula, the oxygen bubble of Bran Castle

The main reason why foreign tourists choose to visit Bran Castle is the legend that was created around it. Thus, the most representative legend of Transylvania, that of Dracula or Vlad Ţepeş, is unquestionably linked to Bran Castle.
The myth of Count Dracula is based on the fiction novel "Dracula", appeared in the UK in 1897, having as author Irish writer Bram Stoker. The characters in the novel "Dracula" are the result of the author's fantasy, but Count Dracula's actions and the end of it are based on popular beliefs about the existence of forces of evil, such as vampires or strigoes.

The Prince of Wallachia, Vlad Ţepeş, was associated with Dracula, although the historical data does not confirm his long presence at Bran Castle. However, the area is promoted through the images of a vampire feeding on the blood of the enemy.
Bran Castle is known by tourists around the world as Dracula's Castle. This is one of the reasons why he was included by journalists from CNN in a top 10 of medieval castles.

"The administrators of Bran Castle and the Romanian tourism officials insist to highlight the connection between the castle and Vlad Tepes, a source of inspiration for Bram Stoker when he wrote" Count Dracula. " Connections are subtle but can not deny the scary charm of this massive structure. Some of the pieces of furniture exhibited belonged to Queen Mary of Romania, a niece of Queen Victoria, who, after refusing the marriage request of King George V of England, married the king of Romania ", is the presentation made to the fortification of to top scorers.

Unfortunately, the Bran Castle has preserved only the shine of its exterior, history and legend. After his return to Dominic of Habsburg, the inside of Bran Castle became increasingly empty. The pieces of furniture, once brilliant, were moved by the Ministry of Culture and National Patrimony. The new projection room, where images of the National Film Archive can be viewed about the royal family history and the castle, is not sufficiently promoted, and its arrangement does not invite visitors to spend more than 5 minutes.

 Tourists can visit the four floors of Bran Castle, as follows:

Ground floor

Guard Room
Prince of Mircea Chapel
Inner yard
Captain of the Fountain