Brasov-Bran Castle

This morning, we set out for Prejmer, in the Transylvania region. Our visit began at the Lutheran Fortified Church, which originally started as a Catholic church. The circular defensive walls surrounding the church are impressive—up to 16 feet thick and 39 feet high. Within the walls are over 270 rooms, once able to shelter about 1,600 villagers during attacks.

At the church entrance stands a stone with a ring attached, once used to punish those who committed crimes. Offenders would be chained to the stone so that townspeople attending church could witness their shame.

Returning to Brașov, we joined a walking tour of the Historical Centre. The town features beautifully maintained buildings and, like most European towns, a charming central plaza. Highlights included Catherine’s Gate (built in 1559) and Schei Gate (1827), which was once the only main entrance for Romanians living outside the walls. Our final stop was the Black Church, dating back to medieval times. It earned its name after a devastating fire blackened its exterior.

We enjoyed lunch at Dracula’s Restaurant before heading out again.

At 5:30 p.m., we departed for Bran Castle, famed for its association with the legend of Count Dracula. The castle offered much to explore—grand rooms, winding staircases, secret passages, and even torture chambers. We ended the evening with dinner at the base of the castle, and the rain kindly held off for most of the day.Read more