Romania – Archaeology
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREAS – MEMORABLE CASTLES
Romania offers travellers many captivating attractions being a source of inspiration at European level and beyond. Romania has the most impressive castles at national and European level being one of the countries that has a legend behind each castle. The Romanian castles have a strong influence on European tourists because they come especially to Romania to visit the famous ‘’Dracula’s Castle’’ – known in Romania as Bran Castle – and Peles Castle or Corvin Castle.
Bran Castle
Often referred to as Dracula’s Castle, Bran Castle is the only Romanian castle to match Bram Stoker’s description in his book ‘‘Count Dracula’’. Built between 1377 and 1388, the castle stands on a charming hilltop, overlooking the gorgeous countryside. Visitors to this enthralling fortress will be left speechless at the view outside and enchanted at the medieval architecture inside.
The castle is situated in the city of Brasov, near the tiny Bran commune. It is also a national monument. Visitors can enter the castle daily with tickets bought online or at the door.
Peles Castle
Once home to Romania’s royal family, Peles Castle is found in the small town of Sinaia. This was the first European castle to have electricity. It is definitely the most progressive castle in Romania. Nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the picturesque town of Sinaia, Peles Castle is a masterpiece of German New-Renaissance architecture, considered by many one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Commissioned by King Carol I in 1873 and completed in 1883, the castle served as the summer residence of the royal family until 1947. Its 160 rooms are adorned with the finest examples of European art, Murano crystal chandeliers, German stained-glass windows, and Cordoba leather-covered walls. In 1953 the castle was declared a museum.
Corvin Castle
The most spectacular Gothic-style castle in Romania, Corvin was built by the Anjou family on the site of a former Roman camp. The castle served as a fortress until the mid-14th century when it became the residence of Transylvania’s voivode, Iancu de Hunedoara. Iancu upgraded the fortress transforming it into a stunning Transylvania castle. Legend says that the wheel was dug by three Turkish prisoners who were promised freedom when job was done.
It took them 15 years and 28 days to reach water. A unique feature of the castle is the ‘Nje Boisia’ tower. The tower was named “Nje Boisia” (Do not be afraid in Serbian) by the Serbian mercenaries, members of the castle garrison.
