It is no secret that Transylvania is renowned for its impressive medieval castles.
From well-known and impressive monuments like Bran Castle to smaller fortifications rich in history and surrounded by picturesque sceneries, the many castles of Transylvania are a big part of the almost mystical and troubled history of Romania.
We’ve put together a list of some of the most beautiful castles in Transylvania that you must see during a visit to Romania. But don’t forget, there are many others!
Transylvania? Where is it located?
Transylvania is a historical region in central Romania, in the shadow of the impressive Carpathian Mountains. It is the still undiscovered land beyond the forest, hiding a charming medieval life.
Bran Castle
Probably the most famous of all Romanian castles due to its association with Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula, it is actually a Romanian Royal Family property, decorated by our Queen in the 1920s. Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Count Dracula, had little to do with Bran Castle. It is believed he actually never visited the residence. However, the beautiful medieval castle from Transylvania is surrounded by an aura of mystery as some of its rooms are connected by underground passages. It’s a place where history and legends meet, offering you an unforgettable experience!
Corvin Castle
Corvin Castle, also known as the Hunyadi Castle or Hunedoara Castle was built in the 15th century and it is an authentic Gothic construction, owned by the kings of Hungary. It is the most imposing castle in the whole Transylvania, with a huge entrance bridge and defensive towers.
Having a torture room and a Knights’ Hall, as well as the fact that many historians claim that Vlad the Impaler was kept prisoner here, brought the castle the reputation of a terror place. However, it has its own special elegance and quite a few legends to tell.
Peles Castle
Located in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, Peles Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. Set up in a natural setting the spectacular castle stands out from between the tall forest. A fine example of Neo-Renaissance architecture, it was built as a summer residence for the Romanian Royal Family by King Carol I. It was the first fully electrified castle in Europe, and the first in the world to have central heating through the walls and floors.
The decorations of the castle are the definition of luxury and, both inside and outside, are in an excellent condition, featuring heavy carved woods and exquisite fabrics. It is definitely a castle not to be missed!
Rasnov Citadel
A Transylvanian castle built around 1211 as part of the Transylvanian defense system against the Ottomans and Tatars, Rasnov Citadel is located on a rocky hilltop and it is one of the medieval monuments that survived the passing of the time. Its structure doesn’t have a concluding architecture as its main purpose was to be as difficult as possible to be conquered.
Fagaras Citadel
It is known as the fortress that has never been conquered and it was built in 1310 in order to provide a strategic advantage in defending Transylvania from the invasion of Ottomans and Tartars. It is said that the citadel was home to a horrific torturing mechanism for several years. Under the communist regime, the citadel was used as a prison for the enemies of the communist system.
Rupea Citadel
It is one of the oldest and best-preserved medieval sites in Romania and an iconic attraction of Transylvania. The first signs of the settlement date back to Paleolithic and early Neolithic but it was first mentioned around 1300 by the local Saxon community. Rupea Citadel is made entirely out of stone, shaped as a snail shell and it is equipped with a pentagonal tower, which is said to be unique in Europe.
Rupea citadel still has a very medieval appearance to this day and is definitely worth a visit to taste the medieval life of the knights and their ladies!
Fortified Churches
Transylvania is home to more than 150 well-preserved fortified churches. While not exactly castles, these medieval defensive buildings are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Their purpose was to offer sacred functions and to provide shelter for the population in cases of danger. They were built between the 13th and 16th century by the Saxons of Transylvania.
A number of seven villages are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their beautiful medieval fortified churches: Biertan, Prejmer, Calnic, Darjiu, Saschiz, Viscri and Valea Viilor.
These small castle look-a-likes offer a great cultural and historical value and they are a must see in Transylvania!
Visiting any of these stunning castles of Transylvania will provide you with a dream-like experience!
About the Author
Madalina Birsan is a travel consultant and travel writer for Romania Photo Tours, a tour operator specialized in planning photography tours of Romania with a focus on people, culture and landscapes. She loves exploring the world and sharing with others her adventures.
