Last Updated on martie 25, 2014
In an article published on March 23, USA Today recommends American tourists Bran Castle:
Part of Europe’s appeal to tourists is its vast number of well-preserved historical sites, which offer visitors both architectural grandeur and insight into cultural heritage. European castles provide tourists with entertaining and educational experiences within centuries-old fortresses of great historical significance. The castles of Eastern Europe are important monuments of the region’s turbulent struggles from the Middle Ages to recent times of dictatorship and occupation. As tourist destinations, Eastern European castles often attract history enthusiasts and travel adventurers.
Bran Castle, Romania
In the hilly, pine-covered region of Transylvania, Romania, is Bran Castle, known most famously as the home of Count Dracula. In 2009, after 61 years of state ownership, this castle was returned to the children of Romanian Princess Ileana and opened to the public for touring. While Bran Castle is internationally associated with Dracula (a real historic figure of Transylvania, but far different from the fictional character), to the Romanian people, the castle is most strongly tied to Romanian Queen Marie. The history of the Bran Gorge area that surrounds the castle can be traced back to the Middle Paleolithic era, but the castle’s significance begins at the start of the Middle Ages, when Europe’s turbulent political reform and social reorganization inspired the construction of many defensive fortresses across the continent. While the original Bran fortress was built in the early 1300s for defense, it did not prevent centuries of occupation, including invasion by the Turks. The castle also became a “holiday” space for many European kings passing through Romania on their way in and out of Russia. The fiction of “Dracula” was based on Vlad Tepes (1456-1462; 1476), Prince of ?ara Româneasc?. The ruler’s actual time in the castle was brief, despite the castle’s global nickname, “Dracula’s Castle.” Guided tours (in English) are available, and tourists are welcome to explore the castle’s many rooms, courtyards, secret stairwells and terraces.
Compania de Administrare a Domeniului Bran (Office of Administration of Bran) Str. General Traian Mosoiu, nr. 24 Casa “Principesa Ileana” – Castelul Bran, Judetul Brasov Romania +011-4-0268-237-700
In the article are mentioned Ciechanow Castle, Poland and Prague Castle, Czech Republic,
