Let me help you a bit. For the last few years, I have been travelling a lot. That is my passion. I got much experience already and I just want to share it with you. I am sure one day you would say, “Yueh, that guy was right!”
Chapter I: The trip to the nest of the bloodsuckers.
One of the most interesting places I have ever visited was Romania . The country with the great history, old traditions, amazing food, the brain-taking-away palinca (drink with 100% proof alcohol), and, of course, vampires! Do not think vampires are just walking on the streets of Brasov , but their prototypes did in the beginning of 14th century . The main attraction is, of course, the Dracula’s Castle, which brought many tourists from abroad.
Therefore, before grabbing any book, magazine, and searching any website about this place, let me save your clicks and make a short description of what it looks like.
First of all, if you are as much adventure-seeker as I am, you can rent a car in Bucharest and drive to Brasov . It is about three-hour drive. The nature is beautiful! The air is full with the smell of old history and great events of the past. However, if you do not speak Romanian, that could be a bit difficult for you. That is why the easiest way is to find a tour from Bucharest to Brasov . They offer great deals over there. For example, you can book one-day trip just for as much as £150.
During the tour, the guide will tell you the story of Dracula’s castle. So far, it is our virtual tour, let me tell you this story.
The Knights of Teutonic Order built the first castle at that place on a natural hill back in 1212. It was an impregnable fortress named Dietrichstein. In the end of the 13th century, the fortress was taken over by Saxons in order to protect an important trade centre: the city of Brasov . During the centuries, the castle-fortress suffered many changes (architectural and interior design). Nowadays, it is a museum with the preserved sites of the past.
Poenari Castle , which is referred to as the real Dracula Castle . Now in ruins this castle sits on a cliff, which demands a hike up the 1,500 stairs to reach the top. This is where the famous scene took place: when Dracula’s wife flung herself from the window into the murk waters choosing death over being captured by the Turks (I hope, everybody watched Coppola ’s Dracula) It is said that Vlad escaped by horse back through the mountain during this ferocious attack.
Bran Castle is commonly known as Dracula’s Castle. It has marketed as the home of Dracula alias Vlad the Impaler. Vlad Dracula was a well known local Romanian “vampire” until the writer Bram Stocker spotted the light on him and brought him the world’s fame.
Vlad The Impaler used the castle as “headquarters” for his incursions into Transylvania . He was a leader of his time. He protected his people from invaders and fought for justice (in his understanding). Dracula was well known for his own signature punishment, the impalement. Dracula punished with the impalement for almost any crime – from lying to stealing. History says that he was enjoying impaling his enemies and local outlaws on big wooden sticks. However, sometimes it was only the final stage of a horrifying, long, and painful torture. His actions were so savage that his name would never be forgotten and very often associated with Evil.
The most infamous of all images of Vlad is him eating the dinner next to a forest of impaled corpses. This was the first picture that made a link between Vlad Dracula and vampirism.
Once you are in Romania , there are more spectacular places to visit: churches and castles such as Peles and Pelisor near Brasov and many others.
I hope, I managed to catch your attention and if so – enjoy your trip!
For more virtual options Click Here!
HAVE A NICE ADVENTURE!
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