In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Bonus 3: Fortress Oratea

Welcome to the third and last bonus episode of our journey through Romania, in the footsteps of Vlad Tepes. Unfortunately, not so much is known about our location of today. Moreover, it’s quite difficult to reach and to photograph it unless you have a drone. Nevertheless, let’s introduce you to Fortress Oratea. Little is known … Continue reading “In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Bonus 3: Fortress Oratea”

In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Bonus 2: The Tihuta Pass

Our post of today has nothing to do with Vlad himself, but rather with his literary counterpart, Dracula. Have a look at these quotes from the novel by Bram Stoker… At the Borgo Pass my carriage will await you and will bring you to me. I trust that your journey from London has been a happy one, … Continue reading “In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Bonus 2: The Tihuta Pass”

In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Bonus 1: Dealu Monastery

Today, I present to you the first of 3 bonus posts – as I have promised you before, which concern locations that are indirectly linked to either Vlad Tepes or Dracula. Let’s have a look at the first one. Not so far from Târgoviște, you can visit one of Romania’s oldest monasteries, Dealu Monastery, which … Continue reading “In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Bonus 1: Dealu Monastery”

In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Comana Monastery

Vlad the Impaler didn’t die in bed, surrounded by his loved ones. As it befits a famous leader and warrior, he died on the battlefield. By the way, if you have seen the episode of Ghost Adventures in Romania, which I mentioned in this post, you are aware that the crew found the exact location … Continue reading “In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Comana Monastery”

In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Hunedoara Castle

Another castle, you might say… However, not only is Hunedoara Castle one of the largest ones in Europe, but this fortress is also one of the most magnificent locations in Romania. If you don’t have enough time or don’t want to see the castles of Bran, Poienari, and Hunedoara, let it be this one! First, … Continue reading “In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Hunedoara Castle”

In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Poienari Castle

Although some touristic organizations still see Bran Castle as the main residence of Vlad III, others are convinced that Poienari Castle (also called Poienari Fortress) deserves that title. Let’s face it: a national leader, a man with a lot of enemies, needed to live in a building that is difficult to conquer, let alone approach. … Continue reading “In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Poienari Castle”

In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Bran’s Castle

Bran. If you have ever been to Romania, you must have heard about this place… Or maybe you have even been there. With its more than half a million visitors every year, Bran’s castle – also known as Dracula’s castle – is one of Romania’s most popular touristic destinations. But did Vlad the Impaler really … Continue reading “In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Bran’s Castle”

In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Târgoviste

If the name Târgoviste sounds familiar, it’s probably because this town played an important role in recent history. This is the location of the trial and execution of Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu (25 December 1989). Don’t bother looking for the exact place; it still exists but it’s closed off for the general public. Let’s return … Continue reading “In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Târgoviste”

In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Sighisoara

Welcome to a very special series about Vlad the Impaler (also known as Vlad III and Vlad Tepes), one of Romania’s greatest rulers and until this day, a national hero. Moreover, he served as the inspiration for one of literature’s most (in)famous characters, namely Dracula. We will guide you to the most important locations in … Continue reading “In the Footsteps of Vlad the Impaler – Sighisoara”

Lockdown Diary – Part 2

Last weekend, there were about 20.000 people contaminated with the coronavirus here in Spain; now there are more than 70.000. Scary numbers, indeed. Needless to say that the number of deaths has increased as well. And that is, of course, the reason that we are now in lockdown until 11 April… So, how are the … Continue reading “Lockdown Diary – Part 2”