Bran, Medieval castle commune in Brașov County, Romania
Bran is a commune in Brașov County consisting of several small settlements scattered across hilly terrain in southern Transylvania. The castle that dominates the area sits on a hilltop and serves as the main landmark for the region.
A wooden fortress was built on this hilltop in the early 13th century to guard an important mountain pass. A stone structure replaced it centuries later and still stands at the same location today.
The castle contains a museum showcasing royal furnishings and art that tell the story of Romania's monarchy from the early 1900s. Walking through its rooms gives you a sense of how noble families lived in this part of Transylvania.
The best way to reach this place is by taking a regular bus from nearby towns. Plan for a full day if you want to explore the castle and the surrounding area on foot.
The castle was positioned at a crucial border between two distinct regions and helped control merchant traffic passing through the mountain pass. This strategic role shaped how the structure was built and defended.
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