Description 

Bran castle is located in Bran village, in the Saxon area of Burzenland (Tara Barsei), southern Transylvania, 30 km from Brasov.

The Teutonic Knights started to build a castle in Bran centuries ago, meant to defend the gates of Transylvania. Centuries later, Bram Stoker was writing Dracula, mentioning Bran as the residence of the vampire. Built in the 14th century on the foot of Bucegi Mountains Bran has that gloomy feeling that made it so popular among those interested in vampire stories. It used to guard the trading routes between Transylvania and Wallachia. It belonged to the Teutons, then to the Szeklers while in the 1920's it was given to the Queen of Romania and she restored it transforming it in a summer residence. After Romania became a republic, the castle become the propriety of the Romanian State. Recently Bran castle has been returned to their previous owners, belonging to the Royal House of Habsburg.

The castle is built on top of a rock, in a key military strategic point. Currently the castle was transformed into a museum, exhibiting old furniture, ceramics and military equipment. In the courtyards there is a small village museum.

In August, the castle hosts Bran Castle Fest, where you can enjoy music, traditional food and vampire movies.