Vlad the Impaler, one of the cruelest rulers of the Walachia region of Romania, has become a tourist attraction in Transylvania. His popularity stems from the “Dracula” novel and the movies based on the story.
It is believed that Bram Stoker drew inspiration from one of Romania’s castles, Bran. As he delved into the region’s history, he acquired more knowledge about Vlad the Impaler and his family. At that time, Vlad was known as Vlad Drăculea, a name not too dissimilar from the character’s name.
Throughout his life, Vlad the Impaler resided in several citadels from which he governed the region. Let’s focus on some of the main ones, which you can still visit this year.
We recommend you spend at least 2 days in Transylvania to fully enjoy it. Our tour will take you to see the house where Vlad the Impaler was born and the famous castle.
Born in Sighisoara
The story reveals that Vlad the Impaler, born in Sighișoara, had parents in the form of Vlad Dracul, the ruler of Walachia at the time, and a Transylvanian noblewoman. Even in those days, the city served as a beautiful trading center.
This area served as the outskirts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and they brought in many German ethnics to defend the border. These individuals, known as the Transylvanian Saxons, profoundly shaped the architecture of Sighișoara and the entire region.
You can admire this architecture for yourself when you come to visit book your tour today.
Vlad the Impaler: The Royal Court of Târgoviște
There is a misconception that Vlad the Impaler referred to as Dracula, ruled the Transylvania region. The region he ruled is further south. His Royal Court was not placed in one of the castles of Romania but in the city known today as Târgoviște.
You can visit the monastery, the ruins, and the restored towers of the citadel. Târgoviște is only 80 km away from Bucharest which makes it great for a one-day trip.
Vlad the Impaler Concealed at the Poenari Citadel
As he was known as a cruel ruler, even more so than his father, Vlad the Impaler had a difficult relationship with the noblemen. He even punished a part of them by constructing a citadel from an older outpost overlooking the Argeș River.
This became the Poenari Citadel, where in the future year it is said that Vlad the Impaler hid from Turkish armies. From the Transfăgăraș road below the citadel is almost unnoticed, but from the citadel level, the view is breathtaking.
Keep in mind that the Citadel is not always open and there are around 1480 steps to climb to get to the top. But the view is worth it.
Vlad the Impaler’s Life
Even if he was the ruler of a large and important area of what now is Romania, Vlad the Impaler had to retreat or run from enemies, many times in his life. This meant that he inhabited different citadels and castles in Romania.
All are great destinations for your holiday. You can enjoy the stories and the architecture around these settlements if you plan a tour across Transylvania.
Or we can do that for you. Just send us an email at reservations@travelmaker.ro or call +40 735 525 710.