Bran Castle, located in Transylvania, Romania, is apparently one of the world’s most haunted castles, and ghost-hunters from the world over trek to the Medieval stone fortress each year to try their luck at spotting the paranormal. But the castle is even more famous for another bit of folklore: apparently, it served as the inspiration for Dracula’s Castle, due to its historic affiliation with the notoriously bloodthirsty ruler, Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes.
In reality, Vlad only passed through Bran on a few occasions and never formally occupied the castle — though Bram Stoker, who wrote Dracula, likely based his fictional castle on a description of Bran Castle that was available to him at the time. Nevertheless, Bran Castle is as terrific as it is terrifying — not least of later this month, when G Adventures will host a Halloween party right in the castle as part of our Halloween in Transylvania itinerary.
For those unable to attend — or those looking to bone up on a bit of Bran Castle’s history — here’s a quick look at the Romanian fortress, by the numbers:
1377: The year of the first documented mention of Bran Castle. This came from King Louis I of Hungary, who — in October of that year — gave the Transylvanian Saxons permission to build the stone castle.
11: Number of years after King Louis’ decree that Bran Castle’s construction was completed.
2,500 feet (760 m): Bran Castle’s elevation above sea level. The building is situated in the Carpathian Mountains, on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia.
22: Number of acres comprising the Bran Castle estate.
57: Number of rooms in Bran Castle — not including a secret passageway that leads to its watchtower.
$135,000,000: Amount, in U.S. dollars, Bran Castle was listed for in 2014. The castle has been put up for sale numerous times, but has failed to secure a successful bid.
1428: Apparent birth year of Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes (also known as Vlad Dracul), the notoriously cruel, brutal Medieval ruler who apparently had a taste for blood, and who is the reputed inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. However, while Stoker used some information about the history of Wallachia — where Vlad the Impaler spent much of his rule — in writing his 1897 book, the connection between Vlad and Dracula is tenuous and non-confirmed.
560,000: Estimated number of tourists who visit Bran Castle every year.
100: Number of guests who will attend our Halloween in Transylvania party, which takes place right in Bran Castle. The invite-only event features a guided tour of the apparently haunted castle — if guests dare!
Getting there
Want to learn more about our Halloween in Transylvania party? Click here for full details.
