Vlad the Impaler, one of the cruelest ruler of the Walachia region of Romania, has become a touristic attraction for visiting Transylvania. He has become popular based on the “Dracula” novel and the movies based on the story.
It is considered that Bram Stocker was inspired by one of the castles of Romania, Bran. Discovering the history of the region he learned more about Vlad the Impaler and his family. He was known at the time as Vlad Drăculea, which is not far from the character’s name.
Throughout his life, there have been several citadels where Vlad the Impaler lived and from where he ruled the region. We’ll focus on some of the main ones. You can still visit them 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 tells us that Vlad the Impaler was born in Sighișoara. His parents were Vlad Dracul, the ruler of Walachia at the time, and a Transylvanian noblewoman. The city was even back then a beautiful trading center.
This area represented the outskirts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, where many German ethnics were brought to defend the border. These were known as the Transylvanian Saxons and they profoundly influenced the architecture of Sighișoara and the whole area.
You can admire this architecture for yourself when you come to visit. Book your tour today.
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.
Hiding in the Poenari Citadel
As he was known as a cruel ruler, even more so then his father, Vlad the Impaler had a difficult relationship with the noblemen. He even punished a part of them to construct 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 citadels 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 at +40 735 525 710.