People in the News
Habsburgs put Dracula Castle up for sale
In January, the family which owns Romania’s Bran Castle, the building famous for its links to the 15th century prince that inspired Dracula, said it was willing to sell the property according to a report on hostelbookers.com.
Bran’s local council is interested in buying the castle, which is a significant tourist attraction in Romania.
However, the price tag is considered to be too high, despite the council being adamant in its view that the castle should not become a theme park or a hotel.
Dominic Habsburg, the owner of the castle, told the Associated Press: “We are trying to find the best way to preserve the castle in the interest of the family and the people of Bran.
“The way of life cannot be returned and the restitution has come with financial sacrifice…we would like Castle Bran to remain a symbol of everything that is honourable and good in Romania.”
The castle was returned to the Habsburg family earlier last year after being seized by the then communist regime in 1948.
It sits in picturesque mountainous countryside in the south of Transylvania and dates back to the 14th century.
Bram Stoker took a former prince who inhabited the castle as his inspiration for Count Dracula, the blood sucking vampire who travelled to England
The medieval castle was built in 1377 to protect nearby Brasov from invaders. It also served as a customs station.
The castle’s rooms and towers surround an inner courtyard. Some rooms are connected through underground passages to the inner court. In 1920, the people of Brasov who owned the castle offered it as a gift to Queen Maria of Romania, and the castle soon became her favorite residence.
Report by Chitra Mogul
Chitra Mogul
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