Beyond the Legend: Why Look Past Bran Castle
Bran Castle might be Romania’s most photographed fortress, but its fame as Dracula’s Castle tells only part of the story.
While it looms dramatically over the cliffs in Bran, near Brașov, countless other castles across Romania deserve your attention.
These lesser-known fortresses offer just as much history, with fewer crowds and deeper ties to Romania’s diverse heritage.
From royal residences tucked into forests, to hilltop ruins still whispering medieval secrets, this guide highlights the best castles in Romania that aren’t just Bran.
Peles Castle in Sinaia
Peles Castle (Castelul Peleș) in Sinaia is often the first stop after Bran for travelers curious about Romanian royalty.
Built for King Carol I in the 19th century, it blends Neo-Renaissance design with intricate hand-carved details, stained glass, and hidden staircases.
Surrounded by the Bucegi Mountains, the castle feels more like a fairy-tale manor than a fortress.
Guided tours move through rooms still furnished with original decor, offering a glimpse into Romania’s monarchical past.
Sinaia is easily reachable from Bucharest by train, making this one of the most accessible castles in Transylvania from Bucharest.
Peles Castle was used in the 2009 movie The Brothers Bloom, starring Rachel Weisz and Mark Ruffalo, for its ornate interiors.
Poenari Castle: The Real Dracula Fortress
If you’re looking for the castle most directly tied to Vlad Țepeș, also known as Vlad the Impaler, skip Bran and head for the ruins of Poenari Castle in Argeș County.
Perched atop a steep cliff and accessible only by climbing 1,480 steps, Poenari is dramatic, remote, and haunting.
According to historians, this was Vlad’s actual stronghold, a far cry from the tourist-friendly halls of Bran.
Though only ruins remain, the panoramic views and raw setting make it one of the most atmospheric fortresses in Romania. Visit in the early morning to avoid the midday heat and get the place mostly to yourself.
Corvin Castle: Romania’s Gothic Masterpiece
Also known as Hunedoara Castle, Corvin Castle stands out as one of the largest and most striking castles in Transylvania Romania.
Its pointed towers, drawbridge, and red-tiled roof give it the look of a medieval fantasy, yet this 15th-century stronghold has a real and layered history.
It was expanded by John Hunyadi, a major figure in European history, and includes a knight’s hall, torture chambers, and a myth about a never-ending well dug by Turkish prisoners.
Its blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, along with detailed wood and stone work, makes it a must-see for anyone visiting western Romania.
Corvin Castle appeared in the 2024 remake of Nosferatu and was also featured in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, making it one of Romania’s most cinematic fortresses.
Banffy Castle: Decay Meets Revival in Bonțida
North of Cluj-Napoca lies Banffy Castle, often dubbed “the Versailles of Transylvania.”
This former baroque palace once hosted aristocratic balls and theatrical performances, but it was heavily damaged during World War II and later abandoned.
Today, it’s a site of cultural revival.
Restoration efforts continue, and the castle now hosts the Electric Castle music festival each summer. Visiting outside the event offers a quieter look at its crumbling facades and frescoes, set against rolling fields.
It’s a powerful reminder of Romania’s layered history and its evolving relationship with heritage preservation.
Cantacuzino Castle: A Belle Époque Retreat
Cantacuzino Castle in Bușteni offers a very different flavor. Built in 1911 for one of Romania’s wealthiest families, it is more of a retreat than a fortress.
The Neo-Romanian architecture mixes classical columns with traditional motifs, all nestled in the Prahova Valley with views of the Bucegi Mountains.
The castle’s elegant interiors include original mosaics and fireplaces, while the surrounding gardens and terraces offer panoramic photo spots. There’s even a glass-floored art gallery inside.
It’s an easy addition to any itinerary along the popular Transylvania from Bucharest route.
Cantacuzino Castle gained international attention when it was used as a filming location for the Netflix series Wednesday, serving as part of Nevermore Academy’s lavish interiors.
Rasnov Fortress: The Defender of the Pass
Not far from Bran Castle sits the hilltop fortress of Rasnov (Râșnov), originally built to protect local villagers from Tatar invasions.
Unlike royal residences, Rasnov was built for defense and community shelter. Inside the walls, you’ll find remains of homes, schools, and a small chapel.
The walk or funicular ride to the top gives great views over the surrounding countryside.
The fortress offers a different story, less about royal opulence and more about everyday resilience.
Károlyi Castle: Austro-Hungarian Grandeur in Carei
In northwestern Romania, far from the usual tourist trail, lies the neo-Gothic Károlyi Castle.
With roots going back to the 15th century, it was extensively renovated in the late 1800s to resemble the castles of Austria and Hungary.
Its wide halls, spacious park, and elegant façade reflect a blend of local and imperial influences.
If you’re traveling near Satu Mare or exploring rural Romania, this castle adds a distinctive western contrast to the better-known castles in Transylvania Romania.
Bethlen Castle in Criș: A Hidden Renaissance Gem
Tucked away in the small village of Cris (Criș), Bethlen Castle is a lesser-known jewel.
Its Renaissance architecture is rare for the region, and the castle once belonged to a powerful Transylvanian noble family.
Though it’s not fully restored, ongoing preservation efforts have made parts of the site accessible.
The setting is peaceful, surrounded by old trees and rolling farmland. It’s ideal for travelers interested in off-the-path discoveries and architectural diversity.
Deva Fortress: A Hilltop With a Volcanic Past
Perched on a volcanic cone above the city of Deva, this fortress has been a defensive outpost since Roman times.
Most visitors take the funicular up, but hiking the winding trails adds to the drama of the approach.
Though much of the fortress is in ruins, its views over Hunedoara County are vast and cinematic.
The remains of bastions, watchtowers, and inner walls hint at centuries of military use. It’s a rewarding stop between other castle visits in western Romania.
Why These Castles Matter Just as Much as Bran
Bran Castle will likely remain the icon of Romanian tourism.
Its mythic link to Dracula and striking silhouette make it instantly recognizable. But limiting your itinerary to Bran alone means missing out on the depth and diversity of Romania’s castle heritage.
Whether you’re drawn to the royal luxury of Peleș Castle in Sinaia Romania or the silent ruins of Poenari Castle Romania, each site offers a new chapter in the country’s layered story.
From Gothic to baroque to modern revival, Romania’s best castles go far beyond legends and tourism brochures.
Tips for Exploring Castles in Transylvania
Many of the best castles are located near or within the Transylvanian region.
Base yourself in cities like Brașov, Cluj-Napoca, or Sibiu for easy access to multiple sites.
Renting a car gives the most flexibility, especially for harder-to-reach fortresses like Poenari or Bethlen Castle.
If you’re coming into Transylvania from Bucharest, trains run frequently to Sinaia, Brașov, and Sighișoara. Guided tours are available for many of the major landmarks, but self-guided travelers will find plenty of signage and local hospitality along the way.
Spring and early autumn offer cooler temperatures and quieter paths. Be prepared for mixed conditions—some castles are fully restored, others are raw and rugged.
Some, like Bran, are steeped in myth. Others, like Corvin Castle or Banffy Castle, reveal the real textures of history, through restoration, decay, or reinvention.
Travelers willing to look past the Dracula brand will find something far more compelling: architecture shaped by empire, defense strategies carved into cliffs, and legends that live quietly outside of global fame.
These castles deserve their moment. And once you’ve visited, they’re hard to forget, and each has a story to tell. Romania’s castle landscape is as rich and varied as its terrain.
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