Article published on 16/08/2025
In 1431, Vlad Draculea was born in Sighisoara, the grandson of the great Wallachian ruler Mircea cel Bătrân, who had stopped the Turkish invasion towards Europe along the Danube. His father, Vlad II, was knighted in the Order of the Dragon in Nuremberg in 1431. Later, Vlad II took the nickname Vlad Dracul, derived from "drac," a Latin-origin word meaning dragon, devil, serpent, or fantastic creature that appears on the emblem of the Knightly Order of the Dragon.
Thus, his son Vlad III took the name Draculea, meaning "son of Dracul" (the devil). The nickname "Țepeș" (the Impaler) comes from his habit of punishing wrongdoers and enemies by impaling them, in a time when cruelty was widespread and such acts were common practice.
Our itinerary starts from Bucharest, one of the most charming and joyful European capitals, as the etymology of its name suggests, since "bucura" means to be happy. What fascinates about Bucharest is its fin de siècle architecture, with wide boulevards and glorious Belle Époque buildings, as well as its rich cultural and artistic life, earning it the nickname "Little Paris."
From Bucharest, we move to Curtea de Argeș to visit the Poenari Fortress, also known as Poenari Castle.
The fortress is located in the commune of Arefu, in Argeș County (Romania), overlooking the valley carved by the Argeș River.
It was built in the 13th century during the rule of Wallachia and became the most important castle of the Basarab family in the 14th century. After a few decades, the castle was abandoned and fell into ruin until the 15th century when Vlad III of Wallachia, the historical figure behind the Dracula myth, restored and reinforced it. Following Vlad III's death in 1476, the castle was again abandoned.
Today it is reachable by climbing 1,480 steps.
North of Curtea de Argeș lies Sibiu, one of the most beautiful and touristic cities in Romania thanks to its unique architectural heritage. Founded in 1190 by the Saxons on an ancient Roman settlement called "Cibium," in the Transylvania region, Sibiu was the richest of the seven walled citadels and lay along the trade route between East and West.
Our itinerary continues towards Sighisoara, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the most romantic city in Romania, thanks to its charming medieval village, characteristic squares, and ancient walls.
Sighisoara is also known as the birthplace of the Wallachian Prince Vlad Țepeș the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's famous novel, Dracula.
We keep moving non-stop to Bran, specifically to Bran Castle, known by most as Dracula's Castle, the most famous and visited fortress in Transylvania.
The link between Dracula and Bran Castle is actually weak. Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula, was one of the most gruesome medieval rulers who fought several campaigns in the area around the castle during the 15th century.
The penultimate stop is Brașov, charming and somewhat bohemian. Brașov is the main city of Transylvania in cultural and commercial importance and is located almost in the center of Romania, 170 kilometers from Bucharest. Founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 and fortified by the Saxons, the city is a maze of narrow streets, Baroque facades, and Gothic spires.
The final stop is Snagov, a locality about 35 kilometers from Bucharest, situated on the shores of the homonymous lake, dominated by the Snagov Monastery, known especially for housing the tomb of Vlad Țepeș.