Even though I've never read
Dracula, Transylvannia still holds a certain appeal. I mean, it just sounds cool to answer the question, "where are you headed?" with "oh, you know, just Transylvannia."

The guide books will tell you that Bran castle is the heart of Dracula country. In fact, it is sometimes even referred to as Dracula's castle. Nevermind that so-called
real Dracula, Vlad Tepes, the man whom Bram Stoker's fictional character is loosely based on never even visited the castle let alone lived there. Despite this oh-so-tenuous thread, the Dracula connection is pimped to death (pun intended) at the base of the castle's hill. You can buy Romanian souvenirs of Dracula fangs, crosses, t-shirts, etc all made of course in China.
Happily when you actually get up and into Bran castle the Dracula-weary are treated to a spectacular view of the Romanian countryside a Dracula-free tour of the castle.

There may not be vampires living at Bran castle, but there is a vulture hovering.
Long story short:
Queen Marie of Romania lived in the castle
Communists seized it in 1956
8 Years ago Queen Marie's nephew, an American resident files to reclaim the castle from the government because of "fond childhood memories there during formative years."
Government gives it back
Fond childhood memories are forgotten and the castle is now for sale... $80 million bucks and Bran could be yours.

We took the real estate tour and while a castle would be nice for one's investment portfolio, I actually think there are better properties out there to spend my millions on.
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