1 of 26 Bran Castle was first documented in 1377 when Louis I of Hungary gave the Saxons of Brasov (known as Kronstadt in German) the right to build the citadel. The castle was used as a defensive post against the Ottoman incursion that lasted from 1438 to 1442. The castle belonged to the Hungarian kings but due to failure to pay on a loan, it was repossessed by the city of Brasov in 1533.

2 of 26 The entrance to the castle sits atop a large, stone staircase. In 1920, this cavernous safehold became a royal residence for the Kingdom of Romania. Source: Wikimedia Commons

3 of 26 Vlad Ţepeş, a Wallachian ruler famous for his use of impalement against his enemies, was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The castle is marketed as “Dracula’s Castle,” but in reality, Vlad Ţepeş only spent two months in holding at the castle. However, he did use the Bran Gorge when traversing the mountains.

4 of 26 King Ferdinand became ruler of Romania on October 10, 1914 and ruled until his death in 1927. He spent most of his time between Bran Castle and Peles Castle. Source: Wikimedia

5 of 26 The citizens of Brasov gifted the castle to Queen Marie, wife of Ferdinand, who stuffed the sweeping halls and grand rooms with artwork, finely sculpted cabinetry and updated hearths. When not decorating, Marie filled the imposing halls with kindness and laughter until her death in 1938. Source: Wikimedia

6 of 26 The castle was later seized by the communist regime in 1948 and the royals were expulsed. Communism fell in 1989 but the castle wouldn’t be returned to the royal family until 2005. As of 2009, it is rumored to be for sale. Source: Susan Sims

7 of 26 Queen Marie’s apartment was composed of a bedroom, bathroom, dining area, a hall, a dressing room and two salons. She amassed many sets of china, statues, icons and books. Source: Susan Sims

8 of 26 This secret passage connects the first and third floors of the fortification and was first “discovered” in 1927 during renovations. Another secret tunnel links the fountain in the interior garden to the castle. Source: Wikimedia

9 of 26 King Ferdinand’s room displays ornate furniture and beautiful views of the commune below. His apartment also features a dining room, working area and royal treasures.

10 of 26 King Ferdinand’s collected daggers are on display in Bran Castle. Source: Susan Sims

11 of 26 A luscious courtyard graces the center of the castle, a common feature of edifications of the time. The twisted, open passageways snake around the central patio. Source: Susan Sims

12 of 26 The wooden framed window looks into a sitting area from a loggia used as a dining room in the summer. Source: Susan Sims

13 of 26 The round tower of Bran Castle can be seen from the loggia with the lush Carpathians providing an ideal backdrop. Source: Susan Sims

14 of 26 Connected to the King’s bedroom, the living and dining area centers around a hand painted hearth. Romanian pottery and painting is highly valued as a part of its cultural identity. Source: Susan Sims

15 of 26 Throughout the spacious castle, hand carved and intricate fixtures adorn the walls and ceilings. Large, metal door knobs clang and the old, dark wood floors creak, while being bathed in the light of Romanian lanterns and candelabras. Source: Susan Sims

16 of 26 Bran Castle also features a small torture museum in a private area on the second floor that coils up into smaller rooms and a private balcony. Source: Susan Sims

17 of 26 The torture museum displays an iron maiden, a chair of torture and the rack, among others. If the rooms weren’t so frightening, guests might notice the stunning view of the hamlet surrounding the castle. Source: Susan Sims

18 of 26 King Ferdinand and Queen Marie had eight children, some of whom lived in the castle, including Princess Ileana. During the Second World War, Ileana turned the grounds of the castle into a hospital to care for the wounded and sick. Source: Susan Sims

19 of 26 Costumes from King Ferdinand and Queen Marie are on display, along with suits of armor, ancient weapons and heraldic banners from the nearby cities and communes. Source: Susan Sims

20 of 26 Constructed in a strategic location, the castle has purview over the mountains, town and countryside. Bran, the surrounding commune is actually comprised of five small villages, Bran, Poarta, Predluţ Şimon and Sohodol. Source: Susan Sims

21 of 26 Outside of Bran Castle sits a dark stone cross with runic writing. Queen Marie joined the Romanian Orthodox Church in 1926 converting from Anglicanism, citing her desire to be closer to her people. However, in her later writings, she claimed that the Bahá’í Faith was a true path. Source: Wikimedia

22 of 26 Set among a palatial garden at the foot of Bran Castle is the tea house. A black building with a moss-covered peaked roof, Queen Marie enjoyed her daily tea in this location, nestled among the many trees and shrubs she had planted. Source: Business Insider

23 of 26 No trip up the mountain is complete without grabbing a kürtőskalács, a sweet, yeast dough treat that is spun around a cone, rolled in sugar and baked over coals. When finished, it can also be rolled in cocoa, nuts or cinnamon. Source: Wikimedia

24 of 26 Given the popularity of vampire movies, books and bands, it’s no wonder that the village below Bran Castle take the opportunity to sell vampire related items. Building off of the legend of Vlad Ţepeş and his status as a national hero, one can find vampire mugs, shirts and posters. The village even has a vampire themed haunted house attraction.

25 of 26 From a fortress to a castle to a royal residence and a communist holding, Bran Castle has remained a towering example of Romanian fortitude and heritage, bringing in 500,000 visitors a year. A combination of medieval strategy, local construction and creative ingenuity has blended to create an icon of Romanian culture: strong, resilient and proud. Toss in a vampire legend, and the rest is history. Source: Wikimedia