Bran Castle 3
Castelul Bran
Perched on a rocky bluff, Bran Castle was built in
the 13th century and first used as a defence
against the Ottomans. Although the ruler of
Wallachia, Vlad Țepeş, better known as Dracula,
never lived here, it is believed that he was briefly
imprisoned here by the Hungarians. In more
recent times, the castle was the favour ite sum-
mer residence of Queen Marie (grand daughter
of Queen Victoria of England), who refur-
bished the entire building and had electricity installed.
Known today as Dracula’s Castle, it is now a museum
dedicated to the history of the Romanian Royal Family.
580 SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp596–7 and pp598–9
STAR FEATURES. Chapel of
Prince Mircea
. Gothic Room
. Queen Marie’s
Bedroom
. Chapel of
Prince Mircea
This chapel is dedicated
to Queen Marie’s first
child, who died of
typhus in 1916 at
the age of three. The
centre piece is a daz-
zling gilt icono stasis
brought from Mount
Athos in Greece.
The Inner Yard Well
Converted into an elevator in 1921,
this 60-m (197-ft) deep well led to
a passage that opened out into a
park in the valley.
Queen Marie’s Music Saloon and Library
Dark wooden floors and rustic furniture create an
inviting atmosphere in this attic room. The larg est
room in the castle, it became Queen Marie’s music
room and housed her German harmonium.
Tombstone
at the castle
The castle’s highest
tower was built
in the early 20th
century as a deco-
rative feature.