Deep in the Carpathian Mountains, in the heart of rural Romania, Transylvania, you’ll find Bran Castle, situated near Bran and in the immediate vicinity of Brasov, is a national monument and landmark in Romania. Commonly known as "Dracula's Castle" (the actual Castle Dracula is in ruin on a secluded site near the Arges River), it is marketed as the home of the titular character in Bram Stoker's Dracula, which has led to persistent myths that it was once the home of Vlad Tepes, ruler of Wallachia. Nevertheless, this is not true.

Bran Castle was originally a stronghold built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order in 1212. At that time it was called Dietrichstein. By the late 1200’s the castle had been overtaken by the Saxons, being used the castle to protect Brasov, an important trade center for that time.

In 1370 the fortress was used against invading Turks and it remained an important feudal fortress throughout the Middle Ages.

The first documentary attestation of the Bran Castle is the act issued on November 19, 1377, by Ludovic I D'Anjou giving the inhabitants of Brasov the privilege to build the Citadel "on their own work and expense"... In exchange for this, the king confirmed the subordination of 13 localities to Brasov and conferred the leadership of Bran Fortress to a lord of a castle who had also jurisdictional attributions. The permanent garrison was numerically restrained to 12-24 soldiers: archers and ballisters. Between the years 1419-1424 the Fortress returned in Sigismund's possession.

The castle has four towers, the Powder House Tower is the oldest, and it is part of the original castle built in 1212. It houses the Cannon’s Gallery, the Gunner’s Room, and was also where the castles gunpowder was stored. In the 15th century during restoration of the castle the Observation Tower and the Eastern Tower were added. The Eastern Tower was built with murder holes that were used by the soldiers to drop hot water and pitch on the castles attackers.

In 1622 the Gate Tower was added and the castle’s south wall was strengthened to 11 feet thickness to withstand cannon fire. In 1921, Queen Maria of Romania brought the royal court architect to Bran Castle for extensive renovations which transformed this "fortress" into a Royal Residence. The ancient Gunner’s Room became the Royal Chapel; the defense gallery of the tower was remodeled into apartments for the Queen’s ladies in waiting. A fourth floor was added to the tower for the Queen’s Secretary. Queen Maria had an elevator installed in the fountain which is in the interior court. The elevator descended 197 feet to a tunnel which was opened onto the lovely park grounds in the valley below.

Bran Castle has been opened to the public for at least 40 years; it offers glimpses into the past, such as the Chancellor’s Office, the Council Hall and the Garrison Rooms. Also on display are lovely examples of feudal art, weapons, and statuary, furniture and hunting trophies.

The castle is now a museum opened to the public for at least 40 years; it offers glimpses into the past, such as the Chancellor’s Office, the Council Hall and the Garrison Rooms. Also on display are lovely examples of feudal art, weapons, and statuary, furniture and hunting trophies displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie. Tourists can see the interior individually or by a guided tour. At the bottom of the hill is a small open air museum park exhibiting traditional Romanian peasant structures (cottages, barns, etc.) from across the country.