Leaving Brasov

This morning we took a side trip from Brasov to visit Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle.

Leaving Brasov

More of the medieval town of Brasov.

Leaving Brasov

Farther along.

On the Way to Bran

Passing a gypsy walking along the roadway.

On the Way to Bran

A male gypsy outfit.

On the Way to Bran

A church and canola field.

On the Way to Bran

Driving through a village.

On the Way to Bran

A colorful house in the village.

On the Way to Bran

Snow–capped mountains in the background.

On the Way to Bran

A country scene.

On the Way to Bran

A village off the road.

On the Way to Bran

The village.

Bran Castle

Bran Castle was built by the Saxons from Brasov in 1392 to defend the Bran Pass from the Turks. It is also known as “Dracula’s Castle” even though it was never the castle of Count Dracula (Vlad the Impaler, Vlad Tepes, Viad III Dracul [Dracul was the family name]). But Bran Castle resembles the castle described in Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel “Dracula.” Stoker never visited Bran Castle but is thought to have seen a wood engraving of it.

Bran Castle

One of the 57 rooms in Bran Castle. Queen Marie lived in the castle from 1920 until 1947 when the Romanian monarchy was abolished. Most of the furniture in the castle was furniture purchased by Queen Marie from Western Europe. The castle has no pluming and no bathrooms. Its plainness in furniture and decoration is quite a contrast to the luxuriousness of Peles Castle.

Bran Castle

A secret staircase in the castle.

Bran Castle

Looking at the castle’s roofs from a window.

Dracula’s Flea Market

Dracula’s flea market outside the castle.

Dracula’s Flea Market

T–shirts for sale: “Somebody in Transylvania Loves Me” and “Bloodaholic: Need a Drink.”

I have put my photos of Bran Castle on a slide show. Go to

http://www.peggysphotos.com/bran–castle–draculas–castle/

[Slide Shows, Eastern Europe, Romania, “Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)”].

On the Way Back to Brasov

Driving through Rasnov. This citadel was built around 1215 by the Teutonic Knights. It was used in several scenes of the movie Cold Mountain.

On the Way Back to Brasov

Driving through a village. Gypsy wagon on the side of the photo.

On the Way Back to Brasov

The gypsy wagon.

Brasov

Back in Brasov where we went on a walking tour. This is Catherine’s Gate built in 1559 as part of the Saxon’s city fortifications. It also separated the Saxons, who lived within the fortifications, from the Romanians, who had to live outside them.

Brasov

The Black Church built between 1383 and 1477. Its inside was blackened by the Great Fire of 1689, hence giving the church its name.

Brasov

The Old Town Hall  in Council Square, built in 1420.

Brasov

Other medieval buildings on Council Square.

I have put my photos of Brasov on a slide show. Go to

Brasov

(Slide Shows, Eastern Europe, Romania, “Brasov”).