I woke this morning to sunny skies in the town of Bran. Out on the back deck I watched a shepherd (?) herding 2 cows! (Radu later informed me that this man should be called a cowboy!) LOL
We then walked part way down the hill to the restaurant for breakfast with Radu. Breakfast was filling.. then we went outside to the terrace to take more pictures!
Bran Castle in the daylight was even more impressive than we imagined! It was built as a fortress rather than a castle and that is certainly evident in the architecture.
Bran Castle with the town below
The view from the opposite end of the terrace.. I am not sure what this mound is called. Hopefully Radu will be able to tell us tomorrow! (I never learned the name of the mound.)
Finally we left for Castle Bran. It was only about a 7 minute drive from the hotel. Along the way we passed some beautiful large houses that I was unable to get pictures of due to the layout of the streets. When I questioned the size of these houses Radu explained that after the communist regime fell people were tired of living in the small concrete-colored spaces they had been given. They began to build large houses just because they could… they also painted them bright beautiful colors after the drab colors of the Communist era.
Finally we reached the parking area for Castle Bran. There were a few cars and one bus but it did not look very crowded. There was one advertisement in the parking lot that played to the Dracula crowd but the rest seemed focused on the Romanian history of Castle Bran.
Gate to enter Castle Bran
The path to the castle was quite steep… I stopped midway up and took a picture of how far we had come to try to share with you the experience of climbing the hill (not to mention catching my breath!).
A cross found just below the wall of the castle
Standing at the base of the castle looking up
Although the castle began its life as a fortress eventually it was given to Queen Maria of Romania. It was turned into a castle/home. There are many beautiful, ornate works throughout the castle.
Words (a dedication, perhaps) painted above the outside door prior to Queen Maria's time
As we walked in the huge front door we entered a room that was empty except for this huge fireplace and a window seat. This was the guards’ room.
This is the true doorway leading to the castle.
The window seats were lovely! I could have sat there for hours watching over my kingdom and reading a book!
A secret passage way from the game room to the music room upstairs -- We actually walked up the stairs of this secret passage – it was fascinating thinking about how it might have been used by guards to rush upstairs to prevent the enemy from entering the town.
Following Radu and Becky up the secret passage – notice how Becky’s foot is turned sideways… the steps were very short (too small for my big foot to fit) and very high. It was a tight fit but we made it!
The music room and library on the top floor where the secret passage exited.
The fireplace area of the music room… another excellent place to curl up with a good book!
A small chapel visible from the rooftop of the castle – Queen Maria had this chapel constructed so that she would have somewhere to worship.
A picture just for you Momma! (My mom says that she loves my pictures but that she would like to see me every now and then!)
Ah ha! There he is... the long awaited Dracula! Vlad the Impaler is a real person upon whom Bram Stoker’s Dracula was based. Apparently at one time he was imprisoned in the Castle Bran and that is why people call it Dracula's castle. Most Romanians feel that Vlad was a good leader rather than an evil vampire! LOL He apparently defended his country well even if he did use scare tactics such as impaling..
This outfit is a replica of something Vlad would have worn.
This outfit is something Queen Maria would have worn even though it was traditional garb and somewhat out of fashion with those in her social circle. She had a unique fashion sense and liked to mix traditional clothing with modern jewelry, etc.
Beautiful fireplace that was in one of the King’s bedrooms...
Along with his crown and scepter.
Here Radu is showing us how the windows were used as defense and offensive mechanisms. By turning the center piece of wood, one would be able to shoot arrows at enemies below and by shutting the window block incoming weapons.
One of many interesting curved staircases in the castle. Becky and I both commented on how much fun a young child would have had living in the castle with all the nooks and crannies.
Leigh and Becky by the well in the courtyard
Me standing by the well.. people use it as a wishing well and there is money inside.. in addition to coins we also say a 10 lei note!
Me again as we were leaving the castle
As we left the castle we saw that all of the vendors had set up for the day. There were booths of every type but most held touristy souvenirs.
In addition to the touristy booths, many locals set up with food and this gentleman with plum brandy, which is a traditional Romanian drink.
As we were leaving the area around Bran Castle we were able to purchase many gift souvenirs to bring home.
I would highly recommend a visit to Bran Castle to anyone who is visiting Transylvania.
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