Today, Transylvania is mostly known for its myths about vampires and the blood-thirsty Count Dracula. But while the fictional character is a creation of the Irish writer Bram Stoker as the central figure of his fantasy book Dracula, Transylvania has its own folk creations. For centuries, Transylvania was colonized by several transient populations that have shaped its history. Romanians, Hungarians, Saxons, Ottomans, Jews, and Roma Gypsies inhabited the whimsical territory of “the land behind the forests” (trans silvae), shaping the local folklore and giving birth to fantastic creatures, magic legends, and a fascinating tradition of storytelling.
Discover BRAN CASTLE, the intriguing location made popular by Bram Stoker as “Dracula’s fortress.” Find out who was the ruthless character who inspired Count Dracula, how he passed justice and why he became so notorious all throughout Europe. Learn local folk stories of vampirism in the surrounding villages and how Romanians protect against “strigoi” – the undead spirits.
- Explore medieval towns and stroll through BRASOV and SIBIU
- Take a ride through the Saxon villages
- Visit SIGHISOARA, one of the last inhabited medieval citadels in the world
- Travel to CORVIN’S CASTLE, one of the most haunted castles in Europe
- Reach POENARI FORTRESS – the real lair of Vlad the Impaler
- And enjoy the region’s food and drinks.