Experience the History of Bran Castle and Saxon Fortifications in Burzenland

Description Experience the History of Bran Castle and Saxon Fortifications in Burzenland

Discover Bran Castle and Saxon fortifications in a small-group day tour from Brasov.

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10% OFF: From €59 €53

Rates:

• 79 euro for 1 person (When you book the rate as 1 person, in case we have other clients, we refund the difference you paid as solo traveler, after the tour).

• 59 euro/person for minimum 2 people

The package includes:

• transportation: by car or minibus with air conditioning system

• Licensed English speaking tour guide

Not included:

• entrance fees, lunch, drinks, tips

Duration (flexible): 5-6 h

Guaranteed departure: all year round, except Monday!

Meeting point: The History Museum Piata Sfatului Square – 8:30 AM. Our guide holds the sign "Meeting Point GUARANTEED DEPARTURES DAY TOURS”.

You have to make the booking 1 day in advance until 8 PM!

In the 12th century the German Saxons arrived in Transylvania playing a major role in the development of powerful strongholds and fortresses throughout the region. The influence of the Saxons of Transylvania, also known Sasi, heavily increased the regions economy and began a cultural evolution. The spirit of the Saxons can still be seen today in such medieval towns as Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Medias and Sebes. But the most impressive mark left by this culture are the Fortified Churched scattered throughout the region. On this day tour from Brasov our English-Speaking guide will take you to visit Bran Castle - also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’ — a hilltop estate that conjures up visions of howling wolves and bats fluttering in the moonlight and two Saxon Church Fortresses - Harman and Prejmer (UNESCO World Heritage Site). First will wander Bran castle’s Gothic chambers and learn about its ties to Bram Stoker’s undead antihero, inspired by Vlad the Impaler a harsh, but rightful ruler. Initially built by teutonic knights and reconstructed as a stone building by the orders of Ludvig de Anjou it protected the south-eastern border of Transylvania with Wallachia. Not only used as a military fort but also as customs building where merchants paied their taxes before entering to Transylvania. Strategically built on a rock, called Dietrich rock offered a great outlook on the trade rout passing through. After the Great Unification of Transylvania with the rest of Romania the castle's tale took a turn and became the favorite summer residence of Queen Maria, the Queen of all Romanians and one of the keymaker of the Greater Romania. Accompanied by our guide you'll not only learn about the castle's history but also get introduction in the numerous tales and legends which inspired Bram Stoker in creating its successful novel Dracula. Our journey continues to Prejmer (Tartlau) where the best preserved fortified church reveals itself to us. The church, was built in a shape of a Latin cross in a Gothic style, houses the oldest triptych altar in Transylvania. The fortification was built in 1427 to withstand the attacks of the Ottomans and shelter the inhabitants of the village. The walls are 14 meters high and 5 meters thick. Access to this massive fortress can be gained through a 5 meter thick long tunnel, once surrounded by a moat. The last by not the least will visit the church in Harman (Honigberg), which is a Roman basilica with Gothic elements. The west tower, chapels and water moat still maintain this era today. By exploring the interior courtyard our guide will take you in one of the side chapels, where frescoes dating back to the 13th century where discovered and restored. Walking through the defensive walls we can understand how communities managed to fight back attackers. Like most of fortified churches, the villagers could find shelter in the rooms built directly on the inside of the circular wall, today accomodating an interesting and vast ethnographic museum.

 

What To Expect

Itinerary

Stop At: Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle)

Leave central Braşov by air-conditioned car or minivan and head south to the village of Bran (around 30 minutes driving), nestled beneath the Bucegi Mountains in the Southern Carpathian range Visit Bran Castle, the 14th-century Transylvanian fortress-palace linked to the legend of Count Dracula, the vampire of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel. Admire the high-turreted hilltop castle on approach and pay at the entrance (own expense) to go inside. Wander the eerie rooms filled with Gothic furniture and armoury as your guide unravels the castle’s links with Dracula, sparked by its association with Vlad the Impaler. This brutal 15th century nobleman was imprisoned in the castle in 1462 and known for impaling enemies on stakes. Having investigated the Dracula legend, hop in your minivan or car, and return to Braşov to continue the medieval adventure to the Saxon Fortified Churches around Brasov: Harman and Prejmer.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Admission Ticket: Not Included

 

Stop At: Peasant Fortified Church of Prejmer

Prejmer church, one of Eastern Europe’s best preserved fortified (and UNESCO listed) churches, was built in a shape of a Latin cross in a Gothic style. Built in 1427 to with stand the attacks of the Ottomans. The walls are 14 meters high and 5 meters thick. Access to this massive fortress can be gained through a 5 meter thick long tunnel.

Duration: 1 hour

Admission Ticket: Not Included

 

Stop At: Fortified Church of Harman

Harman Church is a Roman basilica with Gothic elements. The west tower, chapels and water moat still maintain this era today. Inside you can find paintings dated back to the 13th century.

Duration: 1 hour

Admission Ticket: Not Included

"Skip the line" at the ticket office for Bran Castle only if you buy the ticket online or you pay the entrance fee to my guide.

 

Important Information

• Your local contact is Active Travel Day Tours on 0040728804952.

• Please note: Complimentary pick-up from Brasov is offered for this tour/activity. If you require this service you must contact Active Travel Day Tours at

  • Locally on 0040728804952

  • By email at marian@activetravel.ro

  at least 24 Day(s) prior to your tour/activity date to verify your pick-up time and pick-up location. If you are not arriving within the specified timeframe, please contact Active Travel Day Tours prior to your travels, or immediately upon arrival at your destination.

• Please be ready at least 10 minutes prior to departure time.

Map of visited POI's:

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