Have you ever seen a castle? A real castle? Ok yes, Cinderella's castle in Disney World DOES count. Matt, Christopher, & I spent the second day of our anniversary weekend touring castles in Transylvania, Romania. I'm going to be vulnerable for a moment and tell you that I definitely thought Transylvania was another country. 🤭 Oops. It's not. Transylvania is a large region in the northwestern part of Romania. Covered by forests, mountains, and streams, it has a healing mystical power about it and became a regular vacation spot for royalty and celebrities still today. The air has a crisp, sweet smell that only Mother Nature can create.
We took a private tour by a local who was born and raised in Bucharest. He picked us up in his car and drove us to our first stop, Peleș Castle. Foreigner Moment #23: It's pronounced Pe'lesh Castle - not Pele's Castle (like the footballer had his own castle). 🤣 Hey, we're all learning here. The drive took about two hours, but the tour guide made the time fly with all of his stories of Romanian history.
The first thing I noticed is the German architectural style. If you did too, you'd be right! This castle was built by King Carol I who happened to be German-born. Interestingly enough, Romania decided they needed royal blood that was connected to the rest of royal Europe and invited a German prince to come be their king at the age of 26. Seriously?! Of course, he had to ask permission from his father 'cause you know - he was 26! Stories say he was a great king and left behind a royal line of kin who later ruled the country before the country fell to Communism. Funny Story: The castle survived the destruction of Communism because rumors were started that the castle was made of wood that contained poisonous spores that could kill humans if torn apart. Paranoid communist leaders decided to leave it alone out of fear. Genius, I say!
King Carol I would allow the Romanian people to visit his summer castle when he was not present. This place also became a greeting point when important visitors were arriving in Romania. I can certainly tell why! First impressions are astounding and rich when you approach the castle. The inside is even more decadent in details and a variety of woods. There's even a room full of medieval weapons and armory - all used in battle. It was the king's personal collection. Sad news though: no pics of the inside. You have to pay extra and well, we didn't. You'll just have to go and see it for yourself!
Our next stop was the Sinaia Monastery right outside Peleș Castle. The monastery was named after Mount Sinai in Egypt, widely known as the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. It was completed in 1695 after Prince Cantacuzino returned from his pilgrimage to Mount Sinai and promised the Lord to build this monastery. Monks live in a newer part of the monastery and care for the property. We were lucky to visit on a Sunday as service was in session. Foreigner Moment #24: There is no hot water in the toaleta (bathroom). Washing hands could lead to hypothermia 'cause the water is soooooo cold with no dryers or paper towels. I was rather curious why the women weren't washing their hands after using the toilet. I'm such an American. 😬
Our next stop - Bran Castle (popularly known as Dracula's castle). I'm sure at this point in your life, you're familiar with Dracula. You know, blood-sucking vampire who travels by night feasting on unsuspecting humans. Leading up to this trip, it was recommended to me by a friend to watch Bram Stoker's Dracula with Gary Oldman, Wynona Rider, Keanu Reeves, and more. (1992) So I did! It helped set the mood. But Bran Castle was not at all what I expected. First fact: It was built long before it was inhabited by Vlad the Impaler, real-life muse of Bram Stoker's 1897 character, Count Dracula. Completed in 1388, it was a primitive medieval castle built by the germanic population after the Hungarian King, Louis the Great, granted rights to do so. This territory has been conquered many times throughout history and is now considered the melting pot of Romania. Even the road signs to major cities are in three different languages - German, Romanian, & Hungarian. So, Vlad the Impaler didn't move into the castle until mid-1400s.
He was called The Impaler because he tortured his opponents by penetrating their bottoms with a stake that went right through their bodies and out of their mouths leaving them on display for all to see. 😖 Although he was known to be ruthless and cutthroat towards his enemies, he was widely adored by his people and was described as an everyday Robin Hood. If you were a good peasant, he took care of you. Hmmmm 🤔 ...a stake up the butt would deter me from breaking any rules. Man! What would that kind of corporal punishment do to the crime rate in America today? The castle is owned today by an American family who lives in New York, and it is run by an American Administration. The Romanian government pay a sort of rent to the family to allow visitors each year. The castle has undergone refurbishment a couple of times by Queen Marie and the new owners. Check out some short videos to get a blast from the past!
Our final stop was the town of Brașov (Bra-shov) also known as Kronstadt (German name). This town is the second most-visited city in Romania probably due to the proximity of being so close to Bran Castle (Romania's #1 Tourist Site). We took a stroll around the old town and had the opportunity to see Black Church, a gothic, Lutheran cathedral in the town square. Romania, in general, has copied many architectural ideas from around the world and Brașov was no different. They have a "Hollywood Hills" sign too! While strolling around, we had amazingly warm cherry & pumpkin strudels. (Two different strudels - not mixed. 🤮) Worth it!
Overall, this trip was one to remember! And it happens to be the first of many. Living in Europe has granted us the chance to see the other side of the world and by golly, we're gonna to do it!