The arrival of fall marks the perfect occasion to go on a trip to Transylvania. It is the birthplace of the legend of Dracula, the myth which brought vampires to the public’s attention.
However, is there any truth to these stories about vampires hiding among Romania’s pristine woodlands?
In this article, we aim to explore the real story which served as the origin of the Legend of Dracula.
Join us on a trip into the pragmatic as we present you a chain of destinations that were tied to the life of Vlad Tepes, known as Vlad the Impaler – the real Dracula.
Journey into Wallachia’s History
Throughout its history, Romania has had its fair share of changes in the geopolitical landscape.
Wallachia was a historical region situated north of the Danube and south of the Carpathians.
It had a significant impact on the country’s history for being the region that split the Balkans from the Ottoman Empire. For this reason, it has been the site for numerous battles that were decisive for the country’s future.
Eventually, it would unite with Moldavia and, later, the entirety of Transylvania to form modern-day Romania.
Vlad became the voivode of Wallachia in 1448. It was because of the ruthless war tactics that the enemy kingdoms would spread the propaganda of him drinking the blood of his subjects.
Inside the country, Vlad was known for his brutality at which he would uphold the law, through different means of torture.
The combination of these factors nurtured the myth of the vampire warlord, which would later be picked up and novelized by Bram Stoker.
The Real Dracula’s Castle
Popularly, Bran Castle in Transylvania is known as being Dracula’s domain. However, historically, Vlad Tepes was the ruler of Targoviste, the former capital of Wallachia.
We have chosen to present you the Real Dracula Tour – it is a shared touring experience that takes you through the regions that had ties with Vlad Tepes.
This shared tour begins in Bucharest and marks Targoviste as the first leg of our trip.
Situated in the vicinity of the Carpathians, modern Targoviste is a remote and peaceful city. It is the place where the Princely Court is situated, which served as Vlad’s seat of power during his reign as voivode.
Inside the Court, visitors can see the ruins of the Princely Palace and the Chindia Tower. It first started during Vlad’s reign and finalized in the 19th century.
The tower still stands to this day, serving as a symbol of strength and a testament to Vlad’s stalwart dedication to protecting the country.
The Intriguing Legends of the Region
The next leg of the journey is Curtea de Arges, which is a splendidly built monastery.
Afterward, our next stop will be at Poenari Citadel. A rugged and soldierly settlement, situated atop a hillside. This citadel precedes Vlad’s reign by century, however, it was rebuilt by him to serve as a strategic outpost.
It is here where he gained the nickname “the Impaler”, for his signature method of torture and intimidation.
Poenari Citadel is the final point of our trip. One important thing to note is that it can only be reached by making a 1480 step climb.
It may sound arduous, however, this effort is repaid when you reach the top and get the chance to see the fantastic scenery.
It’s More than Just a Shared Tour; It’s an Adventure
Many people from around the world visit Transylvania all year to see the famed Dracula’s Castle. However, they miss out on the opportunity to find out about Vlad the Impaler.
Vampires may be the work of fiction, yet their origins are truly remarkable.
Get to see all the landmarks mentioned in the article by embarking on this shared tour!
For any additional information contact us and we will be glad to assist you!