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Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) - Wooden castle of the German Order[edit]
In 1212, the Teutonic Order built the wooden castle of Dietrichstein as a fortified position in the Burzenland at the entrance to a mountain pass through which traders had travelled for more than a millennium. This castle was destroyed by the Mongols in 1242.[citation needed]
The original name of the castle, Dietrichstein or lapis Theoderici in Latin, lit. “Dietrich’s Stone”, seems to have been derived from the Comthur (Commander) and regional Preceptor, frater Theodericus, mentioned in a 1212 document.[4] This Dietrich is the probable builder of the castle.[4] A 1509 document confirms that the Törzburg county had once belonged to Commander Dietrich of the Teutonic Order.[4]
Stone castle of the Kronstadt Saxons[edit]
The first documented mentioning of Bran Castle is the act issued by Louis I of Hungary on 19 November 1377, giving the Saxons of Kronstadt (modern Brașov) the privilege to build the stone castle at their own expense and labour force; the settlement of Bran began to develop nearby. In 1438–1442, the castle was used in defense against the Ottoman Empire, and later became a customs post on the mountain pass between Transylvania and Wallachia. Although many castles of the time belonged to members of nobility, it has been established that Bran Castle was built almost exclusively for fortification and protection of German colonists in Transylvania.[5]It is believed the castle was briefly held by Mircea the Elder of Wallachia (r. 1386–95, 1397–1418) during whose period the customs point was established. The Wallachian ruler Vlad ȚepesȚ (Vlad the Impaler; 1448–1476) does not seem to have had a significant role in the history of the fortress, although he passed several times through the Bran Gorge. At some point Bran Castle belonged to the Hungarian kings, but due to the failure of King Vladislas II (r. 1471–1516) to repay loans, the city of Brașov regained possession of the fortress in 1533. Bran played a militarily strategic role up to the mid-18th century (source wikipedia.com)
- Private transportation provided
On this voyage, patrons will unravel the tale of Dracula while exploring time-honored sites, taking them on a journey through history. Given Transylvania’s unique position bridging eastern and western civilizations, it’s rich with abundant historical evidence detailing Europe’s battles during the Dark Ages. Featuring castles, fortified religious sites, and myths, this tour is plentiful in its offerings.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.