Assisted by its strategic location at the foothills of Poenari Citadel, the second residence of Vlad the Impaler, the castle aims to provide a recreational haven for both children and adults, locals and foreigners alike.
“We chose the name Dracula for the castle because Vlad the Impaler had a prolonged stay here, given our proximity to Poenari Citadel, believed to be commissioned by the nobles taken during Easter. The name is indigenous, and we use it under license, adhering to the law. By naming the castle Dracula, we continue the legend, a name we’ve employed for years since expanding the tourist complex. The name Dracula draws visitors, including Romanian tourists, but especially foreigners eager to explore what Dracula means to Romanians,” declares Cristina Stanciu, owner of the tourist complex and the castle-museum.
Tourists are immersed in an authentic atmosphere from the reign of Vlad the Impaler through the castle’s decorations, walls crafted from stone and painted brick by local artisans, including those from Bihor and Harghita. Objects depicting life in those times are showcased in the museum, with the Throne Room displaying life-sized figures of Vlad the Impaler and his nobles. Two projections, one specifically designed for children, unveil aspects of the ruler’s life.
The museum currently hosts the painting exhibition of master artist Valentin Tănase and will feature itinerant exhibitions by Romanian artists. On the Ramparts, visitors can use a telescope to view Poenari Citadel and the mountainous surroundings, along with a ball-firing cannon and life-sized soldiers.
“We strive to provide visitors with a unique museum experience, aiming for their visit to be like a history lesson about the Romanian ruler, the Dracula legend. It has been a substantial investment, not only in terms of money but also in the effort to find craftsmen capable of faithfully reproducing a castle, to source suitable materials, and to adhere to pandemic restrictions since the construction site opened before February 2020. We stopped keeping track around 500-600,000 euros because we realized that the amounts were not crucial; rather, it was our desire to offer tourists a pleasant way to spend time when they visit the area,” adds Cristina Stanciu.
The entrance fee to the castle is 30 lei per person or 20 lei for groups of more than 10 children. The castle opened on December 1, with the hosts aiming to give guests the opportunity to rediscover one of the most well-known Romanian rulers, Vlad the Impaler, on National Day. This includes stories told by historians and recorded testimonies, costumes, the atmosphere created within the dedicated castle, as well as Romanian dishes and drinks.
The Stanciu family owns the Dracula Tourist Complex, opened 26 years ago, boasting a large accommodation capacity, a sports ground, a Spa center with a pool, jacuzzi, salt room, sauna, and offering organized tourist groups a mountain vacation with guided hiking trails and the option to rent ATVs.
Approximately 6 km from the complex, there is the Vidraru Dam and Lake, the renowned tourist trail “Valea lui Stan,” and the statue of Prometheus. Dracula Castle is situated on the Transfăgărășan, in the village of Căpățâneni-Ungureni, part of Arefu commune, Argeș County. The complex is located 23 km from the historic town of Curtea de Argeș, 56 km from Pitești, and 166 km from Bucharest.
This sounds interesting. I am more curious on how they present Vlad Tepes. Furthermore, I would like to know if they used EU funding. I am sure they did and thus they should not hide it.