Why else should the most famous vampire in the world live, no matter how in a gloomy old castle, hidden from prying eyes by the impenetrable forests of Transylvania? The most detailed description of Dracula's castle is in the famous novel by Bram Stoker. However, in the real world there is not one, but several strongholds, one way or another connected with the king of vampires.
This fact misleads many, but there are really three Dracula's castles! Of course, we do not mean the book count, but his real prototype - the ruler of Wallachia, Vlad Tepes, called Dracula. So, the Bran citadel, Poenari and the Corvin fortress (Hunyadi), located in Romania, are associated with this mysterious person.
Dracula's castle in myths and in life - a comparative analysis
1. The vampire's fortress "alive"
In myth: Dracula's castle was "alive". He obeyed his master - the doors and gates of the fortress could open (or remain locked) only at his will. If a person fell into the abode of a vampire, then he could hardly get out of it.
Dracula's castle on a moonlit night.
In real life: in many medieval fortifications, such as the Lip Castle, numerous secret passages were built, with which it was possible to leave the building when attacked by enemies. There were also secret chambers in which these very enemies were often walled up (in case of military success). So the castle really "served" its owner.
Promotional video:
2. There is a torture chamber
In myths: It's easy to imagine that there is a torture chamber in Dracula's fortress, isn't it? In this place, there are always creepy rears, chains hanging from the walls, red-hot braziers and other devices for tormenting flesh.
In life: indeed, it is difficult to find an old castle in which there would be no gloomy basement, in which the unwanted were kept (and often tortured) - captives, guilty serfs, traitors, enemies of the ruling clan. See for yourself …
Attention - viewing photos is not recommended for children, pregnant women and impressionable people!
The museum exposition is a medieval torture chamber.
And one more torture chamber …
Not the most comfortable chair, is it?
Wheeling.
Stocking was considered “ soft ” punishment. But over time, a person's limbs died off due to a violation of blood circulation.
Classic rack. A favorite pastime of medieval executioners.
3. Vampires in the castle
In myths: in Bram Stoker's book, the protagonist, "visiting" Dracula, is haunted by the ghosts of three girls who turn out to be vampires. All of them are not averse to feasting on the blood of the main hero Jonathan Harker.
In life: not all people believe in the existence of vampires. But many tourists happened to meet a ghost in the castle! As a rule, these are the souls of people tortured and executed in the cruel medieval times.
Bran Castle, Transylvania
At some distance, this building looks very similar to the castle described in the novel by Bram Stoker: a gloomy silhouette seems to hang over a rock near Bran Pass. The building was erected back in 1211 and was originally used as a fortress. The building was located at a crossroads, due to which it had not only military but also commercial significance.
Bran Castle and its surroundings.
Centuries succeeded each other, and gradually the legendary fortress of Dracula fell into decay. In 1920, she was handed over to Queen Mary after Transylvania became part of Greater Romania. It remained the royal residence until the communists came to power and drove the royal family out of the country.
The interior of the fortress.
One of the attractions of the Bran Castle is the exposition of medieval instruments of torture, exhibits for which were collected throughout Eastern Europe. Such a collection would surely have pleased Vlad Tepes, who, according to legend, has stayed in this fortress and hunted in the surrounding forests.
Museum exposition.
Poenari Castle, Transylvania
Poenari Castle is a complex refurbished by Vlad the Impaler. So, in a way, it really is Dracula's castle. This high, mountainous observation deck has been a fortress since the early Middle Ages; but Vlad Tepes decided that it needed to be strengthened and made even more impregnable.
Poenari Fortress and its surroundings.
Legend has it that Vlad enslaved the residents of nearby Targovishte and forced them to rebuild the castle - offering them freedom if they could complete the construction in three years of work.
Tradition says that although the enslaved fulfilled their part of the bargain, Tepes did not want to let them go in peace. After years of backbreaking work, he executed most of the unfortunate.
Today, mannequins are attached to the stakes. And once in their place there were living people.
Today, Poenari Fortress can be called the absolute opposite of Bran Castle. It is a dilapidated, mighty citadel, which tourists are not too eager to visit. However, the views from the citadel are truly amazing and you can be sure that the spirit of Dracula really stayed here.
Hunyadi Castle, Transylvania
Just looking at Hunyadi Castle is enough to strike fear into the hearts of most people. According to one version, Vlad Tepes spent seven years in this fortress. But not all historians share this opinion.
Hunyadi Citadel.
This is what the legend says: when Vlad's power weakened, he was captured in the dungeon of the castle. Tradition says that his imprisonment drove him to madness: he tortured rats, insects and animals, while the supporters of the ruler prepared for his release.
It's a bit dilapidated, but still durable.
It doesn't appear that Bram Stoker ever visited Hunyadi Castle, but it can be assumed that the author may have drew inspiration from the dark stories about the place.