Castles history: Deep in the
Carpathian Mountains, in the heart of rural Romania is Transylvania, where
perched atop a rocky peak, there has been a fortress of some kind for nearly
1,000 years and the fortress that stands here today is now known as ‘Dracula’s
Castle’ (the actual Castle Dracula is in ruin on a secluded site near the Arges
River). Bran Castle was originally a stronghold built by the Knights of the
Teutonic Order in 1212. At that time it was called Dietrichstein. By the late
1200’s the castle had been overtaken by the Saxons who had used the castle to
protect Brasov, an important trade center. In 1370 the fortress was used against
invading Turks. It remained an important feudal fortress through out the middle
ages, its role was the defence against invasion. The castle has four towers, the
Powder House Tower is the oldest, it is part of the original castle built in
1212. It houses the Cannon’s Gallery, the Gunner’s Room, and was also where the
castles gunpowder was stored. In the 15th century during restoration of the
castle the Observation Tower and the Eastern Tower were added. The Eastern Tower
was built with murder holes that were used by the soldiers to drop hot water and
pitch on the castles attackers.
In 1622 the Gate Tower
was added and the castle’s south wall was strengthened to 11 ft. thickness to
withstand cannon fire. In 1921, Queen Maria of Romania, brought the royal court
architect to Bran Castle for extensive renovations which transformed this
"fortress" into a Royal Residence. The ancient Gunner’s Room became the Royal
Chapel, the defense gallery of the tower was remodeled into apartments for the
Queen’s ladies in waiting. A fourth floor was added to the tower for the Queen’s
Secretary. Queen Maria had an elevator installed in the fountain which is in the
interior court. The elevator descended 197 ft. to a tunnel which opened onto the
lovely park grounds in the valley below. Bran Castle has been opened to the
public for at least 40 years, a museum, it offers glimpses into the past, such
as the Chancellor’s Office, the Council Hall and the Garrison Rooms. Also on
display are lovely examples of feudal art, weapons, statuary, furniture and
hunting trophies...
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By
Carolyn D. Ahrns Copyright © 2001-2006 Haunted Castles
and Hotels
The wail of the banshee
Oldest English words identified 
Who was King Arthur ?
Blood is up over sale of Dracula's castle
Was Robin Hood's House in Sheffield?
Roman Mythology
Was the Round Table an amphitheatre ?
The Real Monsters of Halloween
