The majestic Bran Castle in Romania stands proudly between the Transylvania and Wallachia borders.
A massive stone stairway leads to the castle’s entryway, welcoming visitors with grandeur.
Inside Bran Castle, you will see Queen Marie’s residence, boasting a bedroom, bathroom, dining area, hall, dressing room, and two salons.
It’s a glimpse into the regal lifestyle of the past.
The castle contains a hidden passageway cleverly connecting the fortification’s first and third floors, found in 1927.
A lush courtyard graces the castle’s core, representing a characteristic feature of medieval towers.
The wealth of architectural details within the castle makes it a fascinating visit, historically and culturally.
Bran Castle Rooms
The Library: Delve into the vast collection of ancient tomes and rare manuscripts that line the shelves of Bran Castle’s library.
This literary treasure trove offers a glimpse into the knowledge and interests of the castle’s former inhabitants.
Armory: The Armory houses an impressive array of medieval weaponry and armor.
The display of swords, shields, and suits of armor offers a glimpse into the castle’s military past.
Bran Castle Secret Passage
The Hidden Tunnel: Inside the Bran Castle are 57 chambers; one has a stone secret passage.
The once-secret corridor that linked the first and third floors is now widely known, losing its cloak of secrecy over time.
The passage is so small that only one person can fit at a time.
Back in the 1920s, during Queen Marie’s castle renovations, the concealed entrance to this mysterious passage was unveiled, cleverly hidden behind an antique fireplace.
Queen Marie’s Heart
A Royal Tribute: Learn about the touching tale of Queen Marie’s heart, which was enshrined in a heart-shaped box and placed within the castle’s walls.
Before she died in 1938, Queen Marie requested to inter her heart at a chapel in the village of Balchik, near the Black Sea, her favorite summer retreat.
They placed Balchik’s heart at Bran Castle upon her return to Bulgaria in 1940.
The Queen’s heart rests on the castle’s southwest side, across the small brook at the edge of the woodland.
Bran Castle Courtyard
Picturesque Views: Stroll through the picturesque courtyard, offering breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains.
The castle’s turrets and towers create a stunning backdrop against the natural landscape.
Castle Gardens: Explore the enchanting castle gardens adorned with vibrant flowers and well-trimmed hedges.
The serene atmosphere is ideal for relaxing and absorbing the castle’s historical charm.
The Donjon
Defensive Tower: Ascend to the top of the Donjo, the tallest tower of Bran Castle. From this vantage point, you can marvel at the castle’s strategic location, which allowed its occupants to monitor the surrounding lands and protect against potential threats.
Panoramic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the Bran village below and the scenic Transylvanian countryside stretching out.
The sight is truly breathtaking and offers a sense of tranquility amidst the castle’s legendary aura.
The Old Water Well
Medieval castles relied on wells for fresh water, defense against poisoning, and waste disposal.
Bran Castle’s well, uniquely situated atop a cliff, presented challenges during construction, requiring digging through solid rock.
A secret chamber above water level served as a hiding place during sieges, protecting inhabitants and the castle’s treasury.
Queen Marie expanded the chamber with a 30-foot tunnel and an elevator for convenient access between the castle and the park
Bran Castle Time Tunnel
The Time Tunnel at Bran Castle is a unique and interactive museum that brings Romanian history to life.
Here’s what you’ll experience in the time tunnel at Bran Castle:
Entrance and History
Queen Marie ordered the creation of the Time Tunnel in the former well of the medieval Bran Castle, which was later repurposed into an elevator shaft for her to access the Royal Gardens.
Vertical Gallery
The journey through the Time Tunnel begins with a glass elevator descending a 31-meter reinforced shaft. The first eight meters exhibit the original rock tiles used in 1937 when architect Karel Liman designed the elevator for Queen Marie
Fascinating Sights
During the elevator ride, visitors will see multimedia displays featuring Elegant Ghosts, a Fire-Breathing Dragon, Ielele (supernatural maidens), and even a Cloud of Bats, making the experience exciting and memorable.
Horizontal Gallery
A multimedia presentation in this part of the tunnel offers key images depicting Bran Castle’s timeline. It includes the arrival of the Teutonic Knights and the granting of the castle to Prince Mircea, the Elder of Wallachia.
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