"Harido's new Brasov Page" a Brasov Travel Page by harido

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DRACULA CASTLE--OR--Bran Castle was originally a fortress built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order in the year 1212. It was known by the name of Dietrichstein at the time. Later on, towards the end of the 13th century, it was taken over by the Saxons in that region in order to protect the City of Brasov, an important trade center. Vlad Tepes used Bran Castle as headquarters for his incursions into Transylvania. This castle should not be mistaken for the actual Castle Dracula (now in ruins), which is located on the Arges River, at a more secluded site. Today the place is a museum visited by tourists from all over the world. Near the castle you may also visit an interesting museum featuring aspects from the life of the peasants in the area. At Halloween the place is the favourite destination of American and British people working or visiting Romania. It is one of the few places in Romania where you can live the true Halloween atmosphere.