Dracula

British author Bram Stoker never actually visited what is now Romania. He loosely modelled the character of Dracula on Vlad Tepes and after reading a description of Bran castle decided to set the novel there. It is unknown if Vlad Tepes ever visited the castle. He certainly never lived there. Now it is undoubtedly the premier tourist attraction here attracting 800,000 visitors per year.

The drive from Sighisoara takes us on a winding mountain road over the gentle slopes of the Carpathian mountains. Heavily forested, the golden autumnal hues are vying with the green tones of spring. We drive through quiet bucolic villages, competing for road space with peasants on horse drawn carts and shepherds moving their flocks.

Bran Castle is perched on a high rocky outcrop set in a deep, forested valley. Its battlements and turrets partially obscured by the massive trees around it. The entrance alleyway is lined with tourist shops which in the peak season would be a veritable zoo. For us in early October the walk in and ticket purchase is a breeze. The views from the castle are beautiful and the torture chamber is fascinating. The rest of the interior is somewhat pedestrian.

Continuing the palace theme the afternoon is dedicated to visiting the Peles palace. Constructed in 1873 by King Carol 1 this is a romantic, fairytale structure both inside and out. The best artisans from all over Europe were employed to create a work of artistic beauty.